It has been 34 years since Terry Fox ran his heroic Marathon of Hope.
Summerland will join other communities across Canada in hosting a Terry Fox Run this coming Sunday, Sept. 14.
“Everyone is affected in some way by cancer,” said Keith Johnson, who along with Mike and Heather Cooke, is organizing this year’s run in Summerland.
Johnson has headed up the Summerland run for the last five years. However, as he has relocated to Penticton, he is turning over the reins to the Cookes.
When the Cookes learned Johnson was looking for someone to replace him, they were happy to step up to the plate.
They have lost several friends and colleagues to cancer, and in 2013, Mike’s father, Tony Cooke, died of pancreatic cancer.
Registration for this year’s run begins at 10:15 a.m. at the Summerland Aquatic Centre.
The run/walk starts and finishes at the Aquatic Centre; participants have the option of a one-kilometre, three-kilometre or five-kilometre route.
The one-kilometre route will be led by the Summerland Orca Swim Club. Refreshments will be available following the run.
The three- and five-kilometre events are suitable for bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, strollers and rollerblades.
The one-kilometre walk is not suitable for bikes or rollerblades.
Dogs on leash are welcome.
Participants can enjoy a free swim or soak in the hot tub at the Aquatic Centre during the public swim from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Schools typically hold their own Terry Fox Run later in September, but given the current labour dispute, Johnson encourages families to bring their children to the community event.
Fox had a dream of raising $1 for each of Canada’s 24 million people at the time.
As of May 2014, more than $650 million has been raised in his name to help fund cancer research.
Summerland held its first Terry Fox run in 1986 and to date has raised more than $50,000 for cancer research.
Pledge forms are available at the Aquatic Centre and the Summerland Credit Union, or can be downloaded online from www.terryfox.org.
Alternatively, participants can simply register on-site, make a donation, and then participate.
A large poster will be available for participants to indicate for whom they are running.
The Cookes invite the community to seize the opportunity to walk, run, wheel or ride this Sunday, while contributing to an important cause and to Summerland spirit.
A few more volunteers are needed to help with route marshalling.
If you would like more information or wish to volunteer, contact Mike and Heather Cooke by phone at 250-488-3415, by email, terryfoxrunsummerland@gmail.com or visit the event’s Facebook page, Terry Fox Run 2014 – Summerland.
For online fund-raising options or for more information about the Terry Fox Foundation, visit www.terryfox.org or call 1-888-836-9786.