The Terry Fox Run is returning to Stouffville Memorial Park on Sept. 17.
The 2022 event, the first since 2019 due to the pandemic, drew approximately 1,000 participants and volunteers who raised more than $80,000 for cancer research. Since 1982, the Stouffville Run has raised $2.3 million.
Festivities begin at noon featuring music by popular Stouffville band The Muffin Men, a children’s activities tent and refreshments. There will also be a display of classic cars (weather permitting) by members of the Markham Stouffville Cruisers.
The opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. will include warm-up exercises, a salute to Stouffville cancer survivors, a message from this year’s run ambassador and co-chairs, and the national anthem performed by popular Stouffville duo Dave & Sarah.
“The Stouffville Terry Fox Run is a shining example of community collaboration for a well-known cause, and I have always thought it’s the best day of the year,” run co-chair Adele Palmer said. “It’s a beautiful day of hope and raising money and awareness for The Terry Fox Foundation. That research saves countless lives and makes survival an option for those who are battling.”
This year’s run will follow a 5K course through southern Stouffville that begins and ends in the park. With safety in mind, some changes to the route have been made to keep participants on municipal sidewalks and off streets. A 2K route is also provided.
You can run, walk, cycle, push a stroller or rollerblade.
Participants are invited to stop at refreshment stations along the route and refill their water bottles and grab an apple. Players on the Stouffville Spirit Jr. A hockey team will staff the stations.
Entertainment along the route will be provided by musicians, including Tom Pullin, the Laura Volpe Band and Tanya Porter and her drumming group.
Organizers are again sending a special invitation to cancer survivors. Survivors are given those special red T-shirts and lawn signs recognizing their survivor status.
“They are the reason we’re all in Memorial Park for the day,” run co-chair Stacey FitzPatrick said. “Seeing all those survivors in their red shirts approach the stage to begin our run every September makes it all so worthwhile for all our participants and volunteers.”
“If you are a survivor or know of one, we want to honour them.”
Stouffville businesses, service clubs, churches and families are encouraged to form a team, like the 23 teams who took part in the 2022 run. Teams receive special recognition during the event. They can pre-order Terry Fox T-shirts with their team name printed on them.
To enter a team, register a survivor or volunteer, email [email protected] or call 416-768-6971.
Individuals should register in advance of the run day. Sign up now at: terryfox.org/
Photo: The Terry Fox Run is returning to Stouffville Memorial Park on Sept. 17. (Dennis Hristovski photo)
