BONNYVILLE - Every September Canadians are reminded of the difficult journey made by Terry Fox in 1980 when he ventured to cross Canada by foot after losing right leg to cancer.
Through Terry’s Marathon of Hope, his goal was to raise one dollar for each of Canada's 24 million residents, with funds going toward cancer research.
This year, Bonnyville will host three separate Terry Fox Runs on different days and times to encourage more residents to participate at a time that best fits their schedule.
Les Parsons, the organizer for the Bonnyville Terry Fox Runs, is emphasizing the challenges faced by Terry as he made his way across the country on foot.
“A new twist for the 2022 Bonnyville Terry Fox Run is a focus on the reality of the tough trail that Terry Fox experienced in the last couple years of his life,” said Parsons.
"Knowing the tough trail Terry experienced, combined with my experience, I thought to myself, ‘Why not encourage others to experience a taste of Terry's tough trail?’"
About 16 years ago, Parsons had his own battle with cancer and as a result lost his stomach and half of his liver.
That experience is one of the reasons he was motivated to volunteer as the organizer for the local Terry Fox Run, he says.
Terry's Tough Trail runs in Bonnyville
This year's Bonnyville Terry Fox Run will provide walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, wheelchairs and dog-walkers with a "trail" run experience.
While the national Terry Fox Run is on Sept. 18, Bonnyville participants will
have three opportunities to come together and raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Jessie Lake ‘Paved Trail Run’ or ‘Tree Trail Run’: Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Terry's Tough Trail at the MD of Bonnyville Muriel Lake Park: Saturday, Sept. 17, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Jessie Lake ‘Paved Trail Run’ or ‘Tree Trail Run’: Sunday, Sept. 18, between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. or between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Additionally, participants can choose trail distances of 1 km, 2 km, 4 km or 8 km.
Anyone seeking more information about the Bonnyville Terry Fox Run can contact Les Parsons at 780-691-6912.
For more information about the Terry Fox Run, to access a pledge sheet, or to sponsor the local run visit, www.terryfox.org
