Each August long weekend, Manitobans pause to remember Terry Fox — the Winnipeg-born athlete whose 1980 "Marathon of Hope" and fight against cancer left a mark across Canada. Since 2015, the province has formally recognised the Monday of the holiday weekend as a day to honour his legacy, a recognition that resonates with Fox’s family, who say Manitoba remains home even after decades away.
Family ties keep the memory close
Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother, points to deep family roots in Manitoba as part of why the province’s recognition matters.
"It's amazing because we're all from Manitoba," Fred Fox said, recalling family connections across the province. "Dad was born and raised in Winnipeg. Mom was born in Boissevain and raised in Melita. Terry and I, our brother Darryl and Judy were all born in Winnipeg. We still have all kinds of family throughout the province."
The family moved to British Columbia in 1966, but that relocation has not erased the bond with the prairie province, Fred Fox said. He described it as "amazing" that Manitobans continue to speak about Terry and keep his story alive.
How the legacy persists
Terry Fox was 18 when he received a cancer diagnosis. Rather than retreat, he launched an effort to raise money for cancer research by attempting to run across Canada on one natural leg and one prosthetic leg. He died before completing the journey, but the impact of his determination endures.
Fred Fox described how interest in honouring Terry continues decades later — municipalities and community groups still seek to attach his name to public spaces.
- Cities and towns continue to propose naming parks, streets or schools after Terry Fox.
- Families and community groups mark the August long weekend with runs and memorials to remember his contribution to cancer research awareness.
- The Terry Fox Foundation remains active in promoting research and commemorations.
"It's pretty cool to know that Terry still has that impact," Fred Fox said. He also noted how the younger generation in his family, who never met their uncle, remain involved in different ways.
"My brother Darryl and sister Judy, between us, we have nine kids. They never met their uncle Terry, but they're involved in different ways. Still today, we're hearing from cities across the country, wanting to name a park, or a street, or a school. It's been 46 years since Terry was running his Marathon of Hope. It's pretty cool to know that Terry still has that impact."
Recent commemorations and media
Last fall, the Terry Fox Foundation released archival footage in a documentary titled Run Terry Run, compiled from long-lost film of his cross-country run. The film debuted in Toronto alongside the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and is available to stream on Disney+. The documentary has helped reignite public interest and brought Terry’s story to new audiences.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Fox family moved from Manitoba to British Columbia |
| 1980 | Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope |
| 2015 | Manitoba adopts Monday of August long weekend to honour Terry Fox |
| 2025 (last fall) | The documentary Run Terry Run was released |
Why it still matters locally
For communities in Manitoba, Terry Fox’s story has practical and symbolic dimensions. Fundraising runs and school events tied to his name raise money for cancer research and keep younger people informed about a national story with local roots. Naming parks and streets after Terry preserves public memory in neighbourhoods across the province.
Fred Fox’s comments underline another point: remembrance is personal as well as public. For families who never met Terry, the story is a link to a relative whose life and ambitions continue to influence civic life and charitable activity.
As Manitobans mark the August long weekend, many will take part in runs, ceremonies or quiet reflection that honour a figure who began his journey in Winnipeg and inspired Canadians from coast to coast. The recognition by the province and the continued interest from communities suggest Terry Fox’s effort remains a touchstone for public service and resilience in Manitoba and beyond.
— Grace Bautista, NEXO RADAR
