The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions around the world 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' close to $500 million dollars (CAD).[1] 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. There are also runs set up by schools of every level, often with shorter distances than the "official" ones.
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 Terry Fox Runs have no advertisements on any race related materials (such as t-shirts, banners, etc).
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The 'Terry Fox Foundation' [1] 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. Since 1991, $65 million was raised from Terry Fox Runs around the world.[2]
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.
In 2009, over AED5 million was raised from the Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi.[3]
The National Director of the Terry Fox Foundation is currently Darrell Fox, Terry's younger brother, who accompanied Terry on the Marathon of Hope.[2]
North America
South America
Europe
Middle East
Asia Pacific
Africa