Lethbridge celebrates 45 years of the Terry Fox Run

It is the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run in Canada, and plenty of runners are expected out to honour the legacy of the Marathon of Hope.

In the summer of 1980, Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

The first Terry Fox Run in Lethbridge took place Sept. 14 of that year, just two weeks after Terry Fox was forced to end his run.

Forty-five years later, that legacy is still felt.

“It’s wonderful. Of course, cancer research is something that’s so important. And until we actually do finish it and reach Terry’s dream of a world without cancer, there’s going to be a need for cancer research,” said Austin Moloughney, Lethbridge Terry Fox Run organizer.

The main community run is happening this weekend, but the Green Acres Foundation held a run for its residents on Friday.

Leading the way was Fox’s uncle, Terry Fox.

He’s honoured to see how much impact his nephew’s run is still having today.

“I think it’s wonderful that people still remember him, because what he did was fantastic, unbelievable. Myself, I’ve had cancer for 22 years, and I’m still here,” said Fox.

The 86-year-old is a two-time cancer survivor.

He and countless others have benefited from the millions of dollars raised.

He says he isn’t giving up until there’s a cure for cancer.

“It’s just amazing that the people still remember my nephew and still help out fighting cancer. We are winning the war against cancer. We are. We haven’t won the complete war, but we are winning,” said Fox.

That same attitude is shared with countless community members across Lethbridge.

Four and a half decades later, people are still out every year, running for a cure.

“Just to be able to better the lives of people who have a diagnosis, or even the people who have a loved one with a diagnosis. And they might be able to, instead of planning for their end of life, plan for recovery,” said Moloughney.

The community Terry Fox Run is Sunday at Legacy Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.