By Melissa Smalley
An annual event honouring the efforts of a Canadian hero and supporting an important cause will take place in 100 Mile House on Sunday.
The Terry Fox Run is set for Sept. 18 at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre on Airport Road, with registration getting underway at 9:30 a.m.
The event features a 1.5-kilometre route – which loops around the marsh – and a five-kilometre option through the campground and Centennial Park for runners and walkers to chose from, according to event co-ordinator Shannon Sund.
As is the case every year, Sund says this year's run is aimed at commemorating Terry Fox, whose Marathon of Hope across Canada raised funds and awareness for cancer research in 1980.
T-shirts featuring the image and words of Fox, "Aspire. Inspire. The answer is to try and help others," will be on sale for $20 at this month's run.
"We're really encouraging everyone to come out with friends and family, take some time to reflect on the important things in life, honour a Canadian hero, support a great cause and enjoy a nice walk or run," says Sund who is a cancer survivor.
Last year's local run saw more than 40 participants; this year, Sund is hoping for a nice sunny day and a big crowd to support the event.
Registration is available online at www.terryfox.org, where participants can also make online donations and set up a webpage to collect pledges. Those who wish to register on-site the morning of the run can also do so, Sund says.
Funds raised at the event will go towards the Terry Fox Foundation, which cites its single mission as funding innovative cancer research – to date, nearly $700 million has been raised for cancer research by the foundation worldwide.
The local run in 100 Mile House will be one of 9,000 to take place across Canada, all of which are volunteer-led and organized.
