Terry Fox (1958-1981) National Historic Person

Terry Fox was designated as a national historic person in 2008.

Historical importance: an enduring icon, the qualities of both the man and his "Marathon of Hope" captivated the country and resonated deeply with Canadians.

Commemorative plaque: multiple plaque locations

Plaque location 1

Terry Fox Monument at Mile 0, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador^{Footnote 1}

Terry Fox (1958-1981)

While in remission from cancer, Terry Fox set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Despite having lost his right leg to the disease, this determined athlete ran 5,373 kilometres —nearly a marathon a day for 143 straight days—before being forced to stop when his cancer returned. His “Marathon of Hope,” which began in St. John’s on April 12, 1980, captivated Canadians with its bold humanitarianism, transformed our vocabulary about personal courage, and revolutionized fund-raising. To date, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised by Fox and in his name to the benefit of cancer sufferers around the world. The heroic nature and tragic interruption of his run have made Terry Fox an enduring Canadian icon.

Plaque location 2

Terry Fox Scenic Lookout, Highway 11/17, 7.5 km east of its intersection with Highway 102, Thunder Bay, Ontario^{Footnote 1}

Terry Fox (1958-1981)

While in remission from cancer, Terry Fox set out to run across Canada in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. Despite having lost his right leg to the disease, this determined athlete ran 5,373 kilometres—nearly a marathon a day for 143 straight days—before being forced to stop east of this spot in the community of Shuniah when his cancer returned. His “Marathon of Hope” captivated Canadians with its bold humanitarianism, transformed our vocabulary about personal courage, and revolutionized fund-raising. To date, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised by Fox and in his name to the benefit of cancer sufferers around the world. The heroic nature and tragic interruption of his run have made Terry Fox an enduring Canadian icon.

Plaque location 3

2580 Shaughnessy Street, near City Hall, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia^{Footnote 1}

Terry Fox (1958-1981)

While in remission from cancer, Terry Fox set out to run across Canada in 1980 to raise money for cancer research. Despite having lost his right leg to the disease, this determined Port Coquitlam athlete ran 5,373 kilometres—nearly a marathon a day for 143 straight days—before being forced to stop when his cancer returned. His “Marathon of Hope” captivated Canadians with its bold humanitarianism, transformed our vocabulary about personal courage, and revolutionized fund-raising. To date, hundreds of millions of dollars have been raised by Fox and in his name to the benefit of cancer sufferers around the world. The heroic nature and tragic interruption of his run have made Terry Fox an enduring Canadian icon.

Terrance Stanley « Terry » Fox (1958-1981)

Through the compassionate motivation, pan-Canadian scope and tragic interruption of his “Marathon of Hope,” Terry Fox has become an enduring icon. More than 25 years after his death, the qualities of both the man and his run still captivate the country and resonate deeply with Canadians.

Born on July 28, 1958 in Winnipeg and raised in Port Coquitlam BC, Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma at the age of 18. His cancer treatment included amputation of his right leg six inches above the knee. He later reflected: “It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” He decided to run a marathon that would raise Canadians' awareness of cancer and funds for cancer research.

On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox dipped his artificial foot in the Atlantic Ocean off St. John's, Newfoundland, to begin his quest. He ran in all weather, sometimes accompanied, sometimes alone, setting a pace of about 40 km a day. He ran with a distinctive hopping gait that required tremendous energy because it forced him to work against gravity with each step, unlike the flowing rhythm of an able-bodied runner. He ran nearly a marathon a day for 143 days: an outstanding feat of athleticism.

As the run progressed across six provinces, fascinated Canadians increasingly lined the route. Fox had a knack of engaging them in his cause: "If you have given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope," he said. Support for the run did not cease when Fox was forced to stop on September 1, 1980 at Thunder Bay after running 5,373 kilometres because his cancer had returned. Before his death, ten months later, Terry Fox had met his goal of raising one dollar for every man, woman and child in Canada.

Terry Fox challenged Canadians' perception of athletes with disabilities, their concept of their country and their commitment to fighting a devastating disease. His highly personal and inspirational humanitarian and philanthropic purpose has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars being raised by himself and in his name to support cancer research for the benefit of Canadians and people around the world. His determination is unforgettable.

Backgrounder last update: 2025-06-02

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