More than three decades after Terry Fox began his cross-country journey, Mission residents will once again run to raise money in his name on Sept. 14.
The Terry Fox Run will take place Sunday at Fraser River Heritage Park, and organizer Craig Grant hopes to see another strong crowd.
Last year, the Mission run attracted a record number of participants, although part of that may have been due to Abbotsford not holding its own event.
This year, both communities will again be staging runs, but Grant, who is in his seventh year as an organizer, is still hoping to see a good crowd out.
“It’s still one of the best [charities] out there,” Grant said, noting that 85 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to research.
With most people knowing someone affected by cancer, Grant said the run has a special relevancy for a broad swath of the community.
“You can always relate to someone who is closer to you,” he said.
And Terry Fox’s well-known story continues to touch people.
“He was likeable and passionate, and a hard worker,” he said.
Registration for the run begins at 8 a.m., with walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers leaving the start line at 9 a.m. There are five- and 10-kilometre courses, and food and refreshments will be available after the run.
Speakers will also be on hand who can talk about why the run, and cancer research, is important to them.
“I’m always amazed,” Grant said of the speakers.