THUNDER BAY - Across the country today, thousands of people laced up their shoes and set out to carry on the dream of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope of finding a cure for cancer.
The 36th Annual Terry Fox Run was held in more than 9000 communities across Canada on Tuesday and more than 200 people participated in the local run.
“Everybody’s had some attachment with cancer, whether that’s friends or family,” said Don Morrison, chairperson of the Thunder Bay Annual Terry Fox Run. “I think people realize that we need to raise funds to do research to find a cure for it and that keeps people coming out every year.”
The local run usually draws between 400 and 500 participants of all ages. The non-competitive run takes runners, walkers, and cyclists on a 5k route around Boulevard Lake.
Each year, the Terry Fox Run in Thunder Bay raises between $15,000 and $20,000 through donations and pledges. All money raised goes to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Chrystal McKay and Josh McCart were participating for the second time on Tuesday. They were running with employees from Canada Malting, who collectively raised more than $1000 in pledges.
“This is one of the events that all of us have collectively said we want to do every year,” McKay said. “It’s just such a great cause and it’s very close to everyone in Thunder Bay. We like to come out and support it and get a little exercise as well.”
The Terry Fox Run holds a special place in the hearts of those participating in Thunder Bay. On September 1, 1980, just outside of Thunder Bay, Terry Fox was forced to stop his cross country Marathon of Hope.
“I think that’s why we het such a good turnout,” Morrison said. “Terry Fox is associated with Thunder Bay and that helps draw people out.”
The Marathon of Hope raised more than $24 million in support of cancer research and that number continues to climb.
“I think it’s just that he has such motivation to get out and do something good for everybody,” McKay said. “I think that everybody wants to continue to support that legacy, the cause, and him as an individual.”
Josh McCart added that Thunder Bay should be proud of the cancer research that is done in the city and working to achieve the dream of Terry Fox when he first set out on his Marathon of Hope.
“I think this run is extra special because it brings everyone together and he inspired everyone,” McCart said. “And being the last stop it’s closer to home for us. This is a really important event and more people should come out and support it. I think more people can join next year and get pledges and come out.”
