MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Communities and schools across Mountain View County are gearing up for this year's Terry Fox runs.
The runs raise money and awareness for cancer research. In total, there are Terry Fox runs in over 9,000 communities across Canada. To date, over $750 million has been raised worldwide.
Both Water Valley and Didsbury are holding their community Terry Fox runs on Sunday, Sept. 16.
For Water Valley, the event will be the 38th annual, says organizer Mary Thomson. The run begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. with the run commencing at 9 a.m. and ending by 2 p.m.
"The run has been going since 1989 in Water Valley," said Thomson. "In that time we've raised over $150,000. The last two years it's been over $14,000. We had 102 participants last year. It seems every year it grows. It's just an amazing community we have."
Thomson said the course is a beautiful one set mostly down the back roads away from traffic.
"We have the Water Valley Emergency Service Fire and Rescue patrolling the run so people are aware that there are kids and bikes," she said. "We do the route carefully so there's no problems. It's pavement so it's wheelchair, skateboard, bike friendly."
Thomson said there are three different lengths for the run: 2km, 5km and 10km. There are also water stations, refreshments and a barbecue after the run.
"It's become quite a family tradition," she said. "People come out and join to celebrate the lives of some that have gone as well as hope for those fighting cancer. No one in our community hasn't been touched by cancer. It's important that we continue on."
The Terry Fox community run in Didsbury will take place at Rosebud Park again this year. The run goes at 1 p.m. with registration at noon.
The run is once again being organized by the Didsbury Fire Department. Fire Chief Craig Martin told the Gazette that the Terry Fox Run is a great event and he encourages everyone to come out and participate.
"All proceeds from the run continue to go to fund cancer research and assistance for those dealing with cancer," said Martin. "We really want to see the community come out and stand together and acknowledge the cause. I don't think there is anyone who hasn't experienced cancer among their family or their friends."
The run features three different lengths: 2.5km, 5km and 10 km and is family friendly, said Martin.
All the schools in Didsbury will have Terry Fox runs. The high school will be having its Terry Fox Run on Sept. 20 in the morning, while Westglen and Ross Ford Elementary schools will once again be doing a joint run on Sept. 27 in the afternoon.
Westglen principal Carolyn Massel said it's a great event that all the kids participate in.
"The Terry Fox Foundation provides us with name stickers for everybody that say who they are walking for," said Massel. "I don't think there is a single child in our school who has trouble thinking of someone in their family who has been affected by cancer. They're literally wearing someone's name on their heart that day as they walk around."
Massel said the students do about a one-kilometre loop around town.
"Terry Fox had a dream of raising $1 for every Canadian; we're going to adjust it for 2018 rates and see if we can raise $2 for every student," she said. "That would allow us to donate $600 to the Canadian Cancer Foundation."
Cremona School is holding its Terry Fox Run for students on Sept. 28 at 2:15 p.m.
In Carstairs, Carstairs Elementary and Hugh Sutherland schools will be doing a joint Terry Fox run on Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. at Memorial Park.
Younger kids run one or three kilometres, while the older kids can do a five-kilometre run, said organizer Melanie Bosomworth.
"The Kodiak leadership team at Hugh Sutherland will be helping out with collecting money and with the pancake breakfast, which is put on by the Town of Carstairs," said Bosomworth. "We raise money by promoting a 'Toonie for Terry.' Our school goal is for each child to bring a toonie. The funds raised go to the Canadian Cancer Society. The elementary school also does pledge forms and online donations."
