Plenty of runners and walkers showed up to raise funds for cancer research at the Terry Fox Run in South Surrey on Sunday, Sept. 17.
A national icon who singlehandedly shone the light on the need to raise both awareness about cancer and money for cancer research, Terry Fox and his cross-Canada Marathon of Hope in 1980 inspired the annual fundraising running events that still happen across the country today.
“It was very successful – it was a beautiful day for it!” said Doug Brewer, who helps organize the South Surrey Athletic Park Terry Fox Run each year.
A member of the Semiahmoo Sun Runners, Brewer said many of the group’s members have been involved with the annual run for several years – so much so, that many of the former runners now choose to walk instead.
“It was very special and very touching. It was so good to see so many people come out,” he said, noting this year’s approximately 140 participants was an increase over last year’s estimated 100 people.
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“This is our second year holding an in-person event… people are starting to come out a bit more, post-pandemic,” Brewer noted.
He also mentioned how all the students in local schools participate each year, and how this year, a daycare in White Rock was a participant as well.
“Everyone knows someone – a family member or friend, maybe – who has been affected by cancer, so I think it’s personal for everyone.”
Participants could walk or run a five- or 10-kilometre route, with a smaller, one- to two-kilometre route for families with smaller children also available.
Brewer estimates more than $25,000 was raised from this year’s event.
“Its a good community event for a good cause,” he said.
While Fox had to cut his marathon short due to complications from his cancer, his dream of raising $1 for every Canadian was reached before his death on June 28, 1981.
Since its inception, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $850 million, according to its website.