Despite whipping winds, drizzling rain, and cool temperatures, many people of all ages came out and ran for a good cause Sunday during the annual Terry Fox Run here.
The event pulled in $5,200 in pledges for the Canadian Cancer Society as about 90 participants walked, ran, biked, and in-line skated from La Place Rendez-Vous to Victoria Avenue via Front Street, then back along Second Street East to Pither’s Point.
“The numbers this year were a little down but many weren’t bringing the whole family down, like they sometimes do, for a nice afternoon walk,” said Fort Frances OPP Cst. Steve Maki, who has organized the local run for the past three years.
The cold weather also affected another aspect of the run. Originally slated to start at 3 p.m., many participants decided to get going as soon as they registered at two. This led to a staggered procession of runners who wanted to finish before the weather worsened.
Among the participants was cancer survivor Alex Parent and his family, who braved the miserable weather to show their support for Terry Fox.
“[Alex] also drew the winning ticket for the incentive draw,” noted Cst. Maki, referring to the trip for two to Florida donated by International Travel Services that was up for grabs to the participants.
Carrie Jolicoeur, 12, was the lucky winner.
Marjorie Hull was the top fundraiser this year, raising $1,006 in pledges.
“I really believe in the research being done,” she said. “I was very persistent . . . Terry Fox did such a good job, I wanted to keep up the tradition.
“I also know a lot of people.”
Even though numbers were down from last year, Cst. Maki looked at the local effort as a positive one, particularly in its contribution to the provincial total raised for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Provincially, the funds raised [this year] were up 10 percent from last year,” he noted.