A recent death in the family was the start to an emotional run for a Calgary family, but it was also the start of a new family tradition at the 29th annual Terry Fox run yesterday.
The Kingston family, mother Alex, father Martin and sons Neil, 9, and Joel, 5, recently lost Martin’s father to cancer and decided to run 5 km in his name at the annual event held at Eau Claire Market.
“It was emotional at the start at the beginning when they had a moment of silence and we just kind of looked at each other — it was touching,” Alex said. “But this is important for us to be here as a family and it’s the start of a family tradition.”
Alex said she always had a special place in her heart for Terry Fox, but now more than ever wants to continue to support the cause.
“I think it’s a great thing what he did and it’s just so important to remember.”
Mother and father were especially proud of Neil, who at only nine-years-old ran the 5 km without any help while mom pushed Joel in a stroller.
“I had a lot of fun,” the young runner said.
Terry Fox spokesperson Chelsey Gillings said final numbers weren’t in for the run yet, but was hoping to match at least the 1,300 participants the event had last year.
“It’s a lot of families running together and this year we allowed people to bike too. It’s been a lot of fun and we hope to match what we raised last year,” she added.
Last year the Terry Fox run and other events raised $135,000 to go towards cancer research.
