A new documentary film showcasing never-before-seen footage of Terry Fox was unveiled today, ahead of its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Titled Run Terry Run, the documentary delves into the 1980 Marathon of Hope undertaken by the British Columbia athlete and cancer research advocate, utilizing nearly 100 reels of recently discovered archival material.
The trailer includes insights from individuals close to Terry Fox, such as van driver Doug Alward, his brother Darrell Fox, and Terry Fox himself, as he embarked on his ambitious journey to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research following the amputation of his leg due to osteogenic sarcoma.
One notable quote from the trailer features Fox expressing his thoughts on the journey, mentioning his anticipation of reaching Vancouver and his contentment with his mission. Director Sean Menard of Toronto obtained the raw footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who captured Fox’s run with multiple camera operators from the East Coast.
Menard’s quest for authentic documentation of Fox’s marathon was supported by the Terry Fox Foundation, leading to the discovery of the footage in a Toronto storage unit near Menard’s residence. After restoring the film reels to 4K quality, Menard premiered his film at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto last year.
Unlike typical documentaries, Run Terry Run does not feature traditional interviews but utilizes voiceovers from key figures like Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler, offering a unique perspective on Terry Fox’s impactful journey. The documentary sheds light on Fox’s determination and resilience as he ran over 5,000 kilometers before illness forced him to halt his run near Thunder Bay, Ontario in 1980.
Despite Fox’s passing in 1981, his Marathon of Hope raised over $24 million at the time, equivalent to a dollar from every Canadian. Recently, the Terry Fox Foundation celebrated surpassing $1 billion in contributions towards cancer research. Fox’s legacy has been commemorated in various documentaries, including Terry Fox: I Had A Dream and Into the Wind, showcasing his enduring impact and inspiration.
In recognition of his significance, the Bank of Canada announced in 2024 that Fox would be featured on the country’s $5 banknote. Menard’s documentary highlights Fox’s personal growth during the marathon, portraying his evolution from a young, ambitious runner to a resilient individual navigating the global spotlight.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Tom Caffey, known for his work on The Last Dance series, adds depth to the storytelling. Run Terry Run is set to premiere at TIFF on September 19, just ahead of the annual Terry Fox Run, with a theatrical release scheduled for October 9, 2026.