WELLINGTON COUNTY – Several Terry Fox Runs will be taking place across Wellington County this weekend in support of cancer research and Fox’s legacy.
The run is scheduled for Sept. 15 with different locations and routes.
Drayton
Drayton is set to host its annual Terry Fox Run, raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation alongside the rest of the country.
“I started running the event after my dad was diagnosed with cancer,” Drayton Terry Fox Run committee member Melissa Gleeson told the Advertiser.
On Sept. 15 locals are encouraged to join Drayton’s Terry Fox Run to help fundraise for cancer research.
“We are doing this because cancer affects so many and we believe there is hope for a cure,” Gleeson said.
The day will consist of games, food, live music, kids activities and the 2k, 5k and 10k runs.
Registration will occur on the run day at 12:30pm with the start time following at 1:30pm.
“You can run, you can walk, you can bike, however you prefer,” noted Gleeson.
All routes will begin at the Drayton Agricultural Hall, otherwise known as the “old arena.”
Each year the routes stay the same, with the 2k and 5k going throughout the township and the 10k will be a “country block,” she added.
The community has currently raised over $3,000, over half way to a goal of $6,400.
To donate or learn more about the event visit run.terryfox.ca/55765 or terryfox.org.
Erin
Town of Erin will be hosting its 41st Terry Fox Run this year.
The event will take place at Centre 2000 on Sept. 15 beginning at 8:30am with registration.
The run follows, starting at 9am with the event ending at 12pm.
Distances have been marked on the set route which is accessible for bike riders.
The community has a goal of $16,500 and has currently raised $7,160.
Those interested in joining the Erin community in can visit run.terryfox.ca/55888. Any inquiries can be sent to duncanbull099@gmail.com.
All event details are subject to change. Organizers encourage participants to check the Terry Fox Foundation website before a run day to confirm.
Fergus
The Centre Wellington community is set to join the rest of Canadians on Sept. 15 for the annual Terry Fox Run.
Registration begins at 9am at Forfar Park in Fergus.
The mass start is scheduled for 10am with the site closing at noon. Distances will be marked on the set route and are accessible by bicycle and wheelchairs.
Those interested in donating or signing up can visit run.terryfox.ca/55680.
Mount Forest
Local resident Bill Dineen remembers watching Terry Fox during his Marathon of Hope in 1980. And 44 years later, he continues to keep his legacy alive.
“If anybody wants to come and do the run or walk around the block, it’s kind of like on your own.”
Dineen has been taking it upon himself to keep the run alive, but is hopeful next year the run will gain some new volunteers who will “rejuvenate it a bit.”
On Sept. 15 Dineen will set up in the Foodland parking lot at 503 Main Street North in Mount Forest from 9am to 12pm, accepting donations and greeting shoppers with a smile.
Dineen will also be selling Terry Fox Foundation T-shirts for $25 each. Those interested in purchasing a shirt can reach Dineen at 519-323-6552.
“Keeping his legacy alive” is the reason he participates every year.
To donate or learn more visit run.terryfox.ca/55669 or terryfox.org.
Palmerston
Two sisters are bringing the Terry Fox Walk to Palmerston to continue honouring the unwavering determination of Fox.
Mackenzie and Delaney Norman are the founders of the Palmerston Terry Fox committee and this will be their second year hosting the event.
“After COVID hit, our community didn’t have the event. We felt it was something we could bring back to the community,” Mackenzie Norman told the Advertiser.
The Palmerston walk is set to occur on Sept. 15 at the Palmerston Lions Park, registration begins at 10am with the start time following at 11am.
The walk is a set route around the downtown core and will be marked with balloons, noted Norman.
Participants can walk, run, wheel or bike the 2k or the full 5k route.
“Everyone is welcome to attend, there is no minimum donation to participate in the event,” added Norman.
This year the campaign theme is “No Matter What,”
Donations can be given through the Terry Fox Foundation website, as well as registration at run.terryfox.ca/55781. So far the community has raised over $4,000.
All pre-registered participants will enjoy a lunch sponsored by various local businesses after route completion.
