Staff
The congregation of the Church of the Holy Spirit is hoping people will come out and help make the 35th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run a success.
The local “Marathon of Hope” is set to go this Sunday (Sept. 20) starting at the Sorting Gap Marina, with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the run going at 2 p.m.
“It went really, really well last year and we’re hoping for even more people to come out this year,” said David Ogilvie, a member of the church who is organizing the event.
About 100 people raised more than $13,000 for cancer research last year and organizers are hoping to surpass those numbers this year.
Ogilvie stressed everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, adding Terry Fox really brought the illness to the forefront when he embarked on his cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research back in 1980.
The local run, which is roughly five-km long to the Seven Oaks area and back, can be completed twice by those wanting to run a 10K distance.
“It can be competitive for those who want to be competitive or non-competitive for those who just want to have fun,” noted Ogilvie, adding participants can walk, run, or ride their bikes.
“It’s all about raising money for cancer research,” he stressed, saying all ages are welcome to attended.
Pledge forms are available at locations throughout the district. But even if someone didn’t get a pledge form, they still can join in.
“You can register when you get there and just make a donation if you want,” Ogilvie said.
Participants also can register online at www.terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/fortfrances
Refreshments will be available for participants following the run.
While the Church of the Holy Spirit has enjoyed organizing the event for the past five years, it is looking for another group of individuals to take it over.
“This will be our final year,” Ogilvie remarked, noting another church or organization would be ideal to take it on.
He said they will pass along all of their planning materials, as well as provide support to any group interested in taking over the organization of the event in future years.
“If no one steps up to take it on, it just might not happen,” Ogilvie warned.
“And we don’t want to see that.”
For more information, visit “Terry Fox Run 2015—Fort Frances” on Facebook.
