The Terry Fox Run Abu Dhabi will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this February.
The organising committee for the annual charity event announced the 8km run will be held on 27th February at Gate 1 on the Corniche, opposite NBAD.
The charity run’s namesake was a young Canadian athlete who was diagnosed with cancer that led to the amputation of his right leg, below the knee. Turning his tribulations into inspiration, Terry embarked on his Marathon of Hope, running 42km everyday across Canada. After 134 days, the disease returned to his lungs and forced Terry to cut his marathon mission short. He passed away in June 1981 aged 22.
Terry’s trek inspired others to hold runs in his memory. The Terry Fox Foundation now hosts fun runs in over 60 countries – Abu Dhabi raises the most funds of any Terry Fox Run.
Abu Dhabi hosted its first edition in 1995 with 100 participants helping raise AED 500. The 2014 event welcomed over 15,000 residents who helped raise over AED 800,000 for the charity.
All funds raised are used to conduct cancer research. Over the past 20 years, the organisation has funded 42 research projects around the world.
The Terry Fox Run has helped promote awareness about cancer and the importance of research into the disease. It also provides volunteer opportunities for many students who gain an understanding of social responsibility.
If you wish to volunteer contact: [email protected]
Registration opens at 7am on the day. The run will be from 10am to noon. Race T-shirts will be available on the day. Free entry but donations accepted. For more information visit: www.terryfox.org
