Abbotsford and Mission turn out for Terry Fox
Blue skies and sunshine greeted participants in the 32nd annual Terry Fox Runs in Abbotsford and Mission on Sunday.
Approximately 325 folks turned out for the run along Abbotsford's Discovery Trail and Fish Trap Creek, said the run's organizer Mark Raymond.
"That's up from 50 two years ago which is amazing," said Raymond, who helped saved the event from coming to an end by stepping up to coordinate the event last year.
A rough count suggests participants raised between $7,000 and $8,000 for cancer research, said Raymond.
Over the last couple of years he and other run volunteers wanted to grow the numbers taking part in the run but in the future they want to focus more on fundraising, said Raymond.
"I think its such a great cause. I grew up running the Terry Fox Run and I think it's part of the community."
In Mission, around 50 people of all ages and abilities took part in the walk/run including those pushing baby strollers, running their dog or rolling in wheelchairs, said organizer Craig Grant.
With the help of the Morning and Midday Rotary clubs, volunteers and community businesses around $4,400 was collected for the cause.
After lively warm up, participants made their way along Seventh Avenue through Fraser River Heritage Park and to St. Mary’s before circling back to the Mission Leisure Centre on Grand Street.
The annual run is held in 760 cities worldwide. The Terry Fox Foundation has raised $600 million globally for cancer research since 1981.
RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com