On August 7, honor a great man, a great foundation, and a great cause by celebrating Terry Fox Day. After discovering a malignant tumor on his knee and undergoing surgery that removed 15 centimeters of his leg, Terry Fox embarked on a cross-Canada run that lasted 143 days and 5,373 kilometers — all to raise money and awareness for cancer. So on Terry Fox Day, get involved: run a race, donate money, raise money — however you choose to participate, just be sure to pay homage to this incredible individual.

Terry Fox Day timeline

July 28, 1958
The world welcomes Terry Fox

Terry Fox is born in Winnipeg, Manitoba as Terrance Stanley Fox.

March 9, 1977
Terry discovers his tumor

Terry is diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right leg.

February 1979
Let the training begin

The training for his Marathon of Hope—a run across Canada with the hopes of raising money for cancer research and awareness—begins.

May 26, 1988
The Terry Fox Run becomes official

The Terry Fox Run becomes a Trust under the organization name, The Terry Fox Foundation

1992
The run goes global

After its success in Canada, the Terry Fox Run launches around the world in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Hungary, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, U.S.A., and Zimbabwe.

How to Observe Terry Fox Day

  1. Participate in a run

    Although there are several runs to choose from throughout the year, Terry Fox Day is the perfect opportunity to participate in one. Visit www.terryfox.org to register and get ready to lace up!

  2. Donate money

    While there are many charities to donate to on any given day, show your support for a truly great man and a wonderful foundation by donating to The Terry Fox Foundation on Terry Fox Day. Whether you do so by registering for a race or simply by donating online, just be sure to show your support.

  3. Hold a fundraiser

    The Terry Fox Foundation has many fundraisers, so why not host your own? From runs to BBQs, outdoor treks to head shaving parties, there are endless ways to raise money on Terry Fox Day.

5 Inspiring Facts About Terry Fox

  1. He receives an award

    Terry Fox is given The Order of the Dogwood, the highest civilian award in British Columbia.

  2. His athleticism is rewarded

    Terry Fox receives the Lou Marsh Award for outstanding athletic accomplishment—a title that was voted on by Canadian sports editors

  3. The Canadian press acknowledge his accomplishments

    Terry is voted as Canadian of the Year by the Canadian Press

  4. A mountain is named in his honor

    A peak located in the Rocky Mountain is designated by British Columbia as Mount Terry Fox

  5. A highway is named after him

    A section of the Trans-Canada Highway is renamed the Terry Fox Courage Highway

Why Terry Fox Day is Important

  1. It raises money for cancer research

    Every year, the Terry Fox Foundation holds 9,000 Terry Fox Runs. While the main run, the Terry Fox Run, is held on the same day as Terry Fox Day, the Foundation also partners with many schools to host a Terry Fox School Run. For all of these runs, 82 cents of every dollar raise is donated directly to many different types of cancer research, such as such as lung, ovarian, pancreatic, pediatric cancer and many more.

  2. It inspires people

    After being diagnosed with cancer and having his leg amputated, Terry Fox still managed to run 5,373 kilometers. This story and the legacy he left behind inspires anyone who participates in a Terry Fox Foundation event.

  3. It gives hope to those still fighting

    Because of the legacy Terry has left behind, he continues to give hope to those who are battling cancer. Thanks to The Terry Fox Foundation, over $715 million has been raised to support cancer research. There has also been the creation of The Terry Fox Research Institute, an institute that merges the clinical expertise of cancer physicians with the innovative laboratory expertise of scientific researchers. All of these are steps towards finding a cure for cancer.

Terry Fox Day dates

Year Date Day
2021 August 2 Monday
2022 August 1 Monday
2023 August 7 Monday
2024 August 5 Monday
2025 August 4 Monday