The Terry Fox Hometown Run in Port Coquitlam is less than 50 days away.
But anticipation of the Sept. 17, 2023, event has garnered interest as early as February when another B.C. icon was asked to help design this year's fundraising shirt.
Ryan Reynolds worked with the Terry Fox Foundation to unveil the "Dear Terry" collection — a series of shirts, short- and long-sleeved, embossed with those words in English and French on the front and inspirational messages on the back.
The Deadpool, Free Guy and Just Friends actor's tribute to the Port Coquitlam hero became so popular via social media, the foundation started a pre-sale campaign for the shirt.
The result: more than $1 million for cancer research by the 43rd anniversary of when Fox started his Marathon of Hope.
In-person sales
Now, in gearing up for the Terry Fox Hometown Run, organizers will soon sell the "Dear Terry" shirts in person.
Starting Tuesday (Aug. 1), local residents looking to get their hands on the limited edition garment are encouraged to visit one of four locations across Port Coquitlam:
- Port Coquitlam Community Centre (main desk)
- Patina Brewing
- Save-On-Foods
The shirts will be available while supplies last, organizers said.
Adult sizes, ranging from small to XXL, are $25, while youth and 6x sizes are $20 each.
You can also check out the Terry Fox Foundation's website for online orders and more details.
@tricitynews Heroes supporting heroes. 🤝 #tricitynews #portcoquitlam #terryfox #terryfoxrun #ryanreynolds #greenscreen ♬ original sound - TriCityNews
Register for the run
Meanwhile, organizers added the Terry Fox Hometown Run is returning to a route last travelled in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While details have yet to be released, spokesperson Dave Teixeira is hoping the public can sign up for the run, whether that's by foot, bike, roller blades or even by skateboard.
"The idea is to have FUN while raising funds for cancer research," he said in a recent newsletter, noting this year's fundraising goal is current set for $75,000.
The Terry Fox Hometown Run is scheduled for Sept. 17, 10 a.m. at Port Coquitlam's Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Ave.).
For more information, to register or to sign up as a volunteer, you can visit the Terry Fox Foundation's website.
Runs are also slated for Coquitlam, Port Moody and Anmore.
