This year marks the 34th Annual Terry Fox Run and 100 Mile House run organizer Shannon Pennicott invites residents to help keep Terry’s message alive.
Pennicott, who has been touched by cancer herself, notes the Terry Fox Run is a long-standing tradition in 100 Mile House – since 1985.
"We've all learned about Terry, even through school, and I think it is important to keep that [momentum] going."
Donna White, Provincial Director for the Terry Fox Foundation British Columbia and Yukon, says it funds research of all kinds of cancer towards conquering this disease.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Shannon for her continued dedication to the run, and extend the invitation to the community of 100 Mile House to join her on run day."
It is an enjoyable day and a good cause, Pennicott says, adding everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another.
This year’s National Run Day event takes place Sept. 14 at the South Cariboo Visitor Information Centre at the intersection of Highway 97 and Airport Road at 11 a.m. Registration/check-in is at 10 a.m.
The runs are a non-competitive, all-inclusive, and family-oriented activity where participants can run, walk, or bike for a 1-, 5- or 10-kilometre run.
"We are going to focus on the 5-km run, if anyone wants to do the 10 km they can just do it twice."
Beginning last year, organizers decided to change it up and leave the concrete behind in the 5-km run.
"We actually go up through the campground and down through the new bridge trail down by the [Bridge Creek falls in Centennial Park]."
Pennicott notes the 1.5-km marsh trail section of the run is wheelchair-accessible, but the longer runs that traverse along the park waterfall trails are not.
Dogs on leash are welcome, and water and juice will be provided to participants after the run.
The registration is free, or by voluntary donation – there is no minimum pledge, she adds.
Participants may be individuals, recognized as a corporate team, or a member of Terry’s Team of cancer survivors.
Pennicott encourages businesses to put out a challenge to their peers, but everyone who wishes to can raise pledges for the run.
There is an option to register ahead online at www.terryfox.org/Run, and cancer survivors or patients will receive a free, special T-shirt, and other registrants can order a run T-shirt.
The T-shirts will also be available at the site on run day, Pennicott adds.
The website also offers a means to raise funds online, download a pledge sheet, donate to a participant, fundraising tips and other run tools.
Folks are also welcome to just show up for the run and register on-site at 10 a.m.