The Terry Fox Run is an annual charity event that originated in Canada, inspired by the story of 22 year old Canadian Terry Fox and his ‘Marathon of Hope’. A run across Canada by Fox, who’d had his right leg amputated because of cancer, to raise awareness and money for the treatment of cancer.
Terry started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and the money collected along his route began to mount. He ran close to 42 kilometres a day through Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario. However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres, Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age 22.
According to the organisers the “Terry Fox Run in Hong Kong is volunteer-organized with no budget for expenses and none of the proceeds raised through the event are used to cover costs. All funds raised will go towards a local Hong Kong based cancer research project.”
As it celebrates 35 years, the Terry Fox Run is no longer just a Canadian tradition but rather an annual event that has taken place in every corner of the world, dedicated to eradicating a disease that knows no political or geographic boundaries. This year’s event is the third Terry Fox Run Hong Kong.
In addition to promoting public support for cancer patients, last year’s Terry Fox Run Hong Kong raised almost $550,000 and had over 600 participants. The total amount raised was donated to the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s latest cancer research project, which aims to use new technology in analyzing circulating tumor cells, ultimately improving care for cancer patients.
The 2015 Terry Fox Run is a 3km, 5km or 10km non-competitive, family-oriented run or walk. With no fee for participation or minimum donation required. Everyone is welcome to participate, from running enthusiasts to families with kids
Terry Fox Run Hong kong
Date: 10am – 3pm, 7 November, 2015
Venue: Renaissance College Hong Kong, 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan
Tickets: Free, register here Terry Fox 2015
