Terry Fox Run
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Camp Julien, Afghanistan - Major-General Andrew Leslie leads Canadian troops through one of the many 2-km laps of the camp perimeter that make up the first Terry Fox Run ever held in Kabul. September 13-14, 2004 |
The
Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions across the globe in commemoration of
cancer activist
Terry Fox, and his
Marathon of Hope, and to raise money for
cancer research.
The event is held every year on the second Sunday following
Labour Day. Since its inception in
1981, it has raised over $340 million dollars (CDN). The run itself is informal which means that the distance often varies, usually between 5 and 15 kilometres, participation is more important then the completing the set distance.
Unlike other major fund raising events - the Terry Fox Run has no corporate sponsorship, in keeping with Terry Fox's original wishes of not seeking fame or fortune from his endeavour. During his cross-Canada run, he turned down every endorsement he was offered (including from major multinationals such as McDonald's), as he felt that it would detract from his goal of creating public awareness. The current Terry Fox Runs have no advertisements on any race related materials (such as t-shirts, banners, etc).
The 'Terry Fox Foundation' was founded in 1981, and decided to raise money by holding a run that took place that same year. It was a huge success with over 300 000 runners taking part, raising C$3.5 million.
In
2002 there were 620 event sites in 53 countries. The runs are organized by Canadian Embassies/Consulates, the Canadian military along with anti-cancer organizations and individuals. It's estimated that over 1.3 million people participate internationally in the runs.
The run is the single largest single-day cancer fundraiser in the world.
Today the National Director is Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother who accompanied Terry on the Marathon of Hope
North America* Canada - First run: September 13th 1981 at 760 run sites across Canada
* Cuba - In 2005, 1.9 million Cubans participated from over 3,600 run sites across the country.
* United States
Europe* Czechoslovakia
* Hungary - First run:
1999* Ireland
* Romania
* The Netherlands
* United Kingdom
Middle East* United Arab Emirates
* Syria
* Kuwait
Asia Pacific* Australia - First run: September 1988 in Brisbane (legacy from Expo '88) raising $ 22 000 (AUD)
* China - First run:
1998* Japan
* Korea
* Malaysia - First run;
2002 in Kuala Lumpur
* Singapore
* Vietnam - First run:
1996 in Ho Chi Minh City
Africa*Zimbabwe
*
Terry Fox*
Marathon of Hope*
Official site* Department of National Defence.
Feature Story: Kabul Marathon of Hope
