The international fun run, the Terry Fox Run has been ongoing in Abu Dhabi since 1995, and this year is expected to be the biggest event yet.
Taking place on Friday February 21 on Abu Dhabi Corniche, this 8km non-competitive event will be raising money for cancer research in memorial of Canadian, Terry Fox. The registration opens Friday February 21 at 7am, and the race will commence at 10am. There is no registration fee, and commemorative t-shirts are available. We got the inside track from the official organisers, and profiled one of the runners.
Terry Fox Run Organising Committee:
1. How do you think something like this contributes to the community?
The Abu Dhabi Run has been taking place uninterruptedly since 1995, and we’ve found that a lot of the participants have been coming to the event year after year. Through the Terry Fox Run, we are able to bring the community together and have one voice in support of a great cause. It’s the perfect way, too, for the community to give back to the UAE in a very positive way.
Additionally, we ensure that we inform people on how much money has been raised, where the money is going — cancer research at leading research institutions in the UAE — and what the outcomes of the funded projects are.
2. What’s the best part of the TFR for you as the Organising Committee?
We can’t single out anything as the best – because it’s all great! We love seeing people show up to the event to enjoy the day with family and friends, enjoying the music… We also thoroughly enjoy reading the notes people leave on the Memory Board, which are basically candid cancer-related stories or dedications or inspirational words. Another really special moment is, after the Run, when we find out how much we have raised on the day.
3. Are there any new concepts or plans for this year’s run?
Each year, we make sure to have music, food, short ceremonial speeches and a five-minute cardio warm-up. We also try to inject a different form of entertainment every year – it varies from exciting street-based performance such as dance-offs to drum bands, but we’ve also had real Canadian mounties attend, a concert by a young cancer survivor, an inspirational speech by a paralympian, and an ice hockey team giving a demonstration (on rollerblades, of course) of their game.
This year, we’re really pleased to be able to show people where their money is going and will be handing over the final amount of funding for the four research projects that the Abu Dhabi run has financed. We’re also fortunate enough to have not only Terry’s sister, Judith, with us but, for the first time, her daughter, Jessie – Terry’s niece — is visiting as an honorary guest. This shows the involvement of a new generation and that Terry’s message is still being heard cross continents, loud and clear.
4. Is this for professionals or can anyone join?
The beauty of the Terry Fox Run is that it’s an open-for-all event. It’s a fun run, in every sense of the word!
5. Does this get a good turn out?
Year after year, we find ourselves attracting increasing numbers of participants. Last year, we had nearly 18,000 show up!
Aliazia Al Dhaheri, 19 years old, Emirati, Student
1. How many years have you been participating in the TFR?
I’ve been participating in the Terry Fox Run Abu Dhabi for 18 years — ever since I was a baby! I was less than a year old at the very first Run in Abu Dhabi in 1995 and I haven’t missed one yet. You could say I’m a ‘founding participant’!
2. What was last year like?
Last year was great because we raised the most money ever – an amazing Dhs750,000 — more than any other previous Runs held in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Police Band and the Bohra Military Band were excellent, and so was the DJ (especially since they all represent different parts of the community). The fitness instructor was very energetic and he got the crowd energised and well warmed up before they set off for the 8km-plus path. A fun thing last year was when a lot of teenagers suddenly created a flash mob and did their version of the ‘Harlem Shake’! There had been a rumour about it but it really did happen… it was great to see everyone join in on the fun.
3. Is it competitive?
Not at all! The concept behind TFR is that it’s a friendly community event; everyone can walk, run or cycle at their own pace. It’s the spirit that counts. This is what Terry Fox himself wanted and he really wanted to emphasise that it is not a race. His sister, Judith Fox, attended last year and she was really delighted with the way the Abu Dhabi event respects this principle.
4. What’s the best part of participating in an event like this?
The best part is that it is in Terry’s memory, and that every dirham raised goes to fund local cancer research. The research is helping the country become recognised as a place where serious research is being done. The event is also an extremely popular way to get into volunteering – I have helped many times and it has inspired me to do other charity work in my free time.
5. Do you train for it much?
One of the best aspects of the TFR is that it’s a ‘fun run’ (as opposed to a serious marathon) so anyone can join, and feel comforted in the knowing that they won’t be judged on whether they complete the entire route or not. What people enjoy is knowing that their participation means that we’ve managed to raise awareness on cancer and raise money for cancer research in the UAE.
I enjoy the TFR because of the great atmosphere and, for me and many people my age (and younger), we’ve been TFR participants pretty much our entire lives — it would be weird not to join in this year or in the future! I look forward to it year after year.
6. Anything else to add?
I recommend that everyone should attend because it is a lovely, fun event which takes place only once a year. The venue is great, the committee and volunteers are so helpful and the weather is just perfect! And it is all for a particularly good cause.
Find out more at www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiTerryFoxRun
