Terry Fox run going virtual this weekend

The annual Terry Fox run will be held this Sunday, but this year participants are encouraged to run on their own due to current health protocols.

“We’re asking people to run, walk, bike on their own or with a friend around their block, their yard, or wherever they choose that’s within their bubble,” said Evelyn Campeau, organizer for the Bonnyville run.

Bonnyville typically pulls in anywhere between 30 to 50 participants of the run, depending on weather, and managed to raise over $3800 for cancer research not accounting for the money raised by schools.

The larger M.D. community has raised over $100,000 since it began participating in the run in 1983.

“It’s unfortunate we can’t do something special to celebrate the marathon’s 40th anniversary,” lamented Campeau.

The Terry Fox Foundation’s slogan for the occasion is “One Day. Your Way.”

“This year, the global pandemic has changed so much about our lives from how we work, whom we spend our time with, where we go. But it has not changed our desire to help others, to make a difference, to bring light into the dark, just like Terry did in 1980. The Marathon of Hope might be turning 40 years old but the message is timeless,” the foundation said.

While the run is officially held on Sunday, anyone participating can complete their circuit at any time during the weekend.

Schools are not expected to host their runs this year.

Anyone interested in participating in the online run can sign up at terryfox.org