Sunday, September 17, 2023, was a beautiful day for the 35th annual Acme Terry Fox Run. Under big blue Alberta skies, 58 participants and 13 volunteers gathered at the Acme Community Centre to continue the Marathon of Hope that Terry Fox began over 43 years ago on April 12, 1980. Though Terry Fox never lived to see the full impact of his legacy, today through research funded by his efforts, the odds against cancer are drastically improved. Terry made it okay to talk about cancer and inspired a whole nation to lead the world in cancer research.
The participants of the Acme Terry Fox Run, ranging in age from 16 months to 78 years old, came from as far away as Calgary, Alberta to join in our local run. One of the best things about a small town Terry Fox Run, is the choice that participants have in how they complete either the more challenging 9 km or shorter 5 km loops. Biking was the most popular method this year, but we also had a large number of walkers and a few runners completing the route on foot. We even had a few participants on horseback.
Pulling it all together, the collective efforts of dedicated volunteers and local sponsors make the Acme Terry Fox Runs the incredible event that it is. This year, participants were greeted at the registration table by Mrs. Kathryn Senft who has been involved in the Acme Terry Fox Run since its beginning. As well, the Acme Volunteer Fire Department proudly provided traffic control on the highway portion of the run, ensuring the safety of all participants. Our route marshal, mayor of Acme, Bruce McLeod, offered a greatly appreciated shuttle service for bikes, carriages, and participants as needed. Halfway around the route, the Northcott family donated the use of a much-appreciated port-a-potty.
Following the run, participants and volunteers alike enjoyed connecting as a community to visit, watch children play, and enjoy the beautiful day. The Northcott family generously donated hotdogs and ice-cold water, prepared and served by volunteers Misty Simmons and the Mandel family. A new and welcome addition to the Acme Terry Fox Run was Zoey Kelly of Lively Massage Therapy offering pre and post-run chair massages.
Since the first local run in 1988, the Acme Terry Fox Run has raised more than $100,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. This year a total of $5219.00 was raised by the end of the day on September 17, 2023. Of the total for this year, $189.00 was raised by 8-year-old Hayden Hegedys who ran a refreshment stand and donated all of his money to the Terry Fox Foundation. For anyone still hoping to contribute to the Acme Terry Fox Run, you may continue to donate online at https://run.terryfox.ca/28638.
Be sure to also keep an eye out for your local School Terry Fox Runs in communities across Kneehill County and Golden Hills School Division. Dates vary by school, so be sure to check with your local school to find out when their School Run is happening. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 44th Annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
