John Petty discusses 40th anniversary of Pontiac Terry Fox Run

John Petty discusses 40th anniversary of Pontiac Terry Fox Run

The Pontiac Terry Fox Run is marking its 40th year this September and the organizers are planning to get the region moving in the days leading up to the event.

John Petty started the local iteration of the run back in 1981 with his late wife Betty and colleague Rick Valin. He encouraged the public to hit the pavement/dirt/water and log their kilometres in the 40 days prior (starting August 9) to the official run, which will take place on September 19 in Shawville. The contributions will be tallied weekly to provide a progress report that will be published in local media. Similar to the virtual run held last year, the organizer’s goal is to get as far across Canada collectively as they can.

Petty said that any “human-powered” mode of transportation can contribute, from the good ol’ heel-toe express to unicycles or kayaks. He said that weekly totals should be sent to anthonyvalin@hotmail.com, preferably on Fridays.

Petty was excited that the official run on September 19 would be allowed, though he added that there would likely still be public health guidelines that participants would have to follow.