The cancer activist who inspired a nation to run/walk/bike in his footsteps is top of mind with the annual Terry Fox Run being held across Canada on Sept. 16. The Cochrane run, which raised nearly $14,000 last year, will kick off at Mitford Park at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. Runners, walkers, cyclists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to stop by and register on site at 10 a.m. Registration is by donation. No minimum donation is required. Pooches are also welcome to join in on the fun. “All runs across Canada are done without a budget so that the funds can go straight toward the foundation,” explained Cochrane run organizer Lindsay Regier. Regier is still looking for volunteers to man the water stations. “We’ve been really fortunate to have great weather the last couple of years,” she said, adding that it’s a good last minute option for families who are uncertain of their weekend plans but looking for something to do while giving back. All funds raised go toward the Canadian Cancer Society. Since its 1981 beginnings, the Terry Fox Run has raised over $750 million for cancer research. The run itself is all-inclusive, volunteer-led and non-competitive. It was inspired by Terry’s famed Marathon of Hope, where the 21-year-old set out to run across the nation to raise awareness of the disease. Terry, with one artificial leg, defied odds and made it as far as Thunder Bay – when he learned his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. He had to cut his marathon short, but not after making an impression that would spiral and take on a life of its own in the years to come. Terry succumbed and died of cancer on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22 - some 15 months after he began his Marathon of Hope. He is remembered well for uniting a nation through his courageous journey and for championing disability in a positive light. Cochrane schools will be hosting their own Terry Fox Runs over the coming weeks. Learn more at terryfox.org or visit cochraneterryfoxrun on Facebook.
