Running to end cancer: Montreal marks 45 years of Terry Fox’s legacy
Posted September 14, 2025 12:37 pm.
Last Updated September 14, 2025 6:22 pm.
Cities across Canada, including Montreal, took part Sunday in the 45th annual Terry Fox Run, commemorating one of the country’s most enduring legacies in cancer research.
Montreal hosted two events: one at Marché des Éclusiers in the Old Port, and another at Strathearn Park in Montreal West.
“It’s all about paying it forward, keeping it going,” said run participant, Katherine Kilcullen. “We need to do this.”
“I lost both my legs above the knee and so now I skateboard instead of running or walking or pushing my wheelchair,” said Kilcullen.
For this Montrealer carrying on Terry’s mission is important.
She beat stage four cancer 19 years ago — and participates every year.
“Terry was an inspiration to the whole country,” she said. “And he inspired me when I was learning to walk with my prosthetics as well.”
Everyone who participated, also had their own reason to support the fight against cancer.
“What he did is incredible,” said Lyne Benoit, Terry Fox Run, Quebec Director. “I’m always thinking, ‘hey, if you’re up there, Terry, you know, since you left 45 years ago, $950 million have been raised’.”
#WATCH: "An important cause," says Montrealer Djazya Yettou who participated in the 45th annual Terry Fox Run at the Old Port.
— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) September 14, 2025
This was one of the 600 locations across Canada hosting a run on Sunday morning, raising funds for cancer.
READ: https://t.co/sxRNE4cot0 pic.twitter.com/TllbJFRD3V
In Montreal’s Old Port, registration opened at 8:30 a.m., this was followed by an opening ceremony and an energetic warm up.
For some, it was their first run, while for others its been years they’re participating.
Many also remembering the late Montrealer Eddy Nolan who made a mark in the community, participating in over 40 runs and died last year on April 12, the same day Terry began his marathon back in 1980.
“We have to continue the fight,” said Maria Silvaggio, Nolan’s wife. “You know, Eddy was a fighter, you know, will remember him as an inspirational person to the fight against cancer. And I do miss him.”
“Everybody needs hope,” said Maristela Brondo Corpus, one of the many participating on Sunday. “That’s why we’re walking right now.”
“It means a lot to me that everybody’s rallying up here today to run for such an important cause,” added Djazya Yettou. “It really shows that we’re not leaving anybody behind, whether it’s our family or friends, and even the people that we may not know, we’re all here to support the same cause.”
The Marathon of Hope began in 1980, when 21-year-old Terry Fox set out to run across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. He ran an average of 42 kilometres per day for 143 days before being forced to stop on Sept. 1, 1980, when his cancer returned and spread to his lungs, according to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Since then, the Terry Fox Run has supported more than 1,300 cancer research projects across the country.
“Just really wonderful that so many people care,” said Drago Samsa, a Terry Fox Run participant for over 30 years. “Just really wonderful that so many people care.”
“I’m just one of thousands of people here,” he added while running. “And I’m happy to be one of them.”
“As long as I still have my health,” said Kilcullen. “I am still going to try to make a difference.”
Details on how to participate or donate are available on the Terry Fox Foundation website.
