Terry Fox Run 2013

The Terry Fox run returns to Malaysia for it's 33rd anniversary to mark the fight against cancer. It will be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 1st December at 8.00am. Sadly I won't be there in person, but I will be there in spirit. I will wear my Terry Fox t-shirt on that day to show my support for this charity event. Those who are familiar with this event will know that it is non-competitive in nature. So anyone who participates in it can use any non-motorised form of transport. What that means is we can walk, run, cycle or even skate the route. It is divided into Family Route (3km) and Standard Route (5km). As always participation is free. However participants are encouraged to purchase the Terry Fox Run T-shirts. The proceeds of which will go to the Cancer Research Initiative Foundation (CARIF) to be used for cancer research. After learning of the event I got my friend in KL to purchase one for me. She bless her soul refused to accept payment.

What many might not know, and yes I didn't know too, till I did my research, is that the Terry Fox Run is the largest single day fundraiser for cancer research in the world. The Terry Fox story began in 1977, when as an 18-year-old he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg had to be amputated above the knee. While in hospital, Terry was touched by the suffering of young cancer patients. He took it upon himself to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. We're talking a distance of not less than 8,500km here! Terry, now an amputee, called his journey the "Marathon of Hope." He wasn't kidding about the marathon part either. Terry would go on to run a marathon a day 143 consecutive days! That meant he ran a total of 5,373km. Any marathon runner, myself included, would tell you that is an extraordinary feat indeed. Unfortunately he had to abandon his quest as the cancer had spread to his lungs. Terry would pass away a few months later. He was 21-years-old.

I will be the first to admit that his story affected me profoundly. Terry's "Marathon of Hope" would continue to live on in the charity event that bears his name, in the hopes for finding a cure for cancer. Since 1981 the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than RM1.3 billion aid from the Terry Fox Run, which is held in over 50 countries throughout the world annually. All it takes to start the ball rolling is to purchase a Terry Fox Run t-shirt for RM30. Of course personal donations can also be made to the foundation. We all have our reasons why we run. Terry Fox had his. By taking part in the Terry Fox Run we continue in the journey he first started. So wherever you are today go out and do a training run in his name so that his journey never ends. Do visit the official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TerryFoxRunKL  It's always nice to run for reason, especially if the reason has to do with charity. Happy running always everyone!

I got mine too!

Since I wasn't at the run I got my friends to take pics for me. The photos below are all from my friend Cino Tic's camera. He took one hundred pics. I had difficulty choosing from them too. Thanks CT!

Last but not least, special thanks to my FM running buddy Cynthia (dimples) for making this all possible...