Terry Fox Run Celebrates its 26th Anniversary

By Hailey Goebel

Tecumseh residents laced up their shoes again to show their support for cancer research by participating in the 43rd annual Terry Fox Run. 

About 1,000 people partook in the run, which began and ended at Green Acres Optimist Park on Sunday, Sept. 17. 

Participants completed a two-, five- or 10-kilometre route by walking, jogging, rollerblading, or riding a bike. 

Committee member Rose Rennie said Terry Fox was and continues to be a Canadian hero. 

“He stood for many wonderful things that we should all aspire to,” Rennie added. “He had dedication. He saw a difficult situation and made it better. We can all do that with so many situations in our life.”  

Did You Know

• Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope began in 1980. 
• He ran 5,373 kilometres in 143 days (about four and a half months) from St. John’s, Nfld. to Thunder Bay, Ont. with his artificial leg to raise money and awareness for cancer research. 
• To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $850 million towards cancer research. 

 

First-year participant Helena Michaels said Terry Fox’s story is influential to her. 

“To see somebody achieve such a huge feat, being so sick and having so many things mounted against him is awesome because you can achieve monumental things, even under such adversity, if you have the heart, the right mindset, and persistence to do it,” Michaels said. 

Event chairperson Jan Wright said we are raising money to follow Terry Fox’s dream of a world without cancer. 

“Every dollar makes a difference,” Wright added. “Every person can make a difference in our future – for our children, us, and the legacy of the ones we love.” 

This year’s event raised more than $76,000. 

All proceeds support cancer research in Canada, helping take Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope across the finish line.