Crowd turns out for Terry Fox Run

By Rob Vogt
It was the perfect day as people came from far and wide to continue the Marathon of Hope.
A crowd gathered at the Claresholm Fire Hall on Sunday, Sept. 15, in anticipation of the 44th renewal of the Terry Fox Run.
It commemorates the efforts of Terry Fox who endeavoured to run across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, but was stopped near Thunder Bay in 1980 when his cancer reappeared, which ultimately took his life in 1981.
Soon after, communities across Canada began hosting Terry Fox Runs, including Claresholm, which has held one ever since.
This year, for the first time, the event had an emcee, Brian Treadwell, a longtime media personality.
He welcomed everyone who came out, explaining he is the brother-in-law of organizer Cathy Hahn, and her husband Claresholm native Rod Mackenzie, who has done the run since it began in 1981.
Treadwell is also currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
“I appreciate what Terry Fox did for us,” he said.
Mayor Brad Schlossberger brough greetings from the town.
He noted Claresholm is one of 600 communities across Canada to hold a Terry Fox event.
“Today we celebrate the legacy of Terry Fox, an extraordinary hero who inspired the nation with courage and determination,” Schlossberger said.
“Have fun, enjoy the weather and do well.”
Then there was a very special presentation.
Rod Mackenzie presented a framed photo to Deb Lozeman, who organized the Terry Fox Run in Claresholm for more than 20 years, and assisted Pat Thompson before that.
This year, she was able to participate in the Terry Fox Run herself.
At the bottom of the photo, there was a space for people to sign and leave messages for Lozeman.
Treadwell then noted that since 1983, the Claresholm Terry Fox Run has raised $261,740.50.
Fox ran a marathon a day, whether he was alone or had 100 people with him.
He did that for 143 straight days before he had to stop, through snow, rain, heat and whatever the elements were.
“Please take a moment to think about the cancer patients most recently diagnosed,” Treadwell said, as well as the ones in treatment and cancer survivors.
“Please know how significant your contribution to the Terry Fox Foundation is,” he said, adding his spirit is alive in Claresholm.