Terry Fox Run Returns

The Terry Fox Run/Walk returns to Medicine Hat on Sunday, September 17 on the Sunrise Rotary Trail at the Medicine Hat College campus. This will be the first in-person event since 2019, with the run being done virtually during the covid pandemic and then not at all in 2022. The Sunrise Rotary club and the Rotary Ignite club, along with community members, are bringing it back, with registration available online now, as well as in person on September 17.

Terry Fox began his “Marathon of Hope” cross-Canada run in April 1980 after he had his leg amputated due to cancer. He ran a marathon a day (42km) as he made his way across the county, until the return of the cancer forced him to stop in Thunder Bay. Before he died, less than a year later, his dream came true, of raising one dollar for every Canadian to go to cancer research. This year is the 43rd annual run with over 650 runs held across Canada on the third Sunday in September, as well as in over thirty countries around the world. Terry Fox is a Canadian icon and hero, and the Run has become the largest fundraiser for cancer research in the country.

In addition to the community events, over 10,000 schools participate in Terry Fox runs, held on the Friday September 22.

Thanks to the support of celebrities, such as Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, and this years’ theme of “Dear Terry,” the Terry Fox Foundation has already sold over 40,000 t-shirts, with all profit going to the cause. To purchase a shirt, to register for the event, or to help with the fundraising, go to terryfox.org. Teams are encouraged to participate as well as families and individuals.

As per Terry’s wishes, all runs are non-competitive and family oriented. At the local event there will be a barbeque, fun games from the Medicine Hat Public Library, and other activities will be available. Local celebrities and sports teams will be involved.

The event begins at 10am on September 17 at the main entrance to the college, with the run itself starting at 10:30.

For further information contact Keith Walker: kvwalker@telusplanet.net or check the website terryfox.org.