Terry Fox Week kicks off Monday in Orillia, bringing a mix of fundraising events, community traditions and a major online auction - all building toward the annual Terry Fox Run at J.B. Tudhope Park on Sunday, September 20.
The week begins with a flag raising and official proclamation at 11 a.m. at the Orillia Recreation Centre, marking the start of several days dedicated to supporting cancer research in Terry Fox’s name.
Online auction runs all week
Dozens of donated items - from goods to gift cards to local services - are up for bid in an online auction hosted through the Terry Fox Run Orillia Facebook page. Bidding opens Monday and closes Saturday at noon, with winners able to pick up their prizes at the Run site on Sunday.
Organizers say the auction continues to be one of the most impactful fundraisers of the week, thanks to strong support from local businesses and residents.
Breakfast for Champions returns Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, Bayside Restaurant hosts the Breakfast for Champions, a special event for pre‑registered members of Terry’s Team - people who have received a cancer diagnosis. The breakfast begins at 10 a.m. at 500 Atherley Road.
Last year’s run raised more than $69,000
The 2025 Orillia Terry Fox Run raised $69,136.96, supported by 459 participants, volunteers and teams. That pushed Orillia’s cumulative total to more than $1.19 million, contributing to the over $1‑billion raised nationally since Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
“Our all-volunteer organizing committee have been working hard to ensure greatly needed funds continue to be generated for groundbreaking, made-in-Canada diagnoses and less harmful treatments,” said volunteer run organizer Alison Stoneman. “We are also buoyed by the infectious enthusiasm of partners like local Harvey’s Restaurant franchisee Laura Dickson and staff to bring more recognition of our shared goal.”
2026 run aims for “one dollar per Orillia resident”
This year’s run starts and finishes at Celebration Plaza in Tudhope Park, following a 2.5‑kilometre repeatable loop.
Key times for Sunday, September 20:
- Check‑in: 11:30 a.m.
- Opening ceremonies & warm‑up: 12:40 p.m.
- Run/Walk start: 1:00 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to register online at run.terryfox.ca/orillia and follow event updates using #FinishIt, #TerryFoxRunOrillia and #TerryFoxFoundation.
