The residents of Prince George were issued a challenge that they apparently couldn't wait to meet.
Local Terry Fox Run lead organizer Scott McWalter set a goal of having 1,000 participants in this year's event, and by Sunday afternoon.
"We didn't hit 1,000 people," said McWalter. "We actually exceeded it."
A grand total of 1,021 people registered and participated in the city's Terry Fox Run, which set off from Community Foundation Park at 10 a.m. Sunday, 35 years after Terry Fox himself took part in the Labour Day Classic race.
The number of participants was a record for Prince George and the money raised for the Terry Fox Foundation took a leap as well. With more donations still coming in, the local five-kilometre walk, run and roll, had already exceeded the just-shy-of $10,000 raised the year before.
McWalter, who is in his second year of spearheading the event, said he was pleased, but not necessarily surprised.
He attributed the success to a strong social media following, business interests stepping up to take part and spread the word and the volunteer base.
"I have to thank all the volunteers that come out each and every year and make this run possible. Because if it wasn't for their hard work, not only today but leading up to the event, it wouldn't be such a success," McWalter said. "It's all about those volunteers - and not just the Terry Fox Run but every charitable event that happens in Prince George. I couldn't be more thankful to them."
