The morning air at Island Park buzzed with energy, and a few persistent mosquitoes, as more than 80 people gathered for the 45th annual Terry Fox Run in Portage la Prairie. Families, longtime supporters, first-time participants, and volunteers came together on Sunday, raising $2,815 for cancer research, surpassing this year’s goal of $1,500, as a testament to both the generosity and determination of the community.
The Terry Fox Run has long been a fixture in Portage, and for many, it’s as much about memories as it is about miles. Mo McLeod, who hasn’t missed a single run since the very first one in 1980, says the event has shaped both his love of running and his sense of purpose.
“My love of running coincided with Terry’s Marathon of Hope, and he’s been an inspiration to me through the years. I’ve had many of my family members pass away from cancer, so for me it’s always been about raising money and keeping Terry’s dream alive.”
McLeod helped launch the first Terry Fox Run in Portage and spent years co-organizing the event alongside Evelyn Rheaume. Today, he continues to attend as a supporter, encouraging others to step up and carry on the tradition.
For others, the event brought a more recent personal connection. Resident Brian Mooney, who attended with his wife and children, explains why the Terry Fox Run hits so close to home.
“Both my mom and dad had cancer throughout their lives, and I was diagnosed two years ago, so it’s always been a special day for me, and now with my recent diagnosis, it’s even more so.”
Not everyone in the crowd was a seasoned participant. For newcomer Althea Almazan, who immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2022, Sunday’s run was her first Terry Fox experience. She said it felt meaningful to join an event so deeply rooted in Canadian culture.
“It’s actually my first time, and I’m happy to see a lot of people and a lot of energy. Back home, we had cancer fundraisers, but this is unique to Canada. Terry’s story is really monumental.”
The morning began with warm-ups led by fitness instructor Monique Laramee, whose lively routine had participants stretching and smiling before setting out along the 5km route. Families with strollers, cyclists, runners, and even leashed dogs made their way through Island Park, each stride echoing Terry’s message of perseverance.
Deputy Mayor Joe Masi was among those in attendance, reflecting on how Fox’s words continue to ring true decades later.
“Whether he survived or not, he wanted the marathon to continue, and here we are 45 years later. Cancer touches everyone, and everyone has a story. It’s great to see people come together, not just for charity, but to support one another.”
Event lead Diane Wing, now in her second year at the helm, adds that the combination of sunshine, community spirit, and shared purpose made the day a success.
“I think it was an amazing day. People braved the mosquitoes; the day was beautiful, and it’s all for such a great cause. Terry Fox has always been an inspiration to me personally, and I love seeing how much his story is still moving people today.”
Among those inspired was Dale Nickels, another dedicated participant who has taken part in every Portage run, even the one year it had to be held virtually due to COVID-19. Nickels proudly wears a collection of nearly every Terry Fox Run t-shirt as a badge of honour, a symbol of four-and-a-half decades of unwavering support.
As the crowd began to drift home from Island Park, it was clear the Terry Fox Run had been about far more than raising nearly $3,000. It was a morning of neighbours coming together, remembering loved ones, and carrying forward a dream that began with one young man’s courageous steps. Forty-five years later, Terry’s Marathon of Hope still runs strong in Portage la Prairie, kept alive in every stride, every story, and every person who shows up to keep his legacy going.
~With files from Cory Knutt
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