Terry Fox Run

The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions across the globe in commemoration of Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox, and his Marathon of Hope, and to raise money for cancer research.

The event was founded in 1981 by Isadore Sharp, who contacted Terry in-hospital by telegram and expressed his wishes to hold an annual run in Terry's name to raise funds for cancer research. The event is held every year on the second Sunday following Labour Day. Since its inception, it has raised via the 'Terry Fox Foundation' over $340 million dollars (CAD). The run itself is informal which means that the distance often varies, usually between 5 and 15 kilometres; participation is considered to be more important than completing the set distance.

Unlike other major fund raising events, the Terry Fox Run has no corporate sponsorship. This is in accordance with Terry Fox's original wishes of not seeking fame or fortune from his endeavour. During his cross-Canada run, he turned down every endorsement he was offered (including from major multinationals such as McDonald's), as he felt that it would detract from his goal of creating public awareness. The current Terry Fox Runs have no advertisements on any race related materials (such as t-shirts, banners, etc).

History

The 'Terry Fox Foundation' was founded in 1981, and decided to raise money by holding a run that took place that same year. It was a huge success with over 300,000 runners taking part, raising C$3.5 million.

In 2002, there were 620 event sites in 53 countries. The runs are organized by Canadian Embassies/High Commissions/Consulates, the Canadian military along with anti-cancer organizations and individuals. It is estimated that over 2.5 million people participate internationally in the runs.

The run is the single largest single-day cancer fundraiser in the world.

Today the National Director is Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother, who accompanied Terry on the Marathon of Hope.

International runs

North America
* Canada - First run: September 13 1981 at 760 run sites across Canada
* Cuba - First run: 1998. 2005 at over 3,600 run sites across the country, totalling 1.9 million Cubans. 2006 reached highest level of approximately 2.6 million participants. 17 March 2007 10th Anniversary run at 4652 sites, totalling 2.267 million participants.
* United States

Europe
* Croatia
* Czechoslovakia
* Hungary - held from 1999 to 2005
* Ireland
* Netherlands
* Poland - First run: 2006 [ [http://www.tvn.pl/2006,10,1364333,nagoraco.html tvn.pl ] ]
* Portugal - First run: 1994 [ [http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/portugal/embassy/terryfoxrun06-en.asp Portugal :: Terry Fox Run ] ]
* Romania
* Turkey
* United Kingdom

Middle East
* Kuwait
* Saudi Arabia
* Syria
* United Arab Emirates

Asia Pacific
* Australia - First run: September 1988 in Brisbane (legacy from Expo '88) raising $ 22 000 (AUD)
* Bangladesh
* China - First run: 1998
* Japan
* Korea
* Malaysia - First run: early 1990s in Kuala Lumpur [ [http://www.terryfoxrunkl.org/ Terry Fox Run Kuala Lumpur] ]
* Singapore
* Thailand - First run: 2002 in Bangkok
* Taiwan
* Vietnam - First run: 1996 in Ho Chi Minh City

Africa
* Kenya
* South Africa
* Zimbabwe

ee also

*Terry Fox
*Marathon of Hope

References

External links

* [http://www.terryfoxrun.org/ Official site]
* Department of National Defence. [http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Feature_Story/2003/sept03/23_f_e.asp Feature Story: "Kabul Marathon of Hope"]