Fort Simpson (Sep 22/06) - The route might not have been as long as Terry Fox's, but residents of Fort Simpson did their part for cancer research on Sept. 17.

Joining communities across Canada, the Fort Simpson recreation department organized their annual Terry Fox Run. Over 25 people and seven canines took part in the run from the recreation centre to K&K Expediting and back.

Steve Catto, left, and Doug Tate finish the last few meters of the Terry Fox run in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

People ran, walked and even cycled to help raise money for cancer research.

Coming back to the recreation centre, with three dogs in tow, Deborah Stipdonk finished her twenty-first run. Stipdonk took part in her first run in Gjoa Haven. Knowing that so many people are touched by cancer is what has brought Stipdonk back to the run every year.

"It's a nice way of thinking of other people," she said.

There were more participants, especially teenagers, this year compared to last year, Stipdonk said.

While catching his breath, Brandon Norris, who finished the run first, said he participated because Terry Fox helped save a lot of lives.

"We need to respect what he's done for us," said Norris who also ran last year in Hay River.

Norris was followed closely by his sisters Alicia and Cassandra and his mother Bessie who also ran.

Runners handed in their donation forms before starting the run.

With four runs already under her belt, Madison Pilling managed to fill up one and a half sponsor sheets. Pilling's goal was to fill the last sheet.

Between sips of water after the run, Susan Coyne said she contributes to cancer research in any way she can. She's been taking part in runs ever year since she was a kid growing up in Cambridge Bay.

"I think everyone can do their little part," Coyne said.