By Kyle Ireland

run for the cure

Terry Fox Run in Nanaimo showcases marathon spirit

Sep 15, 2019 | 5:07 AM

NANAIMO – Showers failed to dampen spirits for the 39th annual Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, held Sunday Sept. 15 at Bowen Park.

Approximately 200 people took part, choosing either a two or five kilometre route.

According to organizers, the run locally has raised more than $351,600 over its near-40 year history.

After 143 days and 5,373 kilometers, Terry Fox stopped running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Fox’s primary cancer had spread to his lungs, making it impossible for him to continue.

Before returning to British Columbia for treatment Terry said, “I’m gonna do my very best. I’ll fight. I promise I won’t give up.”

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Fox passed away on June 28, 1981 in New Westminster.

Fred Fox, Terry’s brother spoke with NanaimoNewsNow about how his brother changed the lives of many.

“He set a simple goal of wanting to raise $1,000,000 when he left Newfoundland and wanted to impact cancer research in the future and hopefully changed what a cancer diagnosis means to somebody.”

In the lead up to the walk, Fred visited a number of schools to talk about his brothers impact on the community, years after his passing.

He noted Terry’s Marathon of Hope has much wider impact than those who witnessed it first hand.

“It’s obvious that these kids in elementary schools weren’t born when Terry was running and in most schools now a days the parents and most the staff weren’t born yet.”

Fred added the run is something that involves everyone because it’s rare to meet someone who hasn’t been impacted either directly or indirectly by cancer.

Officials will tally donations from this year’s event in the coming weeks.

Kyle.Ireland@jpbg.ca

On Twitter : @kyle_ireland31