Terry Fox ran 5,373 kilometres over 143 days in his 1980 Marathon of Hope in an effort to raise money for cancer research. Now, New West residents have the chance to support his dream by walking, running, wheeling, or cycling up to 10 kilometres.
Kathy Jones is once again organizing the Terry Fox Run in New Westminster and inviting residents to take part in the annual event.
“Terry, of course, became a hero of mine when he was running his Marathon of Hope across Canada in 1980. He remains a hero in my eyes,” Jones said. “His foundation has raised over $900 million for world-class cancer research, now done through the Terry Fox Research Institute. It is easy for me to get behind his cause and to help the people of New West have an event to come out to honour Terry's memory and his legacy.”
This year’s Terry Fox Run in New West is on Sunday, Sept. 15. It begins at River Market and features a level, scenic route along the boardwalk.
“People can cover as much ground as they choose up to 10 kilometres,” Jones said.
ICYMI: Researchers, join the 2024 #TerryFoxRun on September 15!
— Terry Fox Research Institute (@tfri_research) July 10, 2024
🟣 Register your team: https://t.co/fXEq3Vs1Vl.
🟣 Get a purple T-shirt: https://t.co/kXUrn7MDv6.
🟣 Start fundraising! https://t.co/UN0YZ7UrPn
In-person registration begins at 9 a.m. and the run/walk/ride/wheel starts at 10 a.m. There is no entrance fee to take part in the run, and free food and drinks will be available for all participants. T-shirt sales will also be available.
Fox, a 22-year-old Port Coquitlam resident, was diagnosed with cancer and had his right leg amputated at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1977.
On April 12, 1980, he began his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, running more than 5,000 kilometres before he was forced to end the run on Sept. 1 just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The following day he announced his cancer had returned and had spread to his lungs.
Fox, 23, died on June 28, 1981 at Royal Columbian Hospital.
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