Thirty-three years ago, the first ever Terry Fox Run was held in honour of a great Canadian athlete, humanitarian and cancer research activist who lost his battle to cancer and left the nation with a legacy unlike many others.

The City will remember Terry Fox’s great efforts and his influence through the annual run that will occur on Sept. 14th at Heritage Ranch, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and the run commencing at noon.

“Red Deer has been on board with this run since the beginning and has always had great support for this fundraising event. People always know someone who has had cancer or cancer in their family, and that’s what spurs people on,” said Event Organizer Loretta Winia, who also works at The Hub on Ross.

“The Terry Fox Run is different from some of the other fundraising events in that it’s really based on participation. We have no entry fee, no minimum fee, it’s non-competitive, it’s volunteer-driven and has very little costs involved,” she added.

The run is a way for citizens to gather together while walking, cycling, jogging, running or otherwise to remember Fox and his cause – to support cancer research and to one day find a cure.

The race will start and finish at Heritage Ranch. There is no minimum pledge or donation, although attendees are encouraged to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation in honour of the occasion and the research programs it runs.

All of the funds raised are sent directly to the Foundation, which is not affiliated with any other organization. Those funds in turn reach research centres across the country. Often times, money raised in a province stays within that province to support researchers or studies there.

“As much as we like to fundraise and we like that part of it, it’s also a tribute to Terry Fox. A lot of the people that participate in this have some sort of attachment to this whole concept of what he did and his initial run. That’s what brings them in,” said Winia.

Following the race, there will be a barbecue lunch available and a few door prizes to be won.

“This is volunteer-driven and everything we have is donated from community businesses. It’s a rain or shine event and it’s so good to see people out.”

Participants are encouraged to dress for rain or shine. Kids are welcome to join with their parents, walking or in strollers.

kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com