Lace up for Annual Terry Fox Run this weekend

Walkers and runners set off from Paris District High School at the start of last year’s Terry Fox Run, an annual community event that raises funds for cancer research.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

This weekend, residents will rally once again at Paris District High School for the enduring spirit of hope and resilience embodied by Terry Fox. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the 45th-anniversary Paris Terry Fox Run invites everyone—runners, walkers, families, pets, and more—to take part in a collective stride against cancer.

Last year’s event was deeply moving, featuring heartfelt tributes from Clayton Eaton and Heidi Wright. Clayton carried on an emotional tradition in honor of his late daughter Emily—who, despite cerebral palsy, joined him at past runs until her passing in early 2024. The sight of the empty cart crossing the finish line symbolized both loss and enduring love. Heidi’s tribute to her husband Gary Wright, lost to brain cancer in 2024, similarly resonated with participants, especially since many in the community followed his courageous battle.

Last year’s event saw 150 participants raise a record-breaking $19,000.

This year, the goal is ambitious but simple: to surpass that total, said Melanie Chmelik, co-organizer of the Paris event. She also encourages anyone with a personal connection to Terry’s legacy or a story to share to reach out and participate.

“For some families, including ours, the Stew Crew, the Paris Terry Fox Run has been a way to establish a meaningful tradition,” said Chmelik.  She notes it can also be about showing up for the community or honouring someone's cancer journey. “Whatever the reason, the teams' contributions have a huge impact on reaching our goal.”

Behind every step of the run, volunteers and supporters—from local businesses to dedicated individuals—make it possible, giving selflessly without expectation. All donations and pledges go directly to the Terry Fox Foundation, funding vital cancer research.

Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope began on April 12, 1980, when he dipped his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic at St. John’s, Newfoundland, vowing to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. Over 143 grueling days, he covered 5,373 km, averaging nearly a marathon a day, before cancer forced him to halt near Thunder Bay. 

Terry’s dream—to raise one dollar for each Canadian—was realized posthumously, with total funds surpassing $24 million by early 1981.

Since then, the annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has become the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. Over $900 million has now been raised globally, thanks to the unwavering efforts of volunteers and participants in more than 60 countries.

This year’s 45th anniversary has inspired a suite of national initiatives:

The National Ride of Hope, a coast-to-coast tribute on bicycles, spearheaded by Terry’s brother Darrell, has already raised more than $1.1 million 

•   Commemorative projects including a new picture book (T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage), a documentary titled Run Terry Run, and a reissue of the iconic Adidas Orion shoe model Terry wore.  A stylish “Finish It” collection—T-shirts, hoodies, toques, and more—was launched by the Terry Fox Foundation, with donations matched up to $100,000 by PharmaChoice Canada for contributions made on April 12 

“Beyond the fundraising,” says Chmelik, “we want our event to be a place to connect with the spirit of Terry Fox—where our participants feel inspired by his courage and determination.” 

On September 14, she hopes to see new families and friends building their own traditions and carrying forward Terry’s dream. This year, the Paris community joins a national movement—determined to Finish It.

Quick Info: Paris Terry Fox Run 2025

What: 45th-anniversary Paris Terry Fox Run (5 km, all-inclusive, non-competitive)

When: September 14, 2025 — Registration at 10 a.m., start at 11 a.m.

Where: Paris District High School, Paris

How: In-person or online via run.terryfox.ca/92857

What to Expect: A non-competitive, all-ages gathering, welcoming participants with bicycles, strollers, scooters, leashed dogs, or simply walking shoes. Rain or shine, the event carries on.