The chilly September air couldn’t cool the spirits of the York community members participating in this year’s Terry Fox Run on Sunday morning. York staff, students, professors, and alumni gathered alongside members of the local community early on the morning of September 20. There was an energetic buzz in the air. As participants registered just before the run, the crowd outside the new Pan Am Stadium only continued to grow.
“We had over 100 people registering online,” says organizer Jenny Ng. This number is quite a feat, considering that last year there was no Terry Fox Run hosted at York at all. “No one wanted to organize it,” explains Ng, while fellow organizer Dalton Graham added that “everyone was too busy on campus, with all the construction going on, so it fell through the cracks.”
Participants hit the course shortly after 10 a.m., travelling along the perimeter of Keele campus, completing either five kilometres or 10 kilometres in total. Individuals travelled on foot, by bicycle, on rollerblades, and even in a stroller to complete the course. The path was lined with enthusiastic volunteers, who directed runners and encouraged them along the way.
Upon completing the run, MBA student Jacquie Simanovic remarked on how great it was to “come out and have a social event, and meet people, but also be able to support cancer research and cancer survivors.” For Qamar Zaidi, a PhD candidate in the health studies, the Terry Fox Run was all about the community. Zaidi accredited his annual participation to his love of working for a cause and added that Terry Fox was his Canadian hero.
The various motivations for participating and contributing were written on stickers and worn by the runners. Some of the motivations were to continue Terry’s legacy, eradicate cancer, or support of a friend or loved one affected by cancer.
With the run returning to the Keele campus this year, there were mixed reviews about the chosen route. Some participants expressed concern about the sidewalk, which Zaidi said was not wide enough to accommodate runners. However, many participants agreed that the opportunity to begin and end the race at the Pan Am/Parapan Am Stadium drew many participants to take part.
“It was a great draw for many people, especially alumni who came here to participate, who haven’t been on campus within the last couple of years,” says Sean Siddik, chief of staff at the Schulich School of Business.
“We wanted to have the biggest team ever,” he adds. He helped promote the event by reaching through alumni networks, and engaging current students.
Zaidi, however, still feels that there could be more participation. “There should be more banners, maybe a few registration desks around Vari Hall and maybe one in Accolade East,” he adds.
The York community contributed generously in the fundraising as well. Ng announced that the total raised was just under $5,000 as of Friday, which is nearly double the initial $2,500 goal. Team Schulich alone contributed almost $3,300, which similarly exceeded their initial fundraising goal of $3,000.
2016 will be the 24th year that York will host the Terry Fox Run, and this year’s participants encourage everyone to come out and support the cause.
“The wonderful thing about this event is that it’s set up for everyone, people of all ages and abilities,” says Siddik. Simanovic’s advice is very similar.
[su_quote]“Just do it. Just go out and run.”[/su_quote]
Whether you see a fun morning with friends, a friendly challenge, or the chance to help conquer cancer, there’s every reason to lace up your sneakers and be a part of this iconic and truly Canadian cause.
Ika Janiszewski, Contributor and Hassam Munir, Sports & Health Editor
