Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A steady stream of joggers, walkers and riders paraded through Napanee on Sunday during the annual town’s 38th annual Terry Fox Run.
Departing from Springside Park, participants had perfect weather as they took part in either a 5 km or 10 km route, all in the name of raising money for cancer research. Scattered throughout the route were volunteer students from Napanee District Secondary School cheering and offering a morale boost.
Before the fun run got underway, event organizers were able to deliver some encouraging news.
“Our goal was $12,000,” said Michelle Way, one of this year’s Napanee Terry Fox Run organizers. “We are at $12,250. All of it goes to cancer research. We are all touched by cancer.”
That surpassed last year’s total of $11,700. More money was expected to filter in as they continued to calculate the final total and collect pledge sheets.
“Wonderful to see such a turnout,” Greater Napanee mayor Marg Isbester said to the 50 or so participants that gathered in the park for the unofficial start. “It’s amazing to see how long (the Terry Fox Run) has gone on in our town, this one has been non-stop. In 1982 was the first year it came to town and there’s always been support from Napanee and Lennox and Addington.”
Members of Greater Napanee Emergency Service’s fire department again completed the route in full bunker gear. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Isbester credited the hard working volunteer team for organizing the event year after year.
“So many of these things peter out after a short period of time,” continued the mayor. “As I look around here, I’m sure there’s not one of us that hasn’t been touched by this disease.”
While the first wave of participants set out on their course just after 9:30 a.m., people were welcome to begin their trek whenever best suited their schedule. That made for a constant loop of travellers throughout the morning.
Debbie Lewis and Dana Henry walking the course. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
“Almost 40 years ago Terry began his run, which continues to inspire and motivate generations of people today,” said Eric Smith, warden of Lennox and Addington County who was also on hand to open the event. “Since 1982, the Napanee Terry Fox Run has raised well over half a million dollars with many dedicated volunteers who make this possible.”
Napanee’s run was one of hundreds that took place across Canada and around the world. The event is held annually on the third Sunday of September. It’s held in memory of Fox’s original Marathon of Hope, which set out to raise funds and awareness for cancer, which he began in 1980. Though a recurrence of his cancer prevented him from completing his cross-country trek, his memory lives on through his annual non-competitive run.