Parksville residents gathered at Rathtrevor Provincial Park on Sunday, Sept. 15 for the 2019 Terry Fox Run.
Despite the rain, organizers say 240 people attended to walk, run or bike and raise funds for cancer research.
Annnnd they're off! #Parksville residents kick off the 2019 #TerryFoxRun . A little rain isn't getting any of these athletes down. @ParksvilleNews @City_Parksville #bc #TerryFox pic.twitter.com/UtnyOHyTJJ
— Emily Vance (@Emily__Vance) September 15, 2019
Participants had the option of taking a 3.5-kilometre, 5 km or 10 km route through the ocean-side park.
This year marks the 39th annual Terry Fox Run raising money for cancer research. The 2019 run in Parksville raised $7,139.25 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Families, children, students and even several canines took part in the annual event.
READ MORE: Terry Fox Run Sept. 14 in Parksville – Survivor still inspired
For most people, the run is a one day a year event. Not so for Linda Wray. Wray is a cancer survivor - she beat the disease 19 years ago.
“I’ve never missed a run. Thirty-nine years this year,” said Wray.
Wray lived in Port Coquitlam, Fox’s hometown, and has been hugely inspired by his cross-Canada run.
“Terry’s determination, that makes a person want to be able to do this at least once a year when you consider he did it every day on one leg,” said Wray.
READ MORE: Parksville’s 2019 Terry Fox Run goes Sunday at Rathtrevor Park
“It’s just very heartwarming to see what he’s done for our futures, and our children’s futures to find a cure for cancer.”
She starts volunteering for the event in August, putting up over 100 posters around the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area.She’s looking forward to the 40th installment of the event, and has no plans on ending her involvement with the organization.
“I just want to keep doing it as long as I can,” said Wray.