The Terry Fox Foundation is marking the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run, and Carman will take part in the Canada-wide event on Sept. 14.
Run organizer Linda Sylvester said she is proud to host Carman’s seventh consecutive run in Ryall Park on Sunday afternoon.
“Continuing Terry’s legacy is vital. We have come so far in cancer research, thanks to the fundraising for the Terry Fox Foundation,” she said. “Remembering Terry and learning about his selfless courage to fight cancer and his determination to make cancer a thing of the past is inspiring. It’s important to keep moving forward.”
Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, in St. John’s, N.L., running 5,373 kilometres in 143 days. He was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ont., when cancer spread to his lungs. He died on June 27, 1981.
Since then, communities across Canada have carried on his mission, raising more than $900 million for cancer research through Terry Fox Runs.
Registration opens at noon on Sept. 14 for Carman’s Terry Fox Run, with the event starting at 1:30 p.m. Participants can walk, run, wheel or roll a four-kilometre loop—or a distance of their choice—around Ryall Park.
Since its inception, the run has only grown, Sylvester said. “Every year our event has grown into something else. First, a local group donated their time and talent to add live music to the event. Kate Froese and Susie Nagy-Stewart and Marilee Kitson donated some items to find along the pathway. Last year, we hosted a raffle for a Terry Fox t-shirt pillow and this year Jena Krahn has donated little cupcakes to sell in honour of the 45th anniversary. It’s all these little add-ons that make our run fun—it’s been an exciting journey.”
Every dollar raised goes toward cancer research, and this year Sylvester hopes to raise more than $10,000.
“We really exceeded our expectations last year and ended up being within the top 10 fundraising communities in Manitoba. The first year we hoped for a few hundred dollars, and if that’s all we get that is fine too. It’s not about the money—it’s about keeping the Terry Fox tradition alive.”
Following the run, participants are invited to enjoy live music by Flat Top and Company on the Ryall Park Stage, buy a cupcake, visit Cindy and Jack Phillips at the Canadian Blood Services table, and enter this year’s raffle for a Terry Fox t-shirt pillow before the afternoon wraps up at 3 p.m.
Terry Fox Run t-shirts will also be for sale, though participants are encouraged to order in advance through the foundation’s website to ensure their size is available. Cancer survivors and current patients may also receive a red Terry Fox shirt—symbolizing their place on “Team Terry.”
Before the run, Toews Printing will have shirts available for sale and will also accept monetary donations for the foundation. Donations can also be made online.
Individuals, families or teams can register in advance at run.terryfox.ca/93068. Advance registration generates a personal fundraising page and speeds up the process on run day. Same-day registration will also be available in Ryall Park. More details about Carman’s Terry Fox Run are posted on the Facebook page 2019 Terry Fox Run. Sylvester also invites residents from surrounding communities to join in.
“Everyone deserves a chance to participate,” she said. “It’s an honour to organize this run and keep the Terry Fox story alive, and I hope people will forever continue to carry this forward. It doesn’t have to be big to make a difference—it just has to acknowledge the legacy Terry left us.”
