The annual Terry Fox Run returns to thousands of communities across Canada this weekend with Muskoka joining the national effort to raise money for cancer research and carry on Terry Fox’s legacy.
The 2026 run takes place this Sunday (Sept. 20) in Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst.
Jessie Alder, Terry Fox’s niece and a dedicated board member of the Terry Fox Foundation for nearly 20 years, said the annual fundraising event is a meaningful symbol of her uncle’s mission.
“I think it’s so important that we’re here today continuing his legacy until a cure for cancer is found,” Alder said.
It has been more than 46 years since Terry Fox was forced to bring his Marathon of Hope to a premature end, but the fundraising did not stop with his run.
By the time Fox ended his cross-country run, he had travelled 5,373 kilometres over 143 days and raised approximately $1.7 million for cancer research.
“People train for months for one marathon, and he was averaging a marathon every day for 143 days,” Alder said, noting that Fox completed the run while dealing with health complications and using an artificial leg.
“What he did is kind of impossible… I don’t know if anybody else could do it, so it’s just mind-blowing to think of what he accomplished.”
According to the Terry Fox Foundation, the campaign grew and donations surged in the following months, reaching $24.17 million by February 1, 1981.
In February 2026, the Terry Fox Foundation announced it had surpassed $1 billion raised for cancer research across Canada.
“A billion dollars has gone such a long way in funding and been so impactful in cancer research,” Alder said.
Despite the milestone, Alder said there is still work to be done and encouraged Canadians to remain committed to the cause.
“I think if Terry was here, he’d say please continue to donate, we’ve come a very long way but we’re not quite there,” she said. “If you can come to a run, it’s one of the best ways to honour Terry, coming together and raising money.”
Alder also expressed her gratitude to the thousands of Canadians who have participated in fundraising efforts over the years and supported the Fox family, recalling the many letters her family has received from people across the country.
“I remember every year my grandma would have her kitchen table filled with stacks and stacks of thank you letters, and we still do that today. We receive the most beautiful letters,” Alder said. “He’s been gone for 45 years, but he’s still very much alive in the hearts of Canadians everywhere.”
As of Sept. 18, the three participating Muskoka communities have collectively raised more than $75,000 for cancer research.
The Huntsville run begins at 9 a.m. from Huntsville High School.
The Bracebridge run begins at 10 a.m. from Memorial Park Bandshell.
The Gravenhurst run begins at 10 a.m. from the YMCA Gravenhurst.
To donate or sign up for the run in your region, visit terryfox.org
