It’s been 36 years since Terry Fox lost his battle with cancer during his Marathon of Hope, but his inspiration lives on.
“I have not met anybody that does not know the name, Terry Fox. He is still very much alive in that respect,” said Kevin Harvey, who is organizing Penticton’s 2017 run.
The run is coming up this Sunday, Sept. 17, with registration starting at 10 a.m. in front of the SS Sicamous, and the run or walk starting at 11 a.m., with one, two and five-kilometre distances marked out.
“I’m not sure what to expect. It’s my first year,” said Harvey, who volunteered this year when the foundation sent out a plea for a local organizer. “We hope to see as many people as we can.”
“I saw they were advertising for someone to organize it, and I thought ‘what a shame if there is nobody.’ I just jumped in,” said Harvey, who admits to having participated “many times.”
Related: Terry Fox Run needs organizer
Promoting the run got off to a slow start because Harvey wanted to wait until the Multisport World Championships were finished. Then he said they got started, with information booths at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre and the Penticton Farmers’ Market, where he will be handing out brochures again Saturday.
He said he’s enjoying the challenge of organizing the run.
“You don’t wait for fun to come find you, you just make things fun. Everyone has been receptive,” said Harvey.
However, he could still use some help.
“If someone wants to get involved and want to volunteer a little bit, we could still use a couple of people for registration,” said Harvey, adding that he can be reached at 250-486-3215.
“If someone wants to get involved, we would love to have them.”