Wilmot run marks 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope

Event organizers Clayton Jubb, Lindsay Heilbron and son Hunter Jubb, along with Dave and Kim Carr, stand by the tree planted at the base of the Schmidt Woods Trail in honour of Terry Fox. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

The Wilmot Terry Fox Run was held on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Schmidt Woods Trail, located behind the Wilmot Recreation Complex in Baden.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. The event began with a warm welcome and land acknowledgment delivered by organizer Clayton Jubb, followed by the singing of “O’ Canada” led by Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis. Kristy Chambers from Evoke Fitness in New Hamburg led participants in a fun, motivating warm-up before the run began.

Organizers for this year’s run were Jubb, Lindsay Heilbron and Dave and Kim Carr. Jubb and Heilbron moved to Baden from Milton three years ago and took over organizing the run from Nigel and Cheryl Gordijk, who had led it since 2013.

Jubb shared that his family became involved with the Terry Fox Run after his cousin was diagnosed with leukemia at just three years old. The Jubb family believes she survived thanks to advancements in cancer research that were made possible by the Terry Fox Foundation. The family celebrated her wedding four years ago.

This was the second year the run was held at Schmidt Woods Trail. The trail is ideal for walking and running, and the rec complex offers plenty of parking and access to washrooms. The ideal gathering spot for the run is near the tree that has been planted on the grounds in Terry’s memory, along with a plaque that reads, “The answer is to try and help others. -Terry.”

Eight teams, made up of local families and businesses, registered for the run. While approximately 40 participants signed up officially, many brought along friends and family, bringing the total to around 60. With the addition of the Morningside Walkers, nearly 100 people took part in this year’s Wilmot Terry Fox Run.

Ross and Jane Eichler live in the Morningside Village community where they lead the Morningside Walkers Team. Both Jane and Ross Eichler are cancer survivors. Jane Eichler fondly remembers Terry Fox running down Highway 7&8 past New Hamburg 45 years ago. The couple remains deeply committed to carrying on Terry’s legacy and are dedicated supporters of the Terry Fox Foundation.

Jane Eichler asked Heilbron what percentage of donations go directly to research. After looking into it, Heilbron learned that the Terry Fox Foundation has an A+ rating and that 75 per cent of every dollar raised goes to cancer research, a very high percentage compared to many other charitable organizations.

The Terry Fox Run has become a proud Canadian tradition. Each year, nearly 600 communities across the country take part to raise money for cancer research. Terry once said, “I want to set an example that will never be forgotten.” Terry’s example has definitely not been forgotten. Before Terry Fox passed away on June 28, 1981, he had already reached his goal of raising $1 for every Canadian. Since then, the Terry Fox Run has raised more than $850 million, helping researchers and giving hope to millions of people.

This year, the Wilmot event organizers set a goal to raise $1 for every resident of Wilmot, aiming for $22,000. As of the morning of the event, online donations had already reached $19,731 and organizers were confident they would surpass their goal.

The 2025 campaign slogan for The Terry Fox Run is “Finish It!” The slogan reminds us that although Terry didn’t get to finish his cross-country run, we can all help finish what he started by raising money for cancer research and continuing the fight. Heilbron shared,

“We hope to grow the event in future years by encouraging people from nearby communities without their own run to take part in Wilmot’s,” Heilbron said. “By joining together, we can continue Terry’s fight against cancer.”