Central Albertans will continue the tradition of The Terry Fox Run on Sept. 17 in Red Deer.
The annual Terry Fox Run has returned for its 43rd year. Sunday’s one, five and 10K-run in Red Deer kicks off at Gateway Christian School. Registration is at 10 a.m. and the run starts at 11 a.m. Participants can walk, run, cycle, roll, bring young children in strollers and dogs on leashes.
Organizer Loretta Winia said typically 200 to 250 people come out for the Red Deer run regardless of the weather.
“We’ve had them running through snow, rain, you name it. People are dedicated to this cause and the weather doesn’t stop them because Terry ran through all kinds of weather,” Winia said.
“We go with the flow.”
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Terry Fox dipped his prosthetic leg in the Atlantic Ocean on April 12, 1980 to begin his Marathon of Hope. He completed 5,373 km before he was forced to quit about five months later when his cancer returned.
“It fills our family with joy to see Terry’s legacy inspiring future generations. Every dollar raised by the people who join or support the Terry Fox Run helps fund cancer research. And every dollar helps realize Terry’s dream of a world without cancer,” said Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother, in a statement.
The Terry Fox Foundation, which has raised over $850 million, is a leading national investor in cancer research.
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Winia said some people have pre-registered for the Red Deer run and more than $10,000 has already been raised. Last year the run raised $24,000.
She said grassroots support for the run remains strong. People who have experienced cancer, whether it’s themselves or someone in their family, want to support cancer treatment, and they are inspired by Terry Fox’s determination.
“It’s an amazing Canadian story. A lot of people say Terry Fox is their hero.”
Terry’s mission continues with hundreds of Terry Fox Runs, thousands of school runs, and millions of supporters across Canada and in more than 20 countries around the world.
For more information about The Terry Fox Foundation and the annual run visit terryfox.org.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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