The unveiling of a fresh documentary on Terry Fox with exclusive footage took place today, a month in advance of its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Titled “Run Terry Run,” the film showcases nearly 100 reels of recently discovered archival material, offering an intimate portrayal of the 1980 Marathon of Hope by the British Columbia athlete and advocate for cancer research.
The trailer includes conversations and insights from key individuals such as Doug Alward, a close friend and van driver, Terry Fox’s brother Darrell Fox, and the determined young Fox himself as he embarked on his ambitious cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research following the amputation of his leg due to osteogenic sarcoma.
In the trailer, Fox is heard expressing his thoughts on the journey, reminiscing about home and his determination to reach Vancouver’s oceanfront, emphasizing his contentment with his mission and his resolve to persevere.
Director Sean Menard from Toronto retrieved the original footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who documented Fox’s run with several camera operators from the East Coast. Menard’s quest to unearth firsthand documentation of Fox’s marathon was supported by the Terry Fox Foundation, leading to the discovery of the footage in a storage unit in Toronto.
After restoring the film reels to 4K quality, Menard used the footage to craft his documentary, which premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto the previous year. The film reportedly refrains from traditional interview formats, opting instead for voiceovers from key figures like Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler, offering a unique perspective on Fox’s journey.
Terry Fox commenced his marathon on April 12, 1980, aiming to run from St. John’s to Victoria. Despite falling short near Thunder Bay, Ontario, due to the cancer spreading to his lungs, Fox’s efforts raised over $24 million at the time, equivalent to $1 from every Canadian. Recently, the Terry Fox Foundation announced surpassing $1 billion in funds raised for cancer research.
Fox has been the focus of several documentaries, with his image set to appear on Canada’s $5 banknote in 2024. Menard’s film portrays Fox’s growth from a young, idealistic runner to a figure grappling with newfound fame while pushing his physical and mental boundaries.
An original musical score for the documentary was composed by Tom Caffey, known for his work on the Michael Jordan Netflix series “The Last Dance.” “Run Terry Run” will premiere at TIFF on September 19, preceding the 46th annual Terry Fox Run, with a theatrical release slated for October 9, 2026.