Terry Fox Run in Sundridge next weekend

by Jen Nicholson

SUNDRIDGE – The 26th annual Terry Fox Run is quickly approaching. Once again the Sundridge-Strong Volunteer Fire Department is set to host the annual fundraising run for Almaguin residents and visitors.

On Sunday, Sept. 16, participants can run, walk, bike, roller blade, wheelchair or take a ride in a stroller, said run organizer and volunteer firefighter Rob Dimmick. “In previous years we’ve had babies in strollers to people 80 years old participating.”

The route starts at the Lion’s Park in downtown Sundridge and follows along Main Street, Albert Street and High Rock Road to the lookout.

There and back, the run/walk is about 10 km, yet Dimmick assures that participants can complete as much or as little of the route as they are comfortable with. “Just come out and do your thing.”

The purpose of the non-competitive event is to raise monies for cancer research as well as celebrate Terry Fox’s legacy.

A barbecue with hot dogs and pop will be set up at the Lion’s Park for participants as they cross the finish line. Water will be supplied throughout the morning.

Pledge forms for the run can be picked up at the village office, fire department and area convenience stores.

There is no official race entry fee; rather any donations or pledges from participants or well-wishes will go to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer prevention and research.

Last year about 40 people came out to the Terry Fox Run in Sundridge.

The number of participants has gone down in recent years, noted Dimmick. Lower turnout might be due to the draw of the Sundridge-Strong fall fair that takes place on the same weekend. As well, many area schools organize a variety of Terry Fox fundraising initiatives during school hours.

Dimmick said he hopes that more people come out to the Almaguin run than in previous years.

The Terry Fox Run is an international event, drawing hundreds of thousands of people out each year to run, walk or roll for cancer prevention.

The first Terry Fox Run in 1981 attracted 300,000 participants across Canada and raised $3.5 million.

To date, more than $400 million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Terry’s name.

The Sundridge Terry Fox Run starts at 10 a.m. at the Lion’s Park.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. For more information log on to www.terryfoxrun.org or contact Dimmick at 384-7726.