Yellowknife (Sep 10/04) - Get your sneakers out and get ready to run for a Canadian legend.

The Yellowknife Terry Fox Run goes again on Sept. 19, which may not give you much time to get in shape, but will let you find sponsors and raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation.

The Terry Fox Run is non-competitive, with no entry fees or prizes.

"The whole idea is participation," said coordinator Rob McPhee.

"It's a run, not a race, and it's not even really a run at all: you can walk, bike, skateboard or anything else."

About the only thing you can't do is drive.

The Terry Fox Run is an annual, worldwide event held to commemorate Terry Fox's famous Marathon of Hope. Since 1981, the Run has raised more than $340 million for cancer research.

Last year, the Yellowknife Run raised approximately $42,000, improving on totals of around $32,000 in 2002 and $21,000 in 2001.

"We're shooting for $50,000 this year," said McPhee.

"We're hoping for a good turnout, although the weather always plays a big part."

Participants' preference

McPhee explained that the run attracts corporate teams, families and individuals. It features 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km loops, depending on the participants' preference.

McPhee said that all of last year's corporate teams have signed up again and a few more have joined the cause.

A variety of Yellowknife businesses also contribute to the free BBQ held after the race.

It takes 40 volunteers to organize and run the event.

McPhee explained that the Terry Fox Foundation "is one of the best in the world in terms of (keeping down) administrative costs."

He said that two per cent of money raised goes to administration, nine per cent goes to promotional costs, and 89 per cent goes directly to cancer research.

The Terry Fox Run will be held across Canada on Sunday, Sept. 19.

In Yellowknife, it starts from the Community Arena. Registration is at noon and the run begins at 1 p.m.