One of Canada’s greatest national heroes will once again be honoured in Red Deer with the upcoming 35th annual Terry Fox Run.

This year’s Terry Fox Run will be held on Sept. 20th at Heritage Ranch, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The run itself will begin at 11 a.m., which is a new start time this year.

“We accept anything or anyone,” said Run Organizer Loretta Winia, who became involved in the Terry Fox Foundation after her nephew passed away from cancer at the age of 18.

The annual event, which commemorates Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, was created to raise awareness and money in support of cancer research.

As with previous years, Red Deer’s run will not require participants to pre-register or raise a minimum pledge, although donations are encouraged. Instead, said Winia, the focus is on raising awareness and participation throughout the area.

“It’s more about the awareness and keeping Terry Fox’s dream alive,” she said.

The Terry Fox Foundation is the largest non-governmental research organization in Canada. It is independent and has raised more than $260 million for cancer research to date.

“None of the funds we raise go to (administration costs),” said Winia, adding that 84 cents of every dollar goes directly to cancer research.

The run, which is non-competitive, will start at Heritage Ranch and go past Bower Pond before looping back down to the Ranch.

This year’s track is 10 km long and will take place on City trails. Participants are free to walk, bike, wheel or run and they can do as much or as little as they want.

“We encourage people to come and participate,” Winia said.

The event is completely volunteer-led and all of the money raised goes directly back to the Foundation and then gets distributed to research centres around the country.

The Red Deer Terry Fox Run will be one of over 9,000 taking place in cities across Canada.

The event will also feature a barbecue lunch for participants afterwards, as well as some door prizes.

zcormier@reddeerexpress.com