INNISFAIL – Ethan Scott Layden came early.
He had a special mission.
It was the fourth year in a row the 22-year-old Innisfailian had participated.
As this year’s slogan for the 44th annual Terry Fox Run proclaimed, he was determined to run, No Matter What.
“I do it because I support Terry Fox. I think he pushed himself hard,” said Layden. “The fact he was able to do what he did with cancer and only having one leg is really inspirational, and I want to keep it going.”
And on Sept. 15 he did keep it going, running the five-kilometre race twice, and setting a personal record of 21 minutes and 58 seconds during one of his races.
The annual event, based at the Innisfail Curling Club, mattered for up to 30 other participants who joined Layden for this year’s local Terry Fox Run on a gloriously gorgeous late summer day.
There was a good mix of the young and old. Bill Hoppins, the event’s original chairperson when it began in 1980, was there to provide inspiration, and so was Mayor Jean Barclay, Coun. Jason Heistad and wife Sharla.
Local business owner and former town councillor Mark Kemball also dropped by.
And key sponsors Scotiabank and the Innisfail Lions Club gave their usual heartfelt support.
Most of all, there was plenty of excitement from every participant.
“I think today went really well. Of course we would have liked to see more people but we had a good crowd,” said Patrick Gleason, lead organizer for the local run. “We always have a group of people that come every year; very dedicated people that come year after year. It’s kind of a renewal of friendship.
“There's a couple that drive in from Pine Lake and bicycle it. Every year we have young families that show up and bring everybody,” he added.
Gleason remains hopeful the total money raised locally to support cancer research for the Terry Fox Foundation will finally go over the $10,000 mark.
Last year the local run raised $6,361, which was down a bit from previous years.
Gleason said donations already appear higher in 2024. Final totals will be confirmed by early fall.
And he remains optimistic as always, not only for this year but for the future of the annual run.
Gleason is committed to looking ahead to 2030 when the Terry Fox Run across Canada and the world will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.
“Every time I think about it I just think this guy ran a marathon every other day, 26 point something miles. I still can't get over that,” said Gleason of the Canadian hero who died on June 28, 1981 at the age 22.
His cross-Canada Marathon of Hope in 1980 went on for 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles) before being forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay.
“We can say quite rightfully that Terry Fox is a national hero,” said Gleason. “It would be a shame if we didn't continue to honour our one of our national heroes.”
