Terry Fox Run coming to Brandon University this September

The Terry Fox Run is coming to Brandon University this fall. It will take place Sunday, Sept. 17, as one of the concluding events at BU Homecoming. All are invited.

One of Canada’s largest and most beloved annual fundraising events, the Terry Fox Run has raised more than $850 million dollars for the fight against cancer since Fox launched his epic Marathon of Hope in 1980.

The family-friendly and pet-friendly event is held in communities around the world and has had several previous homes in Brandon. The announcement was made Saturday at Brandon University, during a visit by Terry Fox’s brother Fred.

Terry Fox Run organizers say they are excited for the facilities and route possibilities that the BU campus offers.

“We have tentatively found 1km, 5km, and 10km route options, and we know participants will have a wonderful day walking or jogging through the neighbourhoods that surround campus,” said Heather Stewart, coordinator of the Brandon Terry Fox Run for the past eight years. “It’s a casual, non-timed event, and a great day to come out and enjoy being active with friends while raising money for a very deserving cause and keeping the memory of Terry Fox alive.”

Brandon University student Rylee Zalischuk was one of last year’s top fundraisers for the Terry Fox Run, and she says the Run allows people to come together as a community to raise money for a great cause. 

“Bringing the Terry Fox Run to BU this year is awesome,” she said. “Brandon University is a welcoming place for all of our community and it is a great opportunity for students to get involved. By bringing this year’s run to BU, we can continue to raise awareness that cancer is an ongoing disease that affects many people, but most importantly encourage everyone to participate and get involved. We are continuing what Terry Fox started, and Brandon University is a great place to do just that.”

Going into her fourth year of a Bachelor of Science degree with plans to pursue a career in physiotherapy, Zalischuk has always enjoyed running, and says that the Terry Fox run allows her to do something she loves, while also fundraising to make a difference.

“Any contribution makes a difference,” she said. “I like to set a goal that is realistic but ambitious, then start my fundraising by making a donation myself.”

Using social media and making sure she connects to each donor with a thank-you are also important, she advises.

“My motto is, ‘any amount is appreciated and makes a difference.’ Whether that is $1 or $100, we are one step closer,” she said. “I am so grateful to have the support that I do, and it is important to thank each donor. They are what makes fundraising possible.”

This year’s Run will also be included as part of the annual Brandon University Homecoming, which has been moved a month earlier than the previous October dates.

“Homecoming is a community celebration as much as an alumni reunion, and we’re so pleased to join forces with such a laudable community and charitable event as the Terry Fox Run,” said BU Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs Carla Eisler. “This is a perfect fit with Homecoming, and we’re looking for ways to support alumni, student, faculty and staff entrants to bring out a great crowd.”

Homecoming will be held Sept. 14–17 this year, and will include a full weekend of reunions, fun, fellowship, and more. For more information, see BrandonU.ca/Homecoming.

The Terry Fox Run will take place the morning of Sunday, Sept. 17. Register, join a team, or donate at TerryFox.org/Terry-Fox-Run. A direct link to the Brandon race is https://run.terryfox.ca/29158.

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