It’s that time again for one of Canada’s most well known and widespread fundraisers: get your running shoes out of the closet and for the Terry Fox Run!

On the 40th anniversary of Terry’s ‘marathon of hope,’ we are here to encourage you to join in and raise funds your way.

Although much of the world’s attention is focused on the coronavirus and its implications to our daily lives, cancer remains among the leading causes of death in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that there will be 225,800 new cancer cases and 83,000 deaths in 2020. This finding is not meant to curtail awareness on our nation’s coronavirus efforts, but to remind us that there is still research and fundraising to be done to keep Canadians healthy and involved in all ways.

History of the Terry Fox Run

Though many Canadians may have grown up doing a Terry Fox Run through their school days, here is a brief background to the Terry Fox run.

Terry Fox was an inspiration to millions. Terry was only 18 years old in 1977 when he had a leg amputated for bone cancer. Rather than be defeated with this experience, Terry decided to raise money for cancer research and in 1980 set off on a marathon from the east to the west coast of Canada. Although he did not finish the entire intended route, he ran for 143 days and covered 5,373 kilometers. Terry’s original ‘marathon of hope’ raised a staggering $24.17 million. Sadly, Terry died in 1981 of his condition, however, his legacy is still going strong today.

In cities and towns all over the world, millions of runners participate in the Terry Fox run annually and have raised over $800 million for cancer research.

One Day. Your Way

Due to the pandemic and social distancing measures in place, large gatherings of runners will not be possible this year. As a result, the 2020 slogan ‘One Day. Your Way’ was established.

This means everybody can participate in small groups or alone, inside or outside of your homes, depending on your situation. So for example, you can run, walk, dance, hike, or skate.

You can run on a treadmill, do a step challenge or a dance challenge from your own home. You can get together in small groups (Presumably your cohort group) and run or walk your favorite route. Run or cycle around the neighborhood, or get creative in your backyard.

So, get creative but remember to follow the current governmental guidelines. If you want to celebrate afterward, know that sharing food, drinks or utensils, or having close-range conversations, can turn an outdoor event into a high-risk event. Be sure to make proper preparations to keep the people around you safe.

Coronavirus Guidelines for Planning your Terry Fox Run

Governmental guidelines for the number of people that can socially gather are constantly evolving according to the coronavirus figures in any particular region. However, as of the 18th September 2020:

In Alberta:

A young girl runs on her own in an open field.

Outside gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 100 people for non-audience type outdoor events
Indoor social gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 50 people

And where possible, stick to, or plan your virtual Terry Fox event around your cohort group. The protective factors of sticking to our cohorts can seem negligible if we try to push gathering restrictions and risk getting sick or spreading COVID-19 by interacting with new or unfamiliar groups of people. The emphasis here is to participate in a group no larger than a ‘team’, and to be on the move in your own way, not organizing a full athletic event.

For all Canadians:

Physical distancing of at least 2 meters must be maintained between people outside of the immediate family or social circle
Wear a mask in all indoor settings where physical distancing is not possible, for example, shopping areas, public transport, and stores.
Wash hands regularly

How to Participate

Once you have decided how you are going to participate in the Terry Fox virtual run you will need to:

Register on the Terry Fox website as an individual, family, or a virtual team
Make sure to tell ALL your family and friends that you are participating in a cancer fundraising event and send them a link to sponsor you!
Encourage your friends, families, and colleagues to participate too
Like Terry, set yourself a goal of what you’d like to achieve in the day and how much money you would like to raise.
Use social media, Zoom, Skype, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. to join together with friends and groups who are also participating in the event
Share your journeys and stories of the day on social media

A Virtual ‘Marathon of Hope’

Terry Fox reframed a negative experience into one of inspiration that reached millions of people around the globe. He spread hope and courage to those living with disabilities and cancer. He also raised a huge amount of money towards cancer research.

In the face of one of the most challenging years that many of us have ever encountered, let’s be like Terry and honor his memory and legacy. Let’s spread a message of love, courage, and hope, and be a part of a global fundraising phenomenon.