Organizing chores are well underway for the annual Terry Fox Run in 100 Mile House, which starts at the South Cariboo Visitor Centre on Airport Road at 11 a.m. on Sept. 15.
Last year, it was a first for Shannon Pennicott when she ran the 10-kilometre route for charity. It's another first for her this year, as she took over the reins from longtime 100 Mile House organizers Werner and Janet Heine.
The idea to participate in the Terry Fox Run came to Pennicott in 2011 when she was diagnosed with two different kinds of cancer – one curable and one non-curable.
“The curable one is gone. We got rid of that one.
“I live with the other one. They call it 'indolent' cancer. It's very slow growing. It may lay dormant forever and not do anything. Or it may fire up again.
It's a wait-and-see kind of thing. It's taught me a lot and it's opened my eyes to a lot of things.”
When the Heines decided to step down, Pennicott, 44, says she saw an opportunity to get involved with the run, which is held every year around the world and raises millions of dollars for cancer research.
“Why not? It touches me directly,” says Pennicott, who currently undergoes chemotherapy treatment every three months.
There is a new 10-kilometre route for 100 Mile House runners and walkers that goes around the marsh near the Visitor Centre, through Centennial Park and extends into residential areas near the Soccer Park before looping back. There are also 1.5- and five-kilometre routes.
No entry fee or minimum donation is required, Pennicott says, adding people can register online at www.terryfox.org, or on the morning of the event, starting at 10 a.m.
“I hope it's a nice day and everyone comes out and has a nice run or walk or whatever they choose to do.”