Close to 800 people participated in the 39th annual Terry Fox Run in Sault Ste. Marie.
Organizers say after 39 years, the event isn't slowing down, and that it's actually getting more popular.
"Because it's a free event, no minimum pledge, no minimum donation and it's a family friendly volunteer, totally volunteer based event every year," said Rick Fall, Terry Fox Run Organizer.
The fundraiser was inspired by Terry Fox, who many consider to be one of the greatest Canadians of all time.
"I think he's just an inspiration, icon for Canada and I think just for people. Anyone can do anything, you know," said participant Alex Jokic.
Taylor Dereski is another participant taking part in the run. She is doing so with her two boys and husband.
As a child she used to do it every year, however at age 15, she stopped participating after being diagnosed with lung cancer and having a lung removed.
She says for some time she was not mentally ready to run.
"I haven't wanted to do this for 20 years because I felt like it was going to jinx my ongoing health up to this point. And if I ran in there, I might have happened to get sick again," said Dereski.
She says it was important to bring her boys to the run, showing them that cancer doesn't control her or the family.
"I'm emotional talking to you about it right now, but I just try not to think about it. I've always tended to dwell on the past, and I have to try to not do that anymore," explained Dereski.
Organizers believe in the next three to four years, Sault Ste. Marie's Terry Fox Run will break the $1 million mark raised for cancer reaseach.
