There are many Terry Fox Runs in the Lower Mainland, all over Canada, and even around the world, but there is only one "Hometown Run" that happens in the community where Terry Fox went to high school as a teenager.

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg in 1958, but moved with his family to Surrey, BC, when he was in elementary school. A couple of years later his family moved to Port Coquitlam where he attended Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, ( now called Terry Fox Secondary School in his honour ).

In 1977, Terry lost his right leg to cancer.

In 1980 Terry began his Marathon for Hope, attempting to run a marathon a day as he made his way across Canada in order to rise funds for Cancer research. Unfortunately his cancer returned and he lost his battle with cancer before he could complete his run. The first annual Terry Fox Run took place the following year, and the fundraising run has been happening annually ever since.

Today, people of all ages and abilities can join the Terry Fox Hometown Run, and other Terry Fox Runs, by running, walking, cycling or wheeling, all in support of cancer research efforts. More than just a run, the event is a chance for the community to unite, share Terry’s legacy and support a cause that continues to impact lives across the country.

This year, participants in the Hometown Run started, as usual, at the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre and followed a course that led them passed the new inspirational sculptures at Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Runners and walkers also ran through the Marathon of Hope in Terry Fox Hometown Square before looping back to finish at Hyde Creek.

The day began with participants gathering to register, connect and join in a spirit of community. This year’s theme, “Finish It,” honored Terry’s commitment to the Marathon of Hope.