How do you spread the word about a fundraising run for cancer research? For organizers of the Terry Fox Run in Cochrane, the answer is simple: 45 words or less.
The legacy of beloved Canadian hero Terry Fox continues with the 45th annual Terry Fox Run, raising money for cancer research across the country. Communities nationwide, including Cochrane, will host their own version of the run on Sunday, Sept. 14.
“We do this because we believe cancer research will continue to make great gains, as more people are able to live with cancer instead of dying from it,” said Cochrane volunteer organizer Paul Cox. “Lots of people here believe in the cause and are very generous in supporting the run.”
Cox said 2024 has been the most successful fundraising year he has seen since volunteering four years ago. The run attracted about 400 participants, raising close to what Fox envisioned when he launched the Marathon of Hope.
“We raised virtually 90 cents for every resident of Cochrane,” he said. “Terry’s goal was to raise $1 from each Canadian.”
Matching last year’s results may be a challenge, but the Cochrane committee is up to the task.
“Following policies set by Terry Fox himself, we do not use any participant donations to cover costs,” Cox said. “We’re left to come up with unique, creative ideas to encourage support.”
One of those ideas is a 45-word essay contest to mark the 45th annual run. The theme is What Terry Fox Means to Me, and entries are open to the public and to students returning to school this month. Submissions can be sent to [email protected].
So far, six entries have come in, including one from Ken Larson, who met Fox while at university.
“I met Terry and became friends in university just after he lost his leg. It was a privilege to get to know him before he embarked on his mission,” Larson wrote. “To witness his true character emerge and blossom has and always will be an inspiration to me in many areas of my life.”
Cox said many submissions are heartfelt, and organizers hope to showcase them at the event.
“Some of them are very touching,” he said. “We’d welcome people to read their composition on stage, or we’ll read it for them.”
Another creative twist this year is Puppies on Parade—a pet-friendly walk/run highlighting participants’ dogs.
“Each year we try to add a new wrinkle to the run,” the committee said. “We’ve noticed a large increase in participants who want to include their dogs.”
The Terry Fox Run in Cochrane begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Mitford Park. Participants can choose from 2 km, 5 km or 10 km run/walk distances.
For more information or to register, visit run.terryfox.ca/92966.
