Terry Fox Run in Stanley Park

The Terry Fox Run is coming up this weekend in communities across Canada, and around the globe, as the Marathon of Hope inspires many to continue to support cancer research. Close to home, there will be a Terry Fox Run in Stanley Park at Ceperley Meadow on Sunday, September 15, 2013.

““Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” – Terry Fox

Registration for the Stanley Park event will open at 8:30am on Sunday with a 10km run starting at 10:00am and a 3km Lost Lagoon Loop run starting out at 10:15am. There will be a BC Blueberry pancake breakfast by donation, a Kids Run, live music and more. Proceeds benefit the Terry Fox Foundation.

Other local Terry Fox Run sites include: Vancouver: UBC, Surrey: Newton, Surrey North: Fraser Heights, Surrey South: White Rock, West Vancouver: Ambleside, Richmond: Garry Point Park, North Vancouver, New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and more.

Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) in his right leg in 1977 and had his leg amputated 15 cm (six inches) above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He called his journey the Marathon of Hope.

Terry’s Marathon of Hope took place in 1980 with the simple objective of informing Canadians of the importance of finding a cure for cancer. With fierce determination, he ran an average of 42 kilometres (26 miles) every day for 143 days. Terry was forced to end his run on September 1, 1980 when the cancer spread to his lungs.

By February 1, 1981, Terry’s dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was realized – the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totaled $24.17 million. Terry died in June 1981.

There is no entry fee and no minimum donation for the Terry Fox Run. Every year, millions of people in close to 25 countries participate in The National School Run Day, The Terry Fox Run, and Terry Fox fundraising events. The 2013 National School Run Day will take place on Thursday, September 26th.

Follow the Terry Fox Foundation on Facebook and Twitter for updates on runs, their work, and other initiatives throughout the year.