The first Terry Fox Run took place nearly 30 years ago in Red Deer, but even decades later the fundraiser has a special place in many people’s hearts.
One of the organizers of the local run, Loretta Winia, said even though Terry Fox did his Marathon of Hope long ago his legacy lives on and he has become a national hero.
She said the bottom line is that everyone has been touched by cancer and taking part in the run is a way of showing support.
The Terry Fox Run is set for Sept. 13 at Heritage Ranch. Registration takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with the run beginning at noon.
“We accept runners, walkers, bikers and roller bladers,” Winia said. “We really try to promote the family aspect of it and the participation aspect of it. It’s not a competitive situation at all.”
There is no registration fee or requirement to pre-register for the event. People can show up the day of the event and take part in it. Those wishing to get registration forms beforehand can do so by going to www.terryfox.org.
They are also available at the Runner’s Den, the Red Deer Public Library, the Recreation Centre and the Collicutt Centre.
“We encourage people to come out and support it at whatever commitment level they can do,” Winia said. “It’s a family event.”
She said most years there are between 225 and 250 people who take part, raising more than $20,000.
Money raised goes to the Terry Fox Foundation, which is the second largest non-governmental fundraiser for cancer research in Canada.
She said 87 cents out of every dollar goes to research at the Terry Fox Foundation.
“There is not a lot of money going to administration. We’re really proud of that fact and I think that is a real selling point to people as well. They know that the money they raise, a good portion of it does go to research.”
sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com