Over 10,000 attend Terry Fox Run

The event, which began in 1994, is the second biggest in the world by participation and the third biggest in terms of revenue, according to publicity director David Baker.

More than Dh250,000 has been donated from yesterday's event already and Baker said that the figure was expected to double over the next month as funds continued to pour in.

Recommended For You

'Grey's Anatomy' actor James Pickens Jr reveals prostate cancer diagnosis

Ittihad successfully prices $550 million 5-year non-call 2 144a/Reg S Sukuk

UAE unveils plans for Antarctica research base, mulls acquiring ice-breaker

Appinventiv expands Middle East presence with new Dubai office to support GCC clients

Dubai Airshow 2025: Flydubai orders 60 GE engines for Boeing aircraft

 

“We're confident we can exceed last year's total of Dh500,000,” Baker said. “It's traditionally a Dubai event but this year we purposely targeted Sharjah as well, especially with the easy location of Mamzar Park.”

The event, inspired by a Canadian hero and cancer sufferer Terry Fox, draws all nationalities to participate but Canadians were out in strength on the day.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer Grace E. Warkentine started the run after the Aga Khan Scouts & Guides band led participants to the starting line.

Hungarian Joseph Oravecz participated for his fifth time.

“I have a huge respect for Terry Fox and what he achieved as a symbol of perseverance,” he said. “We wanted to support his cause.”

A group of university student dancers, a Keralite percussion group and a Wollongong University band entertained the crowd before and after the run.

Police and Roads and Transport Authority helped coordinate the event and access to and parking at Mamzar Park ran smoothly, according to Baker.

All of the funds from the event stay within the region, going to cancer research at the Al Ain Cancer Institute.