Terry Fox Run

I did the Terry Fox run at its 16th iteration in Chennai on Sunday the 18th August.

It's inspiring origins and evolution are depicted in video stories. In a nutshell: Terry Fox was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1958. At age 18 he developed osteosarcoma of the knee that requred amputation. Those were the early days of cancer knowledge and research. Terry Fox was moved to take the courageous and brilliant step of a trans continental run across Canada from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts to increase awareness of and raise funds for cancer research.  His 'Marathon of Hope' involved running on his prosthesis the marathon distance of 26 miles per day, day in and day out, come sun, rain or snow. He asked for donations of a dollar a person and with an initial target of 1 million later to 24 million dollars (the Canadian population then). His efforts caught the imagination of the country, drawing in crowds on the highways and schools organising events in support. He covered an incredible 3339 miles (over 5k km) and had to end it at Thunderbay, Ontario where he had to be hospitalised and found to have lung secondaries. He was flown to Vancouver to continue treatment. He became the youngest recipient of Honour of Canada award. He passed away on June 28th 1981. 

His efforts led to the formation of the Terry Fox Foundation, leading to its continuation as an annual charity run and event. The inspirational story led to chapters across the world. 

The Chennai version was ideated by Akash Dubey, son of an IIT-M Professor. With Rotary and volunteer support, the idea found fruition. During to environmental concerns on the green campus hosting the event, it moved from the IIT through Anna University to its present location at Olcott School, Besant Nagar and the Besant Avenue route for the 6 km (and the 3km) event. 

My memories of this event date back to its earlier avatar at the IIT-M campus about 15 years ago. I remember it as a fun event for a good cause: Cancer. There were people of all ages and sizes, people walking their dogs, parents pushing prams, meeting friends and making new ones, a conversation with a naval person from the Chennai barracks whom I adopted as a running partner. The stalls and bunting and announcements at the cricket ground where the run ended added to the festiveness of the occasion.

August 18th began as a horribly humid day in a horrible humid month, par for the course for Chennaivasis. This did not deter the hordes registered for the event to descend on the venue for the 6 am start. 74 going on 75, I try to keep fit with alternating cardio and home stretching and strengthening/ resistance stuff. The 3k event stretched out to 10 k including the walk/jog to and from my home in the neighborhood. I was none the worse for wear and basking in the daylong endorphin high of the run. 

I dedicate my run to my mentors for regular running from my school and colleges days, and to all the indefatigable cancer warriors although the ages against 'The Emperor of All Maladies' The cancer scene has witnessed rapid changes and survival is the norm. The Terry Fox story played an important part in the evolving cancer story.