Registration For Terry Fox Run Begins April 12th

Writer: Geoff Butler

Starting April 12th, Canadians can register to join and fundraise for the 43rd annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research, which will take place on September 17th, 2023. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $850 million and funded 1,300 innovative cancer research projects, bringing hope and health to millions of Canadians. Visit terryfox.org for more information and to learn how you can help take Terry’s Marathon of Hope across the finish line.

In honour of this great Canadian, we look at the very special Terry Fox Statue.

Terrance Stanley Fox was born on July 28th, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Unfortunately, Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer while attending university in 1977. Due to the progression of the disease, his leg had to be amputated.

Despite the amputation, Fox learned to run and completed a 42-kilometre marathon in 1979. Some months later, Terry Fox embarked on a cross-country run to raise awareness and monies for cancer research. He called his run the ‘Marathon of Hope.’ Terry hoped to raise one dollar from every Canadian and began his run on April 12th, 1980. He started his heroic journey in St. John’s Newfoundland, dipping his “artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean” and departed for the Pacific Ocean.

Terry Fox ran a gruelling 48 kilometres per day, completing approximately 5,373 kilometres in 143 days. Unfortunately, on September 1st, 1980, Terry Fox was forced to stop in Thunder Bay due to chest pains. ”It was soon discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs and he was unable to continue.” By the time Fox ceased his running, he had raised over $1.7 million.

Memorial erected outside Thunder Bay on the Trans-Canada Highway near the spot where Fox was forced to end his marathon. Source: Wikipedia

Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981, one month short of his 23rd birthday. Before his death, Terry Fox was named the youngest Companion of the Order of Canada, receiving the highest British Columbia civilian award; The Order of Dogwood and named Canadian of the Year by the editors of the Canadian Press.

On September 13, 1981, the first Terry Fox Run was held across the country with more than 300,000 Canadians participating and raising more than $3.5 million. Since Terry set out on his initial run, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised approximately $800 million for cancer research and awareness.

“Terry Fox’s story of courage continues to inspire through annual Terry Fox runs held around the world.”

The bronze statue of Terry Fox was created by sculptor John Hooper in 1983 and stands proudly across from Parliament Hill. “The sculpture captures Fox mid-stride, his face a mixture of determination and pride, his eyes focused intently on a distant finish line.”

His dream lives on.