INNISFAIL – Sunshine and warm temperatures welcomed dozens of participants for the 39th annual Terry Fox Run.
The event took place at locations across the country and here in Innisfail at Centennial Park on Sept. 15.
“It’s wonderful. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day. Our team is here, we’ve got everything set up and we’re ready to go,” said Patrick Gleason, organizer, noting the difference from the 2018 event. “Last year it was snowing, blowing, raining and it was awfully cold.”
Participants could walk, run, or ride a bike or scooter, said Gleason.
As part of the Alberta/Northwest Territories region, they were expecting to raise several hundred thousand dollars for cancer research, noted Gleason, adding they hoped to contribute a portion of that locally.
“There are expectations (that the region will raise) about $700,000,” he said. “Ten thousand is always our goal (locally). We reached about $9,000 last year, even in that awful weather.”
Prior to and after the event, there were T-shirts for sale, entertainment by local musicians, including ukulele player Rowan Jacques and the Innisfail band Ten O2, as well as snacks available for the participants.
About 40 people from Innisfail registered for the Terry Fox Run this year.
Alanna Lindl and her husband Tom were two local participants in this year’s event.
“It’s my second time doing (the Terry Fox Run) in Innisfail. I did it a couple of years ago as well,” said Lindl. “It’s certainly a cause we want to support and it’s a great Canadian cause. We have lost people to cancer so it’s a cause that’s dear to our hearts as well.”
Lindl noted another reason for taking part in the Terry Fox Run.
“I was diagnosed with arthritis earlier this year and I’ve had a hard time walking so this is a personal challenge for me,” she added.
Gleason noted the positive impact that every donation and every dollar raised for cancer research has had over the years.
“In 1940 the survival rate was around 25 per cent and today it is over 60 per cent,” said Gleason. “Some people say we don’t have the solution, but we’re making progress.”
