The Terry Fox Foundation is marking the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run, and Selkirk will be part of the Canada-wide event on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Organized by the Selkirk Terry Fox Run Committee, the event promises a meaningful, family-friendly afternoon in honour of Canadian hero Terry Fox.
Jana Pringle, chair of the Selkirk run, said this year’s festivities are especially significant.
Kicking things off before the main event, Terry’s brother, Fred Fox, will visit Petersfield’s Mallard Market on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 to 10 a.m. Visitors will have the chance to meet Fred, share coffee and doughnuts, and browse the local vendors.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity to have a coffee and doughnut with Fred before you visit the amazing vendors at the market,” said Pringle. “We’re really excited to be part of the Mallard Market, and having Fred join us is the cherry on top.”
Terry 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 the Terry Fox Run.
Selkirk’s run begins at 1 p.m. near the Agricultural Building, following a group warm-up and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Registration opens at noon. Participants are encouraged to walk, run, ride or roll whatever distance they feel comfortable with—up to about 10 kilometres.
“It is not a run and it most definitely is not a race,” said Pringle. “We all know Terry did his Marathon of Hope the way he did. He did it his way with a little hop in his step because there is no perfect run. We can do it our way—we just want everyone to know and feel they are welcome here.”
Following the run at 3 p.m.—or once everyone returns—silent auction winners will be announced. While the prizes are being kept secret, Pringle noted there are plenty of great items, with all proceeds supporting the Terry Fox Foundation. Limited 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 sizing.
Everyone who registers will receive a coupon for a free lunch, donated by local community organizations. Lunch will be available before and after the run and includes a hot dog or hamburger with a drink. Cancer survivors and current patients may also receive a red Terry Fox shirt—symbolizing their place on “Team Terry.”
The red shirt is particularly meaningful to Pringle, whose husband, James, is a cancer survivor.
“It is something that shows very proudly what Terry started. It reminds us of the proud work he did. We’re not just raising money for cancer research—we are supporting the people who have and are going through cancer treatment. The more red shirts we see proves we are doing something right and are following in Terry’s footsteps.”
Adding to the celebration, the Selkirk Steelers will host a special puck drop at their Sept. 19 game in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. More details will be announced later, but Pringle expects the event to be filled with excitement. The Steelers will also take part in the Terry Fox Run, giving the community a chance to cheer them on off the ice.
Individuals, families or teams can register in advance at run.terryfox.ca. Advance registration generates a personal fundraising page and speeds up the process on run day. Same-day registration will also be available in Selkirk Park.
