5 reasons to participate in today’s virtual Terry Fox Run

Today is the 2020 Terry Fox Run, and while it’s a virtual event this year, there are still plenty of reasons to participate. Sure, you may not be able to gather with hundreds or thousands of other runners in your city or town like you would in a normal year, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run. Here are just a few of the many reasons that you should get out today for a run to honour Terry Fox. 

15k for #TerryFox. About a third of what he ran every day. ?? pic.twitter.com/O3MP4B2o1G

— Matt Galloway (@mattgallowaycbc) September 20, 2020

Raise money for cancer research 

Fox started his Marathon of Hope in April 1980 and had to stop in September of the same year. A few months later, in February 1981, he reached his goal of raising $1 for every Canadian, for a total of more than $24 million. Fox passed away that summer, but the Terry Fox Foundation has continued his legacy, raising more than $800 million in the last 40 years. As is always the case, this year’s Terry Fox Run is a chance for the foundation to raise even more funds, and you can help by donating. Head to the Terry Fox Run website, donate to the cause and log some miles while you’re at it. 

RELATED: Fred Fox, brother of Terry Fox, on the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope

Support your local run

You can’t physically run with everyone else in your town this year, but when registering for the virtual event, you’ll be asked to specify where you’re running. This way, you can still support your local Terry Fox Run organizers, just like you have in the past. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFVqyv_onOR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Continue the tradition 

Every year, millions of Canadians participate in the Terry Fox Run. Even people who hate running show up for the event and get out for a jog. If you’ve made the Terry Fox Run an annual tradition with your friends or family, don’t let COVID-19 stop your routine. Get your Terry Fox Run crew together for a socially-distanced run to continue your tradition, which will hopefully get back to normal with in-person events once again in 2021. 

RELATED: Terry Fox could be on the next $5 bill

Celebrate the 40th anniversary 

This year would have been a massive celebration at Terry Fox Runs across the country, because it’s the 40th anniversary of Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Fox inspired people all around Canada and the world with his run, and 40 years later, that continues to be the case. You won’t have another opportunity to celebrate a massive milestone like this until the 50th anniversary of the run, so you should take advantage of today’s virtual anniversary event while you have the chance. 

#OnThisDay – 4,400km: Blind River, ON

"Today was a great day. I finished twenty-six miles by 3:20pm. First I did fourteen miles then I did twelve. The morning was very cool. The miles were strong and solid until the final mile of the day, when I nearly collapsed." pic.twitter.com/m3RDtLG6YA

— TerryFoxFoundation (@TerryFoxCanada) August 7, 2020

You’re probably running today anyway

We’re willing to bet that you’re going to run today anyway, so why not do it for Fox? The virtual event is live for the whole day, so it’s not too late to register. To find out more about the 2020 Terry Fox Run and to sign up, click here. 

RELATED: Terry Fox featured in Google Doodle ahead of virtual charity run