With COVID-19 restrictions throwing the Run into a virtual arena for the first time, there were plenty of questions as to what kind of a response there would be. But in the end, around 35 people officially registered for the event, and given past live runs, that number might even be quite a bit higher.
“We had about 100 at the event last year, but in terms of people registered, many brought family members and the number registered would have been 60 or 70,” said local Terry Fox Run organizer Craig Hemingway. “So we’re looking at about half the participation, but without having the final total, I think it would be at least two-thirds if not a bit more compared to what we raised last year.”
That’s as positive as can be given how things were far, far different from a normal year — and especially when it comes to the unknowns surrounding such a change.
“I think the success, going back to Terry’s motto, his whole thing was ‘give what you can,’” Hemingway said. “So looking at it from that perspective almost any amount would be successful because it’s just more money for the Terry Fox Foundation and their fight against cancer.”
While runners would normally gather at a pre-determined location — in 2019, Elk’s Field in Moose Jaw — and head out on some the local trails, this year everything was left up to the individual runners.
That’s where the theme ‘One Day. Your Way’ came into play, as participants were encouraged to register online and then run, walk or even bike in support of the legendary Marathon of Hope and its ongoing legacy.
“I heard from some people who were talking about where to go, and a few selected different places like Wakamow, Paashkwow Park and along that trail was a popular destination, then my wife and myself and our dog went for a walk in River Park on Sunday afternoon before the wind got up,” Hemingway said. “It was a nice afternoon for a stroll, and the nice thing about it, you could go any time of the day and whereever you wanted.”
Hemingway was also quick to thank the likes of Stephanie Meyer and Jenny Gadd for their help in putting things together locally, as well as generous donations from the Moose Jaw Co-op and Bobby’s Place, which held a raffle in support of the Run.
“So there’s a lot of help, no matter what these events are like, a traditional event or even a virtual manner, it still takes more than one person to pull off so I really appreciate the help that was provided by the community,” Hemingway said.
The Foundation isn’t done with fundraising ventures for this year, either. Next up is the annual Terry Fox School Run, which will take place on Sept. 30 or “any day that works for your school”, according to the organization’s website.
“I think the Terry Fox Foundation does a really good job of staying in the public eye,” Hemingway said. “They have a really strong social media and educational presence, they are really, really excellent at keeping Terry’s legacy alive through educational programs and partnering with schools across the country and around the world.”
For more information and to make a donation, visit terryfox.org.
