Run takes place on Sept. 15 in Selkirk Park
The Terry Fox Run is an annual staple in Canada taking place in communities and schools and celebrating the work done by iconic Canadian Terry Fox whose goal was to run across Canada in support of cancer research fundraising and awareness. This year the run, which has been taking place in Selkirk for over 30 years, will once again be at Selkirk Park and residents who would like to support are invited to register.
“It is a run to celebrate a very important Canadian hero who, made it his dream and goal to get rid of cancer. [Terry Fox] with his experience, realized that this had to stop, and he felt this was one way he could make a difference. While trying to run across Canada to raise awareness of cancer and raise funds for cancer, he passed away again from cancer. That’s where this has come from, he was running and he wanted to get rid of cancer. The second part is celebrating him too – remembering him, remembering his values — and trying to follow in his footsteps. Terry ran as far as he could across the country. He did it his way. We can run today again to help remember Terry and to help encourage everyone to work towards a healthier, cancer-free world,” said Selkirk Terry Fox Run Coordinator Jana Pringle.
She explained that it’s not a race because it’s about doing the run your way. That’s why residents who participate are invited to run, jog, skip, or roll alongside our communities, friends, and families. Furry friends are also welcome to participate in this event.
The Terry Fox Run raises funds for the Terry Fox Foundation which is a group that was established by the family of Terry Fox in order to continue his goal.
“All the fundraising money, it goes towards cancer research and cancer programs. My understanding is, they have a children’s program specifically, as well as raising funds for all types of cancer. It’s not just one or two specific cancers, it’s all types. They’re looking into not only cures but ways to help a person or their family going through cancer, to make it less invasive, less traumatizing, and less painful. By learning through research, the doctors and scientists are better able to take care of a patient now with less harsh treatments and get the same results,” said Pringle.
Pringle thinks that Fox’s story resonates with so many Canadians because of the kind of person that he was. She explained that Fox was looking to help others and help others see what could be done if we all worked together.
Cancer is a very common disease in Canada with two of every five Canadians expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes according to the Canadian Cancer Society’s website (cancer.ca/en/research/cancer-statistics, viewed Aug 19, 2024).
Because cancer is so common in our country, nearly everyone knows a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with the disease. This is no exception for Pringle whose husband James is a cancer survivor.
“I remember explaining to our young children, we’re going to go and do this because Terry did it, and he was one of the reasons the doctors were able to help Daddy. Let’s go see if we can keep doing this for more mommies and daddies,” said Pringle.
This year’s run is going to, like in previous years, start at the Agriculture Building in Selkirk Park. Registration opens at noon and the run starts at 1 p.m. Participants should know that the run is completely accessible so residents using mobility aids should have no trouble with the route. The run also allows residents to participate in the way that works best for them allowing for various distance options of 10 km or less.
Cancer survivor Marilyne Dewar will be cutting the starting ribbon for the event.
Pringle explained that the best way to register for the run is to do so online at run.terryfox.ca/55620.
“You can register as a group or family, and then the information that you get, you just bring down on the run date to the registration table and share that information, and we transfer it onto paper, so we have a document of your being there. If you register online, you’re also able to send links out to friends and family and ask for donations that way as well, so that your reach is a little longer,” said Pringle.
Another benefit of registering online is that residents can order their run apparel. This year there are long and short-sleeved options. The red shirts, as always, are worn by cancer patients and survivors to really bring to light how common cancer is in our communities. This year, support shirts are a little different being navy blue.
Residents will also be able to sign up for the run on the day of the race. If you would like to pick up pledge sheets in person, they are available at the Gaynor Family Regional Library as well as Steelcity Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre in Selkirk.
Only t-shirts will be available on race day and there will be a limited supply.
Another way to take part is attending the Mug, Spud and Steak event that will take place on Sept. 27 at the Selkirk Golf & Country Club fundraising for the Terry Fox Foundation. Tickets are $25.00 and residents can call Pringle at 204-485-1926 to coordinate the purchase of their ticket.
Pringle encourages residents from our community to register and take part in the Terry Fox Run.
“If you’ve never been before, just come down. We always have a silent auction. Always some really cool things. It’s always a fun atmosphere. We always plan activities for the children. So in between registration and waiting for the ribbon cutting an hour later to start off your run walk, there’s face painting and other types of children’s activities. . . the actual route that we do is through the Selkirk Park like we’ve done in the past couple of years. It’s an absolutely beautiful walk. You go at your own pace. It is safe for bicycles, wagons, strollers, you name it, your four-legged, friendly family members are always welcome on leash. There are water stops along the way. It is really meant to be a fun day. Sometimes it’s a little bittersweet because of why we’re there, but we’re also there to have a good time,” she said.
To learn more about this event or sign up visit run.terryfox.ca/55620.
