The Cochrane Terry Fox Run is adding some new touches this year to draw even more participants when the community comes together on Sept. 14.
One of the biggest additions is “Puppies on Parade,” a special 11:30 a.m. start for people who want to walk their dogs.—some in costume.
“Dogs are welcome at any time, but we thought a special start time would make it more fun and spread things out a little,” said event chair Lesley Hunt. “We’re doing that little extra to bring more people out.”
Pet treats have been donated by local pet stores, and bandanas will be available, created from old editions of the Terry Fox t-shirt.
The morning begins with registration at 9 a.m. at Mitford Park and the main run starts at 10 a.m. Participants can run, walk, or bike at their own pace.
Cochrane Terry Fox Run at a glance
What: Cochrane Terry Fox Run
When: Sunday, Sept. 14 — registration at 9 a.m., main start 10 a.m., “Puppies on Parade” at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Mitford Park
Route Information: Distance: 2km, 5km or 10km. Distances are marked. Walk, run, cycle, rollerblade, wheelchairs, and dogs on leash
Additional information: Fire trucks and ambulance on site for viewing; snacks and drinks provided
Goal: $33,143 (matching last year’s total)
Raised so far: $8,922
T-shirts: $25 adults, $20 children — available on select dates at the Cochrane Farmers' Market and day of the event. You can also email cochranetfr@gmail.com.
Donations: Send to Cochrane Terry Fox Run | Terry Fox Run on the Terry Fox Foundation website
Other features include fire trucks and an ambulance to explore, as well as snacks for participants, thanks to donations from local businesses.
“We’re lucky to have strong community support. Ernie from Save-On always brings lots of fruit and granola bars,” said Hunt.

The fundraising goal has been set at $33,143, matching last year’s total. Nearly $9,000 has already been collected.
“We usually see a big jump in September when kids go back to school, and donations are welcomed right through to January,” Hunt said.
In 2024, Cochrane residents raised nearly $1 for every person in town.
“Last year’s total worked out to about 90 cents a person, which is really close to Terry’s dream of a dollar from every Canadian,” Hunt said.
Since 1986, the Cochrane Terry Fox Run has raised over $210,000 for cancer research.
“It’s amazing to see the dollars taking such a huge jump in recent years,” said Hunt. “It really shows the momentum is building.”
This year’s Terry Fox t-shirts are available at selected Cochrane Farmers’ Markets and possibly even the Bearspaw Farmers' Market ahead of the event. They'll also be available at the event. Adult shirts are $25, with children’s available for $20.
Those who wish to arrange to purchase a t-shirt beyond these opportunities can reach out to the local organization at cochranetfr@gmail.com. All proceeds go to the Terry Fox Foundation.
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This year’s limited-edition 45th anniversary Terry Fox collection features the Finish It logo—symbolizing a shared commitment to help finish Terry’s marathon against cancer.
On the back of the shirt, Terry runs ahead—seen from behind, leading millions across Canada and around the world to carry forward his fight against cancer.
On July 3, Adidas Canada also re-release a limited number of the classic three-stripe runners that Terry Fox wore during his Marathon of Hope.
The annual Terry Fox Run has become a classic Canadian tradition. With nearly 600 communities, big and small, urban and rural, English and French, fundraising for cancer research.