Marathon of Memories logo
Curated by Bobbie Fox
Introduction
Forty years ago, we were eagerly watching and reading about Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope. We watched him run his daily marathons on the Trans Canada through Quebec and Ontario, spreading his inspirational message and collecting funds to aid in cancer research.
On the Prairies, we couldn’t wait to welcome Terry and help raise funds as he travelled through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta that coming Fall of 1980. It was going to be memorable.
Sadly, Terry never got to bring his Marathon of Hope to the Prairies personally. The spirit and dedication of the Marathon of Hope still made it to the Prairies starting that Fall of 1980 and Spring of 1981. Even though Terry never ran through Lethbridge, he still touched our lives and inspires us to be involved. We raised money and recruited our friends and family to spread Terry’s message of hope, courage, and willingness to try.
Marathon of Memories: Lethbridge’s First Run
McDonalds fundraising event for the Marathon of Hope, September 22, 1980
Galt Museum & Archives, Lethbridge Herald Fonds
The local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society set up two fundraising run events co-hosted with the Mayor Magrath McDonald’s. The first fundraiser was set to coincide with the opening of the recently finished Lethbridge Community College Fitness Trail. Sadly, on the day of the run, September 14, 1980, it rained, and the opening ceremony for the fitness trail was cancelled. The run went ahead, but the participation was significantly reduced because many assumed the run was also cancelled.
The second event was held at the McDonald’s restaurant on September 22, 1980. The Lethbridge Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society continued to collect donations for the Terry Fox Fund, as it was known at that time. The pledges came pouring in from locals despite the setback the events faced. Once everything was tallied, $9200 was raised by Lethbridge folk during that first campaign.
Marathon of Memories: Terry Fox Virtual Run
Fox Family showing off their terry Fox pride with their new Terry Fox themed masks, Sept 2020.
Loan from Lethbridge Terry Fox Run Committee
In May of 2020 it was decided by the Terry Fox Foundation that 2020’s Terry Fox Run would be held virtually. The slogan “One Day. Your Way.” was adopted. The way the run was organized and promoted required adjustments to meet the needs of the new COVID-19 reality. Fundraising and participation took full advantage of the online mechanisms already put in place. Run organizers relied heavily on social media, like Facebook and Instagram, to connect with their communities.
The run has given hope to many people during this difficult time. Terry Fox’s legacy is about so much more than merely fundraising for cancer. It’s about advocacy, education, hope, courage, tenacity and inclusivity. It’s about trying no matter what the odds and caring about others. Terry taught us life lessons about humility and humanity. Lessons that serve us in our everyday lives and, quite possibly, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marathon of Memories: Run Organizers Make It Happen
Organizing a Terry Fox Community Run is a monumental task. It is a difficult and rewarding experience undertaken by one or more individuals voluntarily. Run Organizers are guided by principles set out by Terry himself. Terry Fox Run Season usually starts in April and ends after the September run.
Run Organizers, or ROs as they are known, are motivated by their love of Terry and belief in his ideals. The Foundation provides many of the tools needed like promotional materials, T-Shirts and merchandise, Social Media post ideas. It is up to the RO to recruit other volunteers, plan fundraising events including their community run, promote the run and any events to their community, and solicit donations or gifts in kind from community partners to pay for the event.
Marathon of Memories: Terry Fox Memorial
Terry lost his battle with cancer on June 28, 1981. Memorial services were held across Canada. Lethbridge was one of the many cities that held a ceremony. It was organized quickly in five days. The service was officiated by Reverend Larry Hankinson and Reverend Clifford Crowley. It was held in front of City Hall on July 2, 1981.
Mayor Andy Anderson was among the 300 Lethbridge residents who came to pay their respects to Terry.
Marathon of Memories: Fox Family in Lethbridge
Lethbridge has a direct connection to Terry Fox and his legacy through his uncle. Terry Fox Sr. and his family have made Lethbridge their home for the last 42 years. His nephew was his namesake. He firmly believes in the good that has come from what Terry started in 1980. Fox has kept his nephew’s dream alive in southern Alberta through personal participation in the community runs as well as the school runs held in Lethbridge every September. Fox also travels to schools around southern Alberta to promote his nephew’s legacy. One year Terry Sr. travelled to 14 different schools to share Terry’s message.
Other local family members have volunteered or organized the run in Lethbridge including his wife and daughter-in-law.
Forty years ago, Albertans were eagerly watching and reading about Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.