The annual Terry Fox Run is too much of a longstanding family tradition for so many families like Jennifer Speer’s family to let the inertia of the past two years interfere. She and her sister-in-law Becca Cheskes are determined to get people to shake off the Covid cobwebs and come out on September 18 in person to walk, run, or cycle in the 42nd Annual Terry Fox Run in Meaford.
Participants can register online at https://run.terryfox.ca/meaford or in person on the 18th at the Rotary Pavilion at Meaford harbour, starting at 8:30 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m. Jennifer has yet to finalize the 5-kilometre route but she is getting close. The 10-kilometre route will be two loops around the five-kilometer route.
Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope has become legendary. It is the story of a young man who in 1980 set out to run across Canada with the simple objective of bringing attention to the importance of finding a cure for cancer. He ran an average of 42 kilometres every day for 143 days until September of that year when his cancer spread to his lungs. Despite all, he realized his personal dream of raising $1 for every Canadian. By February 1981, the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope fund totalled $24.17 million. He died on June 28, 1981.
Covid created a few hiccups for the Meaford Terry Fox Run, and in other communities, according to Jennifer.
“I don’t think we are on people’s radars as much as in the past. The Terry Fox Run used to be such a tradition, a staple, the thing you do every year. This two-year hiccup has taken the run out of people’s minds. It may not be the go-to, must-do event,” she explained. “Becca and I are doing our best to bring it back. I am always blown away by this community. Everybody is great. People are absolutely willing to help out.”
The organizing team has set a goal for this year’s run to raise more than $10,000 and 100 participants.
“I want us to solidly pass the $10,000 mark this year,” said Becca. “Last year, we were right on the border of $10,000. I want to know on September 19 that we solidly passed that number long before the Terry Fox Foundation announces our final tally. The numbers of participants dropped during the past two years, Covid messed us up, but I am aiming to see 100 participants in person on the 18th.”
Jennifer and Becca are putting together an assortment of items for an auction, including legacy T-shirts from the Terry Fox Run in past years. To view items and place your bid, go to @tfrmeaford.
For more information contact Jennifer or Becca at tfrmeaford@gmail.com.
