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Terry Fox Day

Honor Terry Fox Day with courage and heart! Support cancer research and remember Terry's inspiring marathon of hope.

Monday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Monday in August

OBSERVED INCanada

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to lace up your runners as we commemorate Terry Fox Day on August 5! An athlete, a hero, and an inspiration to millions, Terry Fox ran a marathon every day for 143 days in 1980, covering a distance of 5373 kilometers with a prosthetic leg, to spread awareness and raise money for cancer research. His Marathon of Hope is a testament to human spirit, endurance, and determination, making Terry Fox Day a significant part of our national identity. So, let's celebrate this special day with great courage and heart, keeping alive Terry's hope for a world without cancer. Together, we can continue his legacy and make a world of difference!

TIMELINE

Terry Fox Day Timeline

Birth of Terry Fox

Terrance Stanley Fox was born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Terry's Cancer Diagnosis

At the age of 18, Terry Fox was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right leg; it was amputated 15 centimeters above the knee.

Marathon of Hope

Terry Fox embarked on the Marathon of Hope, running a marathon a day across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

Terry Fox Passes Away

Terry Fox passed away at the young age of 22, his dream and determination created a lasting legacy worldwide.

Terry Fox Day Established

In 2005, the Canadian House of Commons declared April 12 as the annual National Terry Fox Day.

Terry Fox Day: August 5

In 2015, Terry Fox Day was moved to August 5 in Manitoba, with other provinces following suit, to align with the start date of Terry's Marathon of Hope.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Terry Fox Day

Organize a neighborhood charity run

Run or walk your very own 'Marathon of Hope' by organizing a charity run in your local community. Encourage neighbors to come out, get active, and raise funds for cancer research to honor Terry's legacy.

DONATE

Donate to the Terry Fox Foundation

The Terry Fox Foundation continues Terry's work to fund innovative and progressive cancer research programs. Consider making a donation to support this vital cause on Terry Fox Day.

Share Terry's story

Educate others about Terry's inspirational journey by sharing his story with friends, family, or social media followers. Spreading awareness can have a big impact and continue Terry's dream of a world without cancer.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Many cancer organizations need volunteers. Whether it's driving patients to appointments, providing emotional support, or helping with various tasks at a local clinic or hospital, your time can make a big difference.

HOST

Host an educational event

Plan an educational event, like a documentary viewing or guest speaker, to teach others about Terry Fox's achievements and the importance of cancer research. This could be held in a school, library, or community center.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Terry Fox Day is Important

It helps spread awareness

By educating others about Terry's inspirational journey, Terry Fox Day helps to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research. This heightened awareness can lead to increased support for cancer research and ultimately, bring the world closer to finding a cure.

It commemorates an extraordinary individual

Terry Fox was a young man who proved that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve great things. Despite losing a leg to cancer, he embarked on a monumental cross-country run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Terry Fox Day allows us to remember and honor his courage, perseverance, and selflessness.

It encourages active participation in a vital cause

Terry Fox Day is not just a day of remembrance, it's also a call to action. The day encourages everyone to make a contribution, whether it's through donating to the Terry Fox Foundation, volunteering, or participating in a charity run. It reminds us that we all can make a difference.

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