Now marking 35 years since Terry Fox set out to run across Canada during his Marathon of Hope to raise awareness and money for cancer research, the event held annually in his name is set to roll September 20 in communities across the country, including Elmira.
There are courses of one, two, five, and 10 kilometres which participants can walk, bike, run, blade or wheel through.
The Terry Fox Run is the longest running charity fun run in Canada and there’s no minimum donation required to participate. The first Terry Fox Run was held on Sept. 13 1981, and has become an international event which sees more than three million people in some 60 countries taking part.
It’s the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research, and has raised more than $600 million in Fox’s name.
In its first 25 years, the Elmira event has raised some $260,000.
When first setting out to run across the country, Fox was looking for just $1 from each Canadian. For the event that encompasses Woolwich and Wellesley townships, that would add up to $36,000 if that target was met during this year’s outing, suggested organizer Kathy Bowman.
The local run has been a longtime labour of love for Bowman, who’s dealt with family members battling cancer. Just two months ago, her father-in-law was diagnosed with the disease.
“We thought we’d be too busy to do it this year, but my father-in-law said ‘you have to do this,’” she explained. “Then I thought, ‘of course we have to do it.’”
She’s seen firsthand just what research dollars can do.
“When you look at how far we’ve come in terms of treatment options, we’ve come incredibly far. The findings from Terry Fox research has given my father-in-law more options.”
The local run averages about 77 participants each year. With her fingers crossed for good weather – perhaps not as hot as last weekend, but no rain – she’s hoping for a strong turnout.
“It would be nice to see everybody out,” said Bowman.
Now in its 26th year, Elmira’s Terry Fox run takes place next Sunday at 49 Industrial Dr. on the front lawn of the Programmed Insurance Brokers building. Registration begins at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. start.
More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
