The 38th annual Terry Fox Run is this Sunday (Sept. 16) and features a brand new route along the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers.
“We are starting from The Exploration Place and going to Cottonwood Island and back,” says Terry Fox Run lead organizer Scott McWalter, adding that the start and finish line will be at The Exploration Place’s upper parking lot.
McWalter, who has been organizing the Terry Fox Run in Prince George for five years, says there’s always a great turnout.
“It’s like most other events in Prince George, where the community just rallies behind it. Every year, we get around 1,000 people depending on the weather, and that is our goal again this year.”
McWalter says there is also going to be an exciting announcement made at the start of the run, involving The Exploration Place and the University of Northern British Columbia.
“It’s going to be very cool for putting Prince George on the map, not just provincially but nationally,” says McWalter.
He adds the run itself is a family-friendly event and, as the route is wheelchair accessible, participants are welcome to walk, run, wheel, or even ride bikes or scooters.
McWalter says the most important thing is that people raise awareness for Terry Fox’s legacy and his history with Prince George.
Terry Fox came up to Prince George in 1979 (a year before the Marathon of Hope) and participated in a marathon, now known as the Labour Day Classic with his brother.
“That actual event gave Terry the confidence and motivation to go through the Marathon of Hope the following year,” McWalter tells PrinceGeorgeMatters.
Sunday’s run will also host a variety of vendors, including Tim Hortons, Booster Juice, David’s Tea and Frozen Paddle. Integris Credit Union is sponsoring a barbecue.
“It’s going to be a big party this year; that is the type of atmosphere we are going to provide,” says McWalter.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. The course is open from 10 a.m. to noon.
