Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 23/02) - Yellowknifers shouldn't be dissuaded from getting involved in the 22nd annual Terry Fox run next month just because they aren't star athletes.

"Sometimes people think to participate you have to be a real runner or real athlete," says organizer Rob McPhee. "You can walk, run, ride, rollerblade or wheelchair it. It's not an athletic event. It's about participation."

People can also choose to take the one, three or five kilometre route.

Last year, about $21,000 was raised locally for cancer research and 300 people participated.

"This year we're shooting for $30,000."

When Terry Fox ran the original Marathon of Hope in 1980 he wanted every Canadian to donate a dollar.

"We've taken into account inflation," says McPhee. "What we're asking for is a $1.50 from every person."

Since Yellowknife's population is around 20,000 -- that set the target at $30,000.

McPhee thinks the event strikes a chord with people because so many have been affected -- either directly or indirectly -- by cancer.

At a speaking engagement recently, McPhee asked the audience how many have been affected by cancer.

"Two-thirds of the people put up their hands," he says.

The event takes place at the Yellowknife Community Arena on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Anyone interested can find pledge sheets at www.terryfoxrun.org or at many local businesses.

You can even choose to raise money, but not run.