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West Shore Terry Fox Run has new location but same purpose

Event organizer Courtney Olivo is hopeful for another successful run
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Terry Fox Run organizer Courtney Olivo is looking forward to this years Terry Fox Run. (Jessica Fedigan/News Gazette Staff)

The 37th annual Terry Fox Run is slated for Sept. 17 and will once again honour the Canadian hero.

West Shore run organizer Courtney Olivo said there is a change in location for the 2017 local event. The run will still take place in Colwood, but at West Shore Parks and Recreation instead of Royal Roads, where the event was held the past two years.

Olivo estimates there were close to 85 participants at last year’s event and hopes to see more this year.

“We raised $5,064.50 last year,” Olivo said. “I always want to hit the $10,000 mark, we’ve yet to hit it in our community but anything over $5,064.50 is good with me.”

But Olivo didn’t want to discourage anyone from participating based on their donation or fundraising abilities. “Any donation they feel like giving,” she said would suffice. “Terry wanted to be inclusive and make sure that everyone was able to participate no matter ability or financial situation.”

This year’s run will be her fifth as organizer. Olivo took over the role in 2012 after her father passed away.

“He took over in 1995. I participated in my first run when I was six months old. I was carried in a snuggie by my uncle,” she said.

Those interested in registering can do so by visiting terryfox.org. There will also be registration onsite the morning of the run, which will get underway near the lacrosse box at 9 a.m. and the run will officially start at 10.

Olivo added that the course is 2.7 kilometres but those participating have the option of doing it twice to pass the 5 km mark.

There are two other runs in the Greater Victoria area, one at Mile 0 and one in Central Saanich.

jessica.fedigan@goldstreamgazette.com