The Terry Fox run, which has inspired hundreds of thousands of Canadians and others around the world — and raised tens of millions for cancer research, won’t be missing Oceanside.
The local run is slated to kick off this Sunday, Sept. 18, at Rathtrevor Park.
Organizers of the run note that while last year’s event brought out 350 people and raised almost $10,000, they’re hoping for an even more impressive event this time around.
This year’s run marks the 31st since the young Canadian runner was forced to call off his Marathon of Hope after it was discovered that his cancer had returned — a diagnosis that proved to be the end of his dream, but the starting point of a dream for Canadians as a whole, who took up Terry’s torch to keep the dream alive.
Besides the main event on Sunday, local schools have jumped into the battle as well, although their runs will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
The students don’t have to wait until then of course. The main event is geared for runners of all ages and abilities.
For while this can be said to be a race — against the scourge of cancer — it’s not a competitive event.
Registration for this Sunday’s run begins at 9 a.m. at picnic shelter number two at Rathtrevor Provincial Park.
Overall, in 2010 Canadians donated a whopping $28 million through the Terry Fox Run towards cancer research.
The run starts at 10 a.m. and participants can take part in a 3.3 kilometre course, a five-kilometre event or, for those with a stronger constitution, a full 10 kilometre.
Anyone who takes part in the run should get pledges prior to lacing up their track shoes, however.
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