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Terry Fox Run goes Sept. 17

It’s as Canadian a tradition as maple syrup and hockey. Since 1981, Canadians have taken to the streets for the Terry Fox Run to honour one of the nation’s finest. And this year, the town will host its annual run at 1 p.m. Sept. 17.
Westlock’s annual Terry Fox Run hits the trails Sept. 17. Runners take off from the tennis courts behind the Rotary Spirit Centre.
Westlock’s annual Terry Fox Run hits the trails Sept. 17. Runners take off from the tennis courts behind the Rotary Spirit Centre.

It’s as Canadian a tradition as maple syrup and hockey.

Since 1981, Canadians have taken to the streets for the Terry Fox Run to honour one of the nation’s finest. And this year, the town will host its annual run at 1 p.m. Sept. 17.

“Usually we get about 20-30 people, typically weather dependent,” said organizer Travis Darling.

“We’ve had years where it’s really cold and we’ve had years where I’m standing at the water station and everyone’s throwing their jacket to me.”

Darling said it was looking like the day would be a warmer run. Runners will start at the tennis courts behind the Rotary Spirit Centre, with the five-kilometre run going to the railroad tracks on Highway 18 and back and the 10-kilometre run which covers the entire Rotary Trail.

Terry Fox captured the hearts of people around the world after attempting to run across Canada to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society and find a cure, in spite of only having one leg. For 143 days, Fox strode 5,373 km before the cancer reached his lungs while he was in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Fox died June 28, 1981, but not before his efforts brought in $24.17 million for cancer research.

“If you say you’re from Canada, a lot of people internationally will recognize that’s where Terry Fox was from,” said Darling. “I think it’s important that we get out and do stuff as a community and support things like this. It’s finishing the run for Terry.”

Participation in the marathon is free. People are welcome to make the trek by whatever means they feel comfortable, be that run, walk, rollerblade, skip or bike.

“It’s an open, public trail, so people can do it however they want,” said Darling. “We’ve had firefighters in their full-gear before. Have a little fun with it.”

While there is no registration fee to take part, runners are welcome to follow in Fox’s footsteps and raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation.

“We’re trying to promote health and wellness throughout the town,” said organizer Mark Heely. “It’s a national thing, it’s run across the country. It’s a Canadian pride thing.”

While the town is hosting its region-wide run Sept. 17, schools in the area are holding their own runs. Students at Westlock Elementary School hit the trails Sept. 15, St. Mary School takes off Sept. 20, Pembina North Community School takes to the streets Sept. 26, Busby and Eleanor Hall Schools will run Sept. 27 and R.F. Staples host its run Sept. 29.

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