Terry Fox ran his Marathon of Hope some 35 years ago and Nanaimo residents will commemorate his efforts to find a cancer cure Sunday (Sept. 20).
Registration for the 2015 Terry Fox Run in Nanaimo at Bowen Park begins at 9 a.m. The event will commence at 10 a.m.
“We have a 5K and a 2K route,” said Kathleen Van Doorn, race organizer. “There’ll be cupcakes and fruit and water and lots of fun ... the [Nanaimo] Clippers are coming.”
Van Doorn said the run is open to everybody and while there is no minimum donation, all are appreciated.
Schools in the Nanaimo district will be holding Terry Fox Runs of their own, including Departure Bay Elementary. Principal Lisa Frey said the school will be holding its run on Sept. 25.
“We have it a little bit later because it gives enough time for our teachers to teach a little bit about Terry Fox and the purpose around what we’re doing and the importance of that,” said Frey, adding that donation tins would be set up in classrooms.
Fox had part of his right leg amputated due to bone cancer and his initial run was to benefit and raise awareness for cancer research. Following in that tradition, the Terry Fox Run, which is held across the country, sees money raised going toward cancer research.
Van Doorn said 84 cents of every dollar goes to cancer research.
“Just come and participate. Kids and dogs and bikes and runners and walkers and everybody,” said Van Doorn.
Last year’s event saw 365 people participating, Van Doorn said.