2011 Pincher Creek Terry Fox Run

Gavin and Garrett Parker
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

Three years after Terry Fox lost one leg below the knee to an osteogenic sarcoma he pledged that he would run from one side of Canada to the other to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Beginning on April 12, 1980 he started "A Marathon of Hope" by dipping his artificial foot into the Atlantic ocean. Unfortunately, his efforts to cross Canada stopped on September 1, 1980. After covering an impressive 3,339 miles in less than six months, Terry's cancer had returned, spreading to his lungs. This inspirational young man lost his fight to cancer June 28, 1981, but left a nation fired by his enthusiasm and hope.

Thirty one years after his run stopped, people all over the world celebrate his memory and his cause by joining in the annual Terry Fox Run. In Pincher Creek, volunteers set up for the run at the arena on Sunday, September 18 for any who wanted to participate.

Amelia and Jasper Woodard

One of the first people ready in line was James Rutley. He found out where the run was to be held through the Terry Fox website. He and his companion, neither of whom had never ran before, decided to do it very late, and had no pledges collected. They donated to participate. When asked why, Rutley said "what Terry did was admirable and raised awareness. I am here for that, and my own health reasons."

Steven Burles travelled from Coalhurst to join in. This was his third year in the run. He has always participated in Pincher Creek, even though he is currently a student in Lethbridge College Criminal Justice Policing Studies, and resides in Coalhurst. What was his reason? "I enjoy running, and it is a good cause. On my dad's side there are a few relatives with cancer. I want to take up the fight for them, and I like that the event helps so many people."

Steve's father Mark Burles joined his son as a first time runner. "I have never ran before. I have two sisters with cancer, and that is my incentive," he said.

Mia and Jennifer Parker

Jennifer and Gavin Parker made it a family event, with two young runners, Mia and Garrett, plus the youngest still in the stroller, and the family dog. It is such a good cause," said Jennifer. "Our kids have always wanted to come on our runs with us. This was the time."

Brother and sister Jasper and Amelia Woodard have been participating in the Terry Fox run for around ten years. "We wouldn't miss it. Plus, its good training for cross-country (running)," explained Amelia. Both Woodards participate in cross-country running at St. Michael's School.

Lane Crawford and Mack Jordan

Lane Crawford and Mack Jordan arrived together. Crawford was invited to run by Mack. "I had never run before, and my grandpa had cancer," said Crawford. As he also participates in rugby, football and hockey, he felt it would be good exercise. Mack is also heavily involved with sports, playing hockey, baseball, and weightlifting. "What better thing could we have done this weekend?" he said.

Bill Elton is one of the key volunteers for this event, having been participating for around 20 years, and being involved as an organizer for the last 15 years. He was heavily involved with a now defunct cancer self-help group called Cancer Mount. The group took over organizing the run from the town years ago, and even though it is no longer active, Bill still puts his time into this cause every year. Elton gave a pep talk to the group outside of the arena, and spent a moment remembering Terry Fox and his mother Betty Lou Fox, who passed away on June 17 of this year.

According to Elton, after the run, "there were 20 participants and 5 volunteers involved in the event this year. Pledges and run site donations came to $4800. While participant numbers were down slightly from last year, the amount raised increased slightly, so we are pleased with the results. It was good to see some new people as well the regulars."

Who won? Everyone who ran, and all those that benefit from their efforts in the future.