Organizers with this year’s Terry Fox Run are hoping for another successful year as they gear up for the event set to take place later this month.
The 31st annual event will take place in Red Deer at Heritage Ranch on Sept. 18. The run starts at noon and registration goes from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
“It goes rain or shine. Last year was poor weather but there were still lots of people,” said Loretta Winia, run organizer.
She said they have seen everything from cyclists, rollerbladers, strollers, wagons, runners, walkers and participants with dogs at the annual event.
“Last year people pointed out that Terry braved the elements regardless and he was a lot worse off than we are.”
Attendance for the Red Deer event has usually remained around 225 people. The cyclists and runners are set off first on the paths followed by the remaining people walking the course.
“People are welcome to bring their dogs. We use the City paths so it’s dog friendly, stroller friendly, wheelchair friendly, you name it.”
A barbeque starts at 1:30 p.m. as the first cyclists and runners cross the finish. There will also be door prizes at the event.
Some of the door prizes include gift certificates, shirts and different items from the businesses that support the run. There will also be some Terry Fox items including coin sets for purchase.
“There are no fees it is a family oriented event focused on participation instead of entry fees or pledges.”
Donations are welcome and all funds go to the Terry Fox Foundation helping cancer research.
About 15 volunteers staff the event and Winia said they are an important part of the Terry Fox Run.
Along the route there will be water and snacks for the participants. Last year the run raised over $16,000.
Also coming up is the National School Run on Sept.28th.
“We get really great support from the schools in Red Deer.”
Winia said the most important thing to know is that a lot of the money raised comes back to the province.
“That’s one thing about the foundation is that the research funds do come back to the provinces to be used in our hospitals.”
Eighty-seven cents of every dollar goes to research, pointed out Winia. Only 13 cents goes to administration and organization costs.
“Everybody knows somebody or has had some experience in their family or some kind of close relationship, others are just Terry Fox fans.”
On Sept. 16 ScotiaMcLeod will have a barbeque in their parking lot to raise funds for the foundation. They are located at 4320 50th Ave. A burger and a pop will be $5 and everybody is welcome to participate.
kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
