On April 12, 1980, a 22 year old Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope – a quest to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. But this wasn’t just any run, Terry himself battled cancer, and as a result had his right leg amputated when he was 19. The night before his operation, he read about and was inspired by Dick Traum, the first amputee to complete the New York Marathon. After his rehabilitation, he began a 14-week marathon training program, telling his family he planned to run a marathon, while he planned the Marathon of Hope in private. He ran and completed a marathon in Prince George, BC in August 1979, after which he shared his plan to run across the country to raise one dollar for each of the 24 million people across Canada.
Although this journey began with little fanfare, he attracted the attention of the country and became a national star and hero by the time he had reached Ontario. Unfortunately, 143 days and 5,373km into his journey (3,339 miles; that’s almost a marathon a day), his cancer had spread to his lungs, forcing him to end his run outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. He passed away nine months later, but his legacy and inspiration to others has lived on.
This Friday, Linda Wong will be paying tribute to Terry and recognizing this special day by running a marathon around Vancouver bearing the Terry Fox Flag. This is only one of many tribute runs happening across the country, and she even on her run, she’ll be joined by runners along her way.
Live in Vancouver and want to join Linda this Friday? You don’t have to join for the whole distance. Come for whatever distance you wish, whether it be 1km, 10km, or more. Can’t come out to run? Come by to show your support at one of the many stops she’ll be making. Find more information here.
Read more about Linda’s story and how this event came to be here and here.
All photos are courtesy of The Terry Fox Foundation.
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