In 1977, Port Coquitlam teenager and avid athlete Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer. Several months later, his right leg was amputated just above the knee.
But Fox didn't let that stop him. Fitted with a prosthetic leg, he soon began golfing, and later jogging. And three years later, frustrated with the lack of money being dedicated to cancer research, he would run the equivalent of a full marathon each and every day of his stunning 143-day Marathon of Hope.
His dream of running across Canada was cut short when the cancer spread to his lungs, and Fox passed away in 1981 at the tender age of 22. But his Marathon of Hope garnered global attention and raised over $24 million dollars for cancer research. He was, and is, a true Canadian hero.
This weekend, the Terry Fox Run, the largest fundraising event in support of cancer research in the world, with over 10,000 events in Canada alone, enters its 39th year. And you can join in by getting yourself down to the SS Sicamous Sunday morning.
Kevin Harvey is the organizer of the Penticton branch of the Terry Fox Run. He's into his third year spearheading the event, and so far he likes what he sees. Last year the Penticton run attracted nearly 300 participants and raised $7300.
And this year, Harvey has a few added enticements.
"We've got a good handful of volunteers this year, more than last year," said Harvey today. "So registration will be even quicker and we'll have more people manning the water stations along the run route."
Even better, said Harvey, Dave Bullock, a guy known not just for his involvement with notable local competitions such as Ironman Canada and the Peach Classic Triathlon, but also his top-notch race commentary, will man the microphone.
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. when the music kicks in and registration begins. A pre-event warm-up will follow just before the official run start time of 10:00 a.m.
The course will vary marginally over last year's, though it still generally follows the Penticton River Channel and still offers 1K, 2K, and 5K variants. Dogs (on leash) and kids on bikes are welcome, and wheelchair athletes can roll on the 1K course.
Coffee courtesy of Starbucks and fruit courtesy of Real Canadian Superstore will be served before and after the run. Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Terry Fox Foundation.
For more info, or to register in advance, head here. Or simply show up at the Sicamous Sunday morning.
