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INUVIK
More than 30 years after his death, Terry Fox remains a figure that can inspire.

Natasha Kulikowski dashes past the Welcome to Inuvik sign while running with a pack of 28 other participants in the Terry Fox Run on Sept. 15. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

Twenty-eight people took part in the annual Inuvik Terry Fox Run, braving some chilly temperatures and the snow squalls that blew in toward the end of the walk.

That number was down significantly from last year, said organizer Theresa Ross, but the money raised was comparable at $4,145.

In 2012, more than 50 participants took part in the event.

"As far as fundraising, considering the numbers, we did very well," she said. "I think last year we made just over $5,000. Natasha Kulikowski was once again our biggest fundraiser."

Kulikowski raised $2,505.

While the run may have been primarily about charity, that didn't stop some friendly, but intense, rivalry from developing pretty quickly.

Teenager River Ross outduelled Laura Worsley-Brown, the communications manager of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, to finish first in the 10-kilometre run, even though no official times were kept.

"No interviews right now," a gasping Worsley-Brown blurted afterwards as she tried to catch her breath while Ross puffed away nearby.

Ross had sprinted the last 200 to 300 metres to blow his competition away after "lurking in the weeds" for more than half the race.

Ross, who is a gifted athlete, had finally managed to overtake Worsley-Brown a little more than half-way through the run near the hill leading to Inuvik.

"I just wanted to catch up to her and win," he said with a wink.

Not everyone took the competitive side so seriously, though. For most, it was about raising money and awareness for cancer. Several, including Albert Elias, said they remained inspired by Fox's epic run in 1980.

"I've taken part several times, every now and then as my knees allow," said Elias. "I never forget Terry Fox. I was a young man when he did his famous long walk. He was such a brave man, and I'll never forget it."

Trudi Marks was another longtime participant. She took part in the first year of the Terry Fox Run in Alberta in 1981.

"I just wanted to help the research for cancer," she said. "At that time there was no one (friends and family) sick, I just wanted to help out.

"And I was very much inspired by Terry Fox, and I've done the run every chance I've gotten."

It was her first time participating in the Inuvik event, and she was planning on completing the five-kilometre walk.

"I'm getting too old to run," she said with a laugh. "And I don't like running."

Sherry Ringuette said she came out because "it's important to support Terry's dream for family and friends that have all been affected by cancer."

"This is my third year here in Inuvik doing this, and I've done different events in different provinces."

She had raised $270 for the run by hoarding her recycling money during the year and then adding to it.

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