Several running events took place Sunday to mark the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox’s run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. The 18-year old had cancer himself and had one leg amputated below the knee.
On April 12, 1980 he dipped his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic Ocean of Canada’s eastern shore and started his run with the goal of raising $24.17 million—one dollar for every Canadian. He ran in all kinds of weather and terrain, and only stopped after completing more than 5,000km when his cancer returned.
$700 million raised so far
Fox died soon after but so inspired others that fund-raising runs have been organized every year across Canada and in other parts of the world. So far, they have raised nearly $700 million.
John Stanton is one man whose life was changed by Terry Fox. His two young boys wanted to get involved in runs, but their mother said he should accompany them. He was overweight and smoked two packs of cigarettes at the time.
Life changed
Stanton began to run at night because he didn’t want neighbours to see him. He went on to run in 61 marathons and compete in Iron man events. But he also founded a chain of retail stores called the Running Room, where people don’t just buy running gear, but meet to take part in runs several times a week. It has become a way to relieve the stress of busy lives and to socialize.
The Running Room hosted walk/run events at its stores across Canada yesterday. Stanton says running and fund-raising are a great combination. “People who care about themselves, care about other people. And I think runners themselves like to go to road races. These are popular events. But they also say well it would be nice if we could put something back into the community.”
ListenFox remembered as ‘a brilliant athlete’
Stanton says the runs were an opportunity to raise money for cancer research, but also to honour Fox and the great athlete that he was. Fox ran an average 42 kilometers a day for 143 days. Says Stanton, that’s like running a marathon every day when many take the challenge once a year. And he notes that Fox also ran 5,000 km to train for the run before he even started the official journey. “We want to remember the legacy of Terry Fox as this brilliant athlete who had a vision of making a difference in the world for other people.”
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