Derek Kaye
Castlegar News
With the early morning sun sparkling through the trees, a crowd of runners, walkers, bikers and dogs eagerly awaited the start of the Terry Fox Run on Sunday, September 14.
This year was different, with all types of self-propelled motion allowed instead of only running and walking. Participants could not only set their own pace and mode of movement but also the total length covered. The run is normally ten kilometres but entrants could cover whatever distance they were comfortable with. Organizers had set a five kilometre route that could be looped twice to cover the full 10 kilometres.
With corporate teams and families united for a cause the event proved popular. Hundreds turned out, even if it meant rolling out of a Sunday morning sleep to throw on sneakers. The run was part of an event held all over Canada to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. But it was also to run for someone or in the memory of someone special to each runner.
With the glorious weather and a national cause, even those on four legs were jumping for joy.
For the kids whose parents were their age when Terry Fox made his historic run, the event was as much a learning experience as it was a family get together.
Organizer Audrey Polovnikoff was pleased with the turnout. She led everybody through warmups and gave pre-run instructions. Some team members from the Selkirk Saints hockey team were also on hand to help.
It was a wonderful way to start the day and support a great cause. The local staging has been held ever since the Terry Fox Run began.