Terry Fox faced and overcame numerous challenges during his Marathon of Hope 40 years ago, and it’s in that spirit that the Orillia Terry Fox Run will go on despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’ll just look different.
Terry Fox Runs across the country are going virtual, with the theme, “One day. Your way.”
“The virtual run is not going to have any less passion for Terry Fox and his ability to bring people together. We will unite in spirit,” said Alison Stoneman, organizer of the Orillia run, which will take place Sept. 20.
People can take part wherever they are by going for a walk, run or ride in their neighbourhood or their own yard.
The local event usually draws a big crowd to Couchiching Beach Park, with more than 100 volunteers helping out. They will still be needed this year, Stoneman said, as will sponsors and others in the community who contribute to the event.
“It’s going to be our job to engage all of our volunteers, all of our traditional supporters. We have no idea what they will think about the virtual run. We hope they will participate like they always have, but virtually,” she said.
It’s early in the planning stage, so details about how to get those supporters involved are still being determined.
An emotional part of the local run is the recognition of Terry’s Team, local cancer survivors. Organizers are working on a way to recognize them this year.
“They’re still going to be a big part of the Terry Fox Run. They represent why we raise money for cancer research,” Stoneman said.
The goal this year is to raise $40,000 locally to mark 40 years since the Marathon of Hope. The typical goal is $1 per every Orillia resident, and that has been surpassed for the past 11 years.
Registration for this year’s run opened last week and people can sign up right up until the run day.
To register for the Orillia run, click here.
More information about the Terry Fox Foundation can be found here.
