Parks Canada and the 2010 Winter Games

Canadian Sports Heritage - Athletes of National Historic Significance

Terry Fox (1958-1981)
Enduring Icon of Hope

Terry Fox in action as he runs along a street during his Marathon of Hope
© Courtesy of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame

As a young athlete, Terry Fox enjoyed soccer, rugby and baseball. He excelled at basketball and was named Athlete of the Year at his high school. Amputation of his cancerous right leg at age 18 proved no deterrent to his competitive spirit. On April 12, 1980, Fox embarked on a courageous run across Canada, dipping his artificial leg in the Atlantic Ocean off St. John's, Newfoundland. His Marathon of Hope attracted greater attention with every passing milestone. Crowds cheered him on, lining the streets and highways along his route.

By September, Fox had covered 7,373 kilometres in 143 days – nearly a marathon a day – but the return of cancer forced him to cut the run short. His misfortune met with a national outpouring of emotion. The Canadian Cancer Society was flooded with donations, and numerous honours for Fox quickly followed, including the Companion of the Order of Canada. Fox died the following June and tributes poured in from around the world. That fall, the Terry Fox Run was inaugurated and it is now an international event.

Fox's extraordinary personal courage and philanthropic purpose has inspired the donation of hundreds of millions of dollars in support of cancer research for the benefit of Canadians and people around the world.

Fox's legacy continues through the Terry Fox Foundation, and he remains revered for his Marathon of Hope, an embodiment of the highest ideals of both athleticism and public service, and an example that continues to inspire millions.

Terry Fox was declared a National Historic Person in 2008.