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Exercise while supporting cancer research with the annual Terry Fox Run

September 5, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

There’s a good chance you or someone you know, has been affected by cancer.

The annual Terry Fox Run raises funds for Terry Fox Cancer Research – research that may save you or someone you know.

Terry Fox put out a huge effort when he started his historic cross-country run to raise funds for cancer research in 1980.  Terry never completed the run after his cancer returned. He was forced to end the run near Thunder Bay, Ont., after starting in St. John’s, Newfoundland, however, his legacy lives on.

The annual Terry Fox run is held in cities and towns across the country. This year it will be held on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Tottenham has never had a good turn-out for the run, but this year organizers are hoping to challenge local residents to get inspired and take part in the event.

If Terry Fox could run halfway across the country, with one leg, local residents are encouraged to come out and complete a 2km, 5km, or 10km course. You don’t have to complete those distances, you can go as far as you are comfortable with.

You also don’t have to run – you can walk or bike, or bring out your child in their baby stroller for a fun day and stroll on the trail.

Tottenham Terry Fox Run organizer Phil Short has been involved with the local Terry Fox run for 25 years, and is organizing this year’s event.

After a couple of years of running it as a virtual event due to COVID, and a virtual event being held last year due to challenges with organizing it, Phil says he wants to return the run to a live event where people can actively participate.

“We want it to be real, a physical event – it’s good for the community,” Phil explained. “You can run, walk, or push your buggy. Terry Fox was such a good role model for kids. A lot of people know about the Terry Fox Run, but in Tottenham, not a lot of people participate. Participation is the key.”

This year the run will take place along the old railway trail by the Tottenham Pond.

The start point will be the Tottenham Feed Mill at 41 Mill St. West, across from the Steam Train location.

Participants can enjoy the trail and nature while raising funds for a good cause.

If Terry Fox could run 5,373 km, over 143 continuous days, local residents should be able to spend a single day participating in this year’s run.

You can register to participate in the run, or just come out on the day of the run, Sunday, Sept. 15, starting at 10 a.m., to be a part of it.

You can scan the QR code to make a donation.

There will also be a Terry Fox Run in Alliston on the same day.

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