Terry Fox Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Activities Canadian Historical
Where:: Canada
Date change rule:: First Monday of August
Holiday emoji:: 🇨🇦

Terry Fox Day inspires Canadians and the world every first Monday of August. It commemorates Terry Fox’s incredible Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise cancer research funds. Join a local run, donate to research, or share his story to keep his legacy alive.

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Expected Terry Fox Day Deals

While Terry Fox Day isn’t primarily a commercial sales event, many organizations and businesses across Canada and internationally participate in meaningful fundraising efforts. The Terry Fox Foundation itself offers a range of official merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and running gear, with all proceeds directly supporting vital cancer research. Beyond the Foundation, numerous retailers and local businesses often host donation drives, implementing programs where they match customer contributions or dedicate a percentage of sales from specific products to cancer charities. Community-focused businesses frequently organize or sponsor local Terry Fox Runs, encouraging participation and collective fundraising. Look for opportunities to round up purchases at checkout, or engage with special events where a portion of sales directly benefits cancer research. These initiatives provide crucial financial support for scientific advancements. We will update this page with confirmed live events and fundraising initiatives as August approaches, highlighting ways to contribute to this important cause.

Platform Guide for Terry Fox Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #TerryFoxDay. Share stories of local fundraising efforts or workplace teams participating in the annual run.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #TerryFoxDay. Share inspiring quotes from Terry Fox or updates on community events and fundraising totals.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TerryFoxDay. Post photos from local runs or share personal stories of how Terry Fox’s legacy inspires you.

Terry Fox Day Hero

Terry Fox

Terrence Stanley Fox (1958–1981) was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg amputated due to cancer, he embarked on the Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He ran 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles) in 143 days before his cancer spread, forcing him to stop. His incredible determination inspired millions and led to the creation of the Terry Fox Foundation, which has raised hundreds of millions for research.

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 Businesses Can Celebrate Terry Fox Day

Local businesses across Canada can honor Terry Fox Day by participating in the annual run as a corporate team, fostering employee engagement and community spirit. They can also host in-store donation drives, offering to match customer contributions to the Terry Fox Foundation. Consider dedicating a portion of sales from a specific product or service on this day to cancer research. Displaying educational materials about Terry Fox’s legacy can also raise awareness among patrons.

Terry Fox Day FAQs

When is Terry Fox Day?

Terry Fox Day 2026 falls on Monday, August 3, commemorating the incredible legacy of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope.

How many people participate in the Terry Fox Run?

Annually, millions of participants across Canada and around the world take part in the Terry Fox Run, with over 10,000 schools alone participating in the National School Run Day.

How much money has the Terry Fox Foundation raised?

Since its inception, The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million for cancer research worldwide, making a significant impact on scientific advancements.

Is Terry Fox Day a statutory holiday in Canada?

Terry Fox Day is observed as a statutory holiday in several Canadian provinces, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, allowing many to participate in commemorative events.

How to Observe Terry Fox Day

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!
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.
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

He receives an award
Terry Fox is given The Order of the Dogwood, the highest civilian award in British Columbia.
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
The Canadian press acknowledge his accomplishments
Terry is voted as Canadian of the Year by the Canadian Press
A mountain is named in his honor
A peak located in the Rocky Mountain is designated by British Columbia as Mount Terry Fox
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

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.
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.
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.