This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, which began in April, 1980 when Terry Fox dipped his prosthetic leg in St. John’s harbour to begin his journey across Canada to raise awareness of cancer.
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, encourages all residents to participate in the 2020 Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 20. Due to public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are asked to participate in spirit and not in person this year. The theme ‘One Day. Your Way’ allows walkers, runners, rollers, dancers and hikers decide how to celebrate their Terry Fox Run. Most importantly, participants will continue to honour one of Canada’s most remarkable individuals by fundraising for cancer research.
Newfoundland and Labrador left an indelible mark on Terry Fox and his $1 million goal. It was on his visit to Port aux Basques, where he raised $10,000 – equivalent to one dollar from each resident of the town – that changed his objective. From that moment, his new goal was to raise one dollar from each Canadian. Ten months later after the Marathon of Hope began, over $24 million was raised for cancer research, and to date, the Terry Fox Foundation has collected over $800 million from around the world.
In 2016, the Provincial Government declared the second Sunday after Labour Day ‘Terry Fox Day’ in the province. To learn more about Terry Fox, his legacy and the Marathon of Hope, as well as virtual events taking place on September 20, please visit the Terry Fox Foundation.
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“It was Philanthropist Isadore Sharp who said, ‘Terry is like a meteor passing in the sky, one whose light travels beyond our view, yet still shines in the darkest night’. Terry’s light still shines on us all, and I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on September 20 to join their friends, family and neighbours virtually to participate in the Terry Fox Run. He is a true hero – a symbol of hope, courage, and determination for all Canadians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Learn more
Terry Fox Foundation
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Media contact
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 725-9231
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca