What they lacked in numbers, they made up for in heart.
Only about 25 people hit the pavement under sunny skies Sunday for the 31st annual Terry Fox Run, which wound its way along a 5-kilometer loop along a number of Innisfail trails. While organizers were disappointed with the low turnout – last year’s run drew over 60 runners on a wet, rainy day -
“We’re a small mighty group today,” Bill Hoppins, chair of the organizing committee, said during the opening ceremonies, which were held midday at Ecole Innisfail Middle School.
Following the singing of O’ Canada, Innisfail Deputy Mayor Mark Kemball addressed the crowd.
Kemball said while most of his heroes aren’t famous, Fox was an exception. Kemball said he was in high school when Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland in April 1980 and was in college when Fox passed away of lung cancer in June 1981.
“He’s left an amazing legacy,” Kemball said. “He’s a hero and a great Canadian.”
Looking out at the crowd, Kemball said he doubted that there was anyone in attendance who hadn’t been touched by cancer.
Members of the Wildrows Quilting Society then presented Hoppins with a quilt made from his old Terry Fox Run t-shirts. The stunning quilt will be used to promote future runs, and Hoppins said he hopes to see it permanently displayed at the new Innisfail Public Library once it is completed.
After bagpiper Stephen DeGraaf played Amazing Grace the crowd observed a moment of silence for those fighting cancer.
As the participants got set to head to the starting line, Hoppins asked them to remember those who have battled the disease.
“It’s a bad disease and we need to work against it,” he said.
For Janna Wowk and her four sons, the Terry Fox Run has been a family affair for seven straight years. Wowk, who grew up in British Columbia and knew the Fox family, said it was important for her and her sons: Ethan Christian, 8; Liam Christian, 6; Aaron Christian, 4; and Rowan Christian, 2, to be part of the cause while also learning about a true Canadian role model.
“We run … because we feel the fight against cancer is very important,” she said after the run. “It’s affected our family greatly.”
Though final numbers were unavailable as of the Province’s press deadline, Hoppins said this year’s run raised in excess of $9,000. While attendance was down significantly, Hoppins said many people who had donated to the run were unable to attend.
“I feel grateful and appreciative for the work our (organizing) committee did and for the people who came out today,”
