Staff
Local Terry Fox Run organizers are hoping district residents turn out Sunday afternoon to show their support for the 30th anniversary of the “Marathon of Hope.”
“We’re crossing our fingers for a really good turnout,” said Ted Brockie, who has helped set up the course for this year’s run, which will kick off at 1 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina and wind down the waterfront to Seven Oaks and back.
The Church of the Holy Spirit has taken up organizing the run—hoping to revive it locally after the number of participants has ebbed in recent years.
“We’ve done so many good things,” Brockie said about the work organizers have undertaken to make this year’s event one people will enjoy.
For example, he noted markers have been set up along the course at the one-km point, the one-mile point, and so on so people have an idea of how fast they’re going.
Energy Fitness also will be helping out by clocking those who want their run timed.
“And, of course, after the run we’re all going up to the Métis centre on Armit Avenue, and there’s sloppy joes and Tim Hortons doughnuts.
“And anything you’ve lost as far as calories by doing the course, you’re going to go the other way on the goodies up at the Métis Hall,” Brockie pledged.
There also will be trophies for the top male, female, and child under 12 who turns in the most pledges on the day of the run.
“The weather’s supposed to be good, cool and clear,” Brockie added, encouraging everyone to come out and participate.
“The Terry Fox Run has already produced, in the last 30 years, half-a-billion dollars for cancer research,” he noted.
“The very type of cancer that took Terry’s leg and ultimately killed him, that particular variety of cancer, the monies generated in the last 30 years have cured that particular type of cancer and most people who get it don’t even lose a limb.
“I think that’s a very poignant example of what the money has done so far,” Brockie said.
Pledge forms can be found throughout the district, including here at Energy Fitness, Brockie’s Jewellers, Rainy Lake Sports & Tackle, and Taggs Source for Sports.
There also available at Dev-Lynne’s in Devlin, Cloverleaf Shop Easy in Emo, the Barwick Village Restaurant, Stratton Equipment, and Beaver Mills Market in Rainy River.
Terry Fox Run T-shirts, which cost $17 for adults and $15 for children, also are still available by contacting Cheryle Wolff at 274-7074.
