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The legacy of Terry Fox remains alive and well throughout Canada with over 650 communities hosting runs this year. (Image Credit: terryfox.org)
Canadian legend

Terry Fox runs scheduled in several communities, including Nanaimo

Sep 20, 2026 | 5:44 AM

NANAIMO — An annual tradition sees thousands of Canadians take part in an iconic fundraiser in honour of one of the country’s most influential figures.

The 46th annual Terry Fox Run happens in several communities across the region on Sunday, Sept. 20, including Nanaimo.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. at Bowen Park, with the run taking place from 10 a.m. to noon.

Participants will navigate a 2.5-kilometre course.

According to the Terry Fox Foundation, the Nanaimo run was nearing its $28,400 fundraising goal as of early Sunday morning.

Parksville’s Terry Fox Run takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at Rathtrevor Provincial Park, with registration opening at 9 a.m. The event features a four-kilometre course.

Ladysmith’s event starts at 11 a.m. at the Frank Jameson Community Centre on a 2.5-kilometre course.

Gabriola Island’s strong Terry Fox Run tradition continues with its event starting at 11 a.m., with registration at 10 a.m., at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park.

Fox is a Canadian icon whose legacy continues to inspire fundraising for cancer research.

His Marathon of Hope began on April 12, 1980, in St. John’s, Nfld., and ended nearly five months later in Thunder Bay, Ont., after cancer spread to his lungs.

Fox died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22, after running nearly 5,400 kilometres to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

His extraordinary legacy has helped raise more than $1 billion through the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.

In addition to several hundred community-based runs across the country, thousands of schools in the country stage Terry Fox events annually.

Funds can be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation online.

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