Terry Fox Run races through 37th year
Local event raises $2,100 for cancer research
RCMP led participants on their way during this year's Terry Fox Run in Inuvik. - Kirsten Fenn/NNSL photos
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Kirsten Fenn
Northern News Services
Thursday, September 21, 2017
INUVIK
Approximately 50 people - including parents pushing strollers, residents with dogs and members of the RCMP - laced up for this year's Terry Fox Run on Sept. 17.
Olivia Gilmour, left, Tessa Jenks, Karis Gilmour and Lexi Gilmour were just a few of the approximately 50 participants in this year's Terry Fox Run on Sept. 17.
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The event, which was blessed with blue skies and mild weather, raised $2,100 for cancer research, said Natasha Kulikowski, one of the organizers.
"When Terry was running, he was hoping to raise $1 for every Canadian," said Kulikowski, referring to Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope in 1980, before he died of cancer.
That goal was accomplished by 1981, when $24.17 million had been raised, according to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Now Canadians run, walk or rollerblade each year to carry on Terry's cause.
"It's just kind of an opportunity for everyone to come together, have a run, raise some money for cancer research and all in a Canadian hero's name," said Kulikowski.
Inuvik participants had the option of completing a 2, 5, or 10 kilometre run.
The run sees about 50 participants and raises an average of around $3,000 each year, said Kulikowski.
"A few years ago we did a head shave as well as a run and that year we raised $11,000," she said.
The RCMP are usually invited to lead the runners on their way in their truck, but Kulikowski decided to put a twist on things this year.
"As a participant, I sent a challenge email out to the RCMP, the fire department, ambulance services and bylaw to encourage them to participate as well," she said.
And many of them did suit up for the challenge. A group of them could be seen among the runners.
Organizers also sold t-shirts for the event for the first time this year, money from which goes directly to the Terry Fox Foundation, said Kulikowski.
