Terry Fox Run raises more than $4,500 for cancer research

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer

It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon as a group gathered at the Claresholm fire hall to renew Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. A total of 34 participants raised about $4,500 with money still coming in, at the 39th annual run held on Sunday, Sept. 15.

“Claresholm has a long history (with the Terry Fox Run),” Mayor Doug MacPherson told participants just before they set out on the trail. In fact, Claresholm’s run is one of the only ones left in Southern Alberta. He noted next year will be a big year as it is the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope. MacPherson and Tracey Symonds, a long-time supporter and volunteer for the run, recently visited Mile Zero on Vancouver Island.

“It was quite moving,” MacPherson said. Mile Zero was where Terry Fox was set to finish his run across Canada, only to be stopped by a re-occurrence of cancer near Thunder Bay, Ontario. MacPherson went on to commend the volunteers – Deb Lozeman, Tracey Symonds, Marie Vander Linden, and Carmelle Steel.

“They’ve been involved for…years,” he said. He also pointed to the benefits generated by the Terry Fox Run. “It’s a great thing for everybody,” the mayor said. “The funds that are raised are important. “That’s because of this type of fundraising and other fundraising that keeps the research going.”

Deb Lozeman, long-time organizer, also addressed the participants. “This town has been involved in every Terry Fox Run,” she said. “That is so amazing.”

She stressed Terry Fox ran 143 days, covering more than 3,300 miles before he had to stop in 1980. “We are keeping it going 39 years later,” Lozeman said.

She encouraged everyone, while doing the run, to think of their legacy. “I know he would be so proud,” Lozeman said. “And his spirit lives in Claresholm.”