SUNDRE — Although there technically was no official community Terry Fox Run this year because of the pandemic, supporters of the annual cancer research fundraiser were nevertheless encouraged to participate by picking their own route and donating online.
Sunday, Sept. 20 marked the 40th annual Marathon of Hope, which was started by Canadian icon Terry Fox, who inspired first the nation, then the world, by attempting to embark on a cross-country trek on a prosthetic leg in an admirable demonstration of resolute determination against adversity.
Tragically, the relentless spread of cancer forced him to abort the marathon after 143 days and 5,373 km. He died in 1981 at the age of 22, leaving behind him a legacy that endures to this day.
People who wanted to get involved still had the opportunity to run, jog, walk, or bike a route and distance of their choice, and making a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation online.
"They’re being very careful just due to the environment, what with COVID," said Annalise Fricker, the community Terry Fox Run coordinator who took the torch from her father Terry Leslie, adding she could not take any donations in person.
“The only thing I’m doing this year is selling T-shirts,” said Fricker late last week, adding only three out of some 20 of the commemorative 40th annual Terry Fox Run shirts remained at the time.
“It’s the most we’ve sold” in three years of selling the shirts, she said.
Including the T-shirt sales, the community raised about $2,000, said Fricker, calling that amount "pretty much on par with the last couple of years. I'm glad to see that the people of Sundre embraced the virtual aspect of the run this year."
