It has been thirty five years since Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, and in that time major strides have been made in cancer research and survivability. More work needs to be done, and that’s why the Terry Fox Run continues. Yorkton will be part of the national event, with the run happening on September 20.
Katie Wilkinson has taken over as the chair of the event. She says that after last year brought out nearly 200 runners, they hope to keep the numbers up and raise as much money as they can.
“We’re trying to make it as big as possible.”
There will be a 5km route for the event, and participants can take either a 5km or 10km run. There will also be a barbecue provided by Mr. Mikes.
Wilkinson herself has been running for two years now, and says she was inspired by losses in her own life to start running for the cause.
“Running has helped me push through a lot of really negative things in my life... It’s also inspired people in my life to get into running. Terry Fox, what he did for people just bringing so much awareness to cancer, and raise so much money to help people, you want to continue that.”
Having taken over as chair very late in the game, Wilkinson says that this year is about keeping the momentum from the past two years, where the event had a significant increase in numbers for the Yorkton area.
“A lot of people I know have never even ran a race or anything like that, and they’re getting really excited about being able to get out and run and have a good time. It’s a really positive experience for everyone involved.”
Wilkinson is already getting plans together for next year’s event, and says that she wants to have the event continue to grow, and have more events surrounding it in the lead up to the run itself.
To get involved, people can come on the day of the event or go online at terryfox.org. They can also contact Wilkinson at [email protected] or 306-620-3244.
