Canadians nationwide are preparing to lace up their running shoes this weekend to participate in the 43rd Annual Terry Fox Run on Sept. 17.
Each year, the run is hosted on the third Sunday in September, the month Terry Fox chose when he had to stop his marathon across the country.
Fox ran for 143 days and 5,373 kilometres to raise money for cancer research. Now, the rest of Canada continues his mission each year.
Wetaskiwin’s run will take place at By-the-Lake Park beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.
The event starts with a group photo, followed by the run, where individuals can decide to walk, run or bike their desired distance in support. Two laps around the park are roughly 5 kilometres.
Once finished, hungry participants can enjoy a hot dog lunch donated for the event.
Organizer for the Wetaskiwin run, Debbie Hawken, says she would love to see each resident donate a “Toonie for Terry” or whatever amount they can to support cancer research.
Last year, Wetaskiwin’s run raised $6,700, according to Hawken.
“We should easily be able to get $10,000,” she said.
“I’m hoping that we’re going to get more of the younger people out and the families.”
Participants can also register and fundraise for cancer research at terryfox.org.