In the three decades since the Marathon of Hope, many different writers have tried to explain, to an increasingly jaded world, how a young man would be willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. Terry's compassion, his integrity, his benevolence, his focus, made him a truly unique individual. And so it is understandable that the focus would be on Terry as a person, his desire to alleviate the suffering of so many, and the remarkable legacy that continues to this very day.
Yet often overlooked is his almost superhuman capacity to run, on one good leg, a marathon a day for 143 days. Terry's remarkable humanitarian effort was matched by an athletic accomplishment that has never been repeated.
A Symbolic Journey
With this in mind The Terry Fox Foundation is presently considering a proposal that would illustrate in detail what Terry accomplished in 1980.
The event will reacquaint new and existing generations with Terry's example of athleticism, determination and self-sacrifice. It is only an idea at the moment and has a number of "subject to" clauses.
Proposed Plan
The plan at this time is to have two teams of twelve runners start in St. Johns and Victoria on April 12th. Each participant will attempt to run 3,339 miles in 143 days, matching Terry's daily mileage, meeting in Thunder Bay on Labour Day weekend.
There will be a one hour casting special to air in April in CBC primetime where the participants will be introduced, the stakes will be set for the run and Terry's enduring and building legacy will be highlighted. This will be followed by a feature that would appear weekly on the National or CBC News Sunday that would provide an update on the runners and their fundraising efforts. There would also be a one hour (or more) special on Labour Day.
A website will be created that would present the diaries of the runners, offer up to date features and allow a click through to our website for online donations.
Do You Have What It Takes to Go the Distance?
The participants will be chosen based on the following:
- You have been inspired by Terry's story and have a history of supporting Terry's vision and principles
- You are willing and able to undertake fundraising for the Foundation
- You believe in your ability to physically complete the challenge - and can prove it!
- You are willing and able to put aside work/other commitments for 4.5 or more months
Now Is Your Time to Convince Us!
If you would like to participate as a runner in this historic event, please reply to marathonofhope2009@gmail.com, sending us your contact information and telling us why you are the ideal candidate for the show. We want to get a sense of who you are and what motivates you to apply for this kind of challenge.
In addition, we ask that you please create a 3-5 minute video so we can see you in action. Your video should include: Your name, age, hometown and why you want to be a participant in the Marathon of Hope 2009. Please upload your video to YouTube.
Please notify us immediately by sending the URL when you've uploaded your video. We look forward to hearing from you!
Deadline for applications: January 8, 2009
Need extra help uploading your video? YouTube.com.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
