Stouffville’s Terry Fox Run returns Sept. 14
Save the date, Stouffville. The Terry Fox Run is returning to Stouffville Memorial Park on Sept. 14.
It’s the 45th anniversary of the run nationally.
Stouffville run organizers were honoured at an event in Toronto recently for having raised $2.3 million since 1982. The 2024 event drew approximately 1,000 participants and volunteers who raised more than $91,000 for cancer research.
This year’s goal is $85,000.
Festivities begin at noon and feature entertainment, displays, refreshments, and children’s activities. The opening ceremonies start at 12:50 p.m.
“There’s something incredible about Terry Fox Run day. Every year, it reminds me what community, hope, and purpose look like in action. It’s my favourite day—not just because of the energy or the people—but because it brings us all together for something much bigger than ourselves,” said run co-chair Adele Palmer. “What blows me away is how this grassroots, local tradition is part of something so much bigger. The Terry Fox Research Institute is doing groundbreaking work, and knowing that our small-town efforts help is powerful. Every dollar, every volunteer—it all adds up. It’s The Marathon of Hope in action.”
This year’s run will follow a 5K course through southern Stouffville that begins and ends in the park – and will travel along the section of Park Drive that was renamed Terry Fox Way in 2023. With safety in mind, a new route has been developed in cooperation with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville to keep participants on scenic trails, municipal sidewalks and off streets as much as possible. A 2K route is also provided.
You can run, walk, cycle, ride a wheelchair, push a stroller or rollerblade.
Local musicians will provide entertainment at water stations along the route.
Organizers are again sending a special invitation to cancer survivors who will receive special red T-shirts and lawn signs recognizing their survivor status.
“The red shirts are a powerful symbol of hope, as they are worn not only by those who have conquered cancer, but also those currently in treatment, because every day is another day we are fighting this fight together,” said co-chair Stacey FitzPatrick. “Whatever colour your shirt is on run day, we look forward to having you walk, run, ride, scoot or stroll with us as we support one another in Terry’s honour.”
Stouffville businesses, service clubs, churches, families and sports organizations are encouraged to form a team, like the 50 teams who took part in the 2024 run.
Teams receive special recognition during the event. They can pre-order Terry Fox T-shirts with their team name printed on them. You can obtain official run merchandise, including hoodies, caps and water bottles, from shop.terryfox.org.
You can learn more about the run and Terry Fox while enjoying a night out during the inaugural Stouffville Terry Fox Trivia Night on July 17 from 7-9 p.m. at Muddy York Brewing. More run information will also be available from volunteers at The Stouffville Market on Sept. 6 and 13.
To register or make a donation, visit terryfox-stouffville.ca. To volunteer, email tfox.stouffville@gmail.com or call 416-768-6971.
Photo: Red-shirted cancer survivors are saluted at the 2024 Terry Fox Run in Stouffville. (Dennis Hristovski photo)