Terry Fox Run Locations for 2010

It’s been 30 years since Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope changed Canada, and the world, forever.

In 1976 a boy living in Port Coquitlam, BC was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of cancer that develops near the knee. His leg would be amputated and he would learn to walk (and run) once again. Through his 16-month experience with chemotherapy and rehabilitation he learned about cancer research and saw others lose their battles with the disease. This brought him a determination to do pretty much anything in his power to help others fight their own battles with cancer, so he thought up the Marathon of Hope. He was going to run from East to West across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.

On April 2nd 1980, Terry Fox dipped his foot in the Atlantic Ocean at St. John’s, Newfoundland and began his run across Canada. His amazing journey came to an end after 5,373 kms, in Thunder Bay, Ontario when he experienced more health troubles. The cancer had returned, and it was in both lungs. Over the next few months the Marathon of Hope raised $23 million for cancer research. Terry passed away in June of 1981, at the age of 22. Since that time, over $500 million has been raised in his name.

The Terry Fox run takes place in dozens of countries around the world and here at home, there are numerous runs, celebrating and supporting the Marathon of Hope. This year’s Terry Fox Run takes place Sunday September 19th and here are just a few locations around the Lower Mainland where you can participate.

You can register ahead of time online in order to collect pledges and donations.

Each run varies in terms of length and whether it’s suitable for bikes, strollers, children, dogs, etc. The National School Run is Day is September 30th. Follow @TerryFoxCanada on Twitter for updates from the Terry Fox Foundation.