Welland Terry Fox Run back Sunday
Phil Busby, organizer for Welland’s Terry Fox Run, said this year the event has grown again.
On top of the one- to 10-kilometre run, walk or cycle on Sunday, there is also plenty to be enjoyed in way of a barbecue, live music, magic and a pre-run fitness session.
“Our goal has always been to bring new things to this event to try to drive up our donations and drive up our participation as a whole,” he said.
As always, raising funds for cancer research is at the forefront of the event, and over the past 36 years Welland has had a Terry Fox Run, Busby said it has raised roughly $740,000. Last year, nearly $36,000 was raised for the cause.
The event takes place at Merritt Island, and pooches are more than welcome to be a part of the run, walk or cycle as long as they are leashed. Busby said the distance people go is up to them.
He said participants can register at any point online and on site the day of. Those interested can visit terryfox.ca/terryfoxrun/welland for more information on how to sign up. Welland’s Terry Fox Run also has information available on Twitter and Facebook.
Parking is available on site. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m. after a 15 minute fitness session to get everyone warmed up.
Busby said the Main Street Bridge will be lit up blue on both Saturday and Sunday night in support of the event, and he is appreciative of all sponsors and community support for the event.
This year is somewhat bittersweet for Busby as he is giving up his role as organizer. After landing a job in Toronto, he moved out of Welland; he has been coordinating the event long distance, which hasn’t been easy.
So after three years of having Busby at the helm, Welland is now looking for someone new to take on the organizational role.
Busby said the role involves establishing an organizing committee, finding a venue, taking care of food, refreshments and entertainment, and liaising with the Terry Fox Foundation on all things event related.
He said anyone interested in finding out more about being the Terry Fox Run organizer should email info@terryfoxrun.org.