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Chris Abbott
Editor
The 2026 Norfolk County Terry Fox Run is fast approaching.
This year’s Terry Fox Run is Sunday, Sept. 20 at Simcoe Lions Park (Davis Street). Check-in or registration starts at 10 a.m. Opening ceremonies start about 10:30 a.m. and the Terry Fox Run starts at 11 a.m.
“We will have lots of refreshments and snacks that have been donated by local businesses, and pizza for after the run,” said co-organizer Mackenzie Thorpe. “It’s all free for participants.”
Local sponsors include Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer in Delhi, Giant Tiger, Domino’s in Simcoe and Port Dover, Aspire Bakeries, Tim Hortons from the White Horse Plaza in Simcoe, Culligan, A&W Delhi, McDonald’s Simcoe and The Apple Place.
There will be music, MC, and Terry’s team member (cancer survivor) for the opening ceremonies.
“We also have our early bird draw that day for our big raffle,” said Mackenzie, noting ticket sales began in May and the grand prize draw will be Oct. 15.
Three routes are available for this year’s run, said co-organizer Maddy Thorpe.
“We have a 1-km, a 5-km, and a 10-km,” said Maddy. “And people can walk, run, ride bikes, rollerblade, whatever they wish.”
Some participants love to in-line skate – something Maddy and Mackenzie remember from years ago – on the paved 1-km route. Portions of the longer routes have a gravel pathway.
“Usually we walk the trail the day before to do all of the marking,” said Mackenzie, “and we bike it the day of to set everything up.”
Maddy, 21, and Mackenzie, 27, ‘grew up’ with the Terry Fox Run.
“We always did it in school, then our grandma, she passed away a few years ago, she was a three-time survivor, so that’s kind of how we got into it,” said Mackenzie. “Our family always had a team. As long as you have two people or more, you can enter as a team, and we still do that.”
“The big thing I remember when I was younger was at the schools,” Maddy nodded. “We would always do our big circle in the backyard of the school (Elgin Avenue).”
“We do have a lot of kids that come to our run on the Sunday, and I think a lot of recognition comes from the schools,” said Mackenzie.
“It’s a very family friendly event,” said Maddy. “And there is no minimum donation, so you can bring whatever donation you would like, even on the day of.
“We do get a wide range of ages, seniors to young children and babies.”
“People are also welcome to come out, register, and they don’t even have to do the full walk,” said Mackenzie. “They can enjoy the activities in the park.”
The majority of pre-registration and donations are done online (run.terryfox.ca) through the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run page.
“We also have a spot for dogs as well, with treats and water, so people are welcome to bring their dogs as well,” Maddy noted.
Terry Fox volunteers were at Wilkinson’s Saturday for a fundraising BBQ, and selling raffle tickets and T-shirts.
“We will be selling T-shirts ($30) on run day as well,” said Mackenzie.
Norfolk’s fundraising goal is $23,900, and as of Tuesday, they had registered donations of $3,365. Brenda Wilson is the top fundraiser so far. Last year, raising more than $40,000, the Norfolk County Terry Fox Run was in the Top 20 for year-over-year increase in fundraising.
“It’s still early. We have about 10 teams registered… usually we have that many, sometimes more. The last few years we’ve had a few more teams. A lot of repeat teams and a couple new ones this year, which is great.
“Some people register in-person on the day of, instead of online,” said Maddy. “Individuals and teams.”
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