Stratford’s Terry Fox Run has raised $380,000 since 1986

Much has changed in Rena Spevack’s 25 years as community organizer of Stratford’s Terry Fox Run, but the event’s spirit remains.

“The personality of Terry was so selfless and inspiring considering what he was going through,” she said. “When he was in treatment (for cancer) and saw kids being treated, he had to do something.

“That’s inspiring to many people to keep going.”

The annual event has raised more than $850 million across Canada for cancer research. Locally, the run has contributed $380,000 since 1986, five years after the Canadian legend passed away.

Fox passed through Stratford during his iconic Marathon of Hope in 1980, and the local run has always been an opportunity “for people to come out and talk about Terry Fox,” Spevack said. “Some people have memories of when he was in Stratford.”

The run used to attract 100-plus participants, Spevack added, with various individuals and groups coming together to raise money and offer hope that a cure could one day be found.

“It was a family event,” she said. “You’d get extended family and they’d make a day of it. They would go for the walk, then have a picnic or go to someone’s house. I don’t see that anymore.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and losing the Kiwanis Center near the Avon River, where the event used to start, also changed the local run’s dynamics in recent years.

“We’ve managed to come back from that,” Spevack said.

Around 70 people last year walked, jogged, ran, cycled, rollerbladed and wheeled around the river and areas nearby. Those who couldn’t make it that day often did it another time.

Money raised online has made up for any in-person shortfall.

“It’s made a big difference,” Spevack said, “and people are finding it really easy to do.”

This year’s run is Sept. 17 anytime between 8:30 am and 1 pm Registration is at the Upper Queen’s Park bandshell picnic area.

“We get a lot of support from the Terry Fox offices … and as long as they’re in business and we have someone locally to do it, we’ll have an event,” Spevack said. “I just want people to come out and participate and remember Terry Fox.”

For more information, or to register and/or donate, visit terryfox.org and search for the Stratford event.

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