TORONTO — The inspiring story of Terry Fox continues to captivate audiences, and a new documentary titled “Run Terry Run” promises to offer unprecedented insights into the Canadian icon's journey of both weakness and triumph during the 1980 Marathon of Hope. Directed by Toronto filmmaker Sean Menard, the film draws from over 90 reels of previously unseen footage, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Fox's remarkable pursuit.
Diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, Fox faced the life-altering decision to amputate his right leg. Undeterred, he launched an ambitious plan to run across Canada with a prosthetic limb to raise funds for cancer research. Fox began his journey in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, rallying support as he traversed the country. Unfortunately, his run was cut short near Thunder Bay, Ontario, as cancer spread to his lungs, leading to his death in 1981. Despite this tragic outcome, his marathon successfully raised over $24 million for cancer research—equivalent to $1 for every Canadian at that time.
Menard describes his film as capturing “the evolution of a 21-year-old,” showcasing Fox's transformation from a less-confident runner motivated by an ambitious idea to a young man navigating the international spotlight while pushing his personal limits. The documentary aims to portray the real essence of Terry Fox, emphasizing moments filled with smiles and laughter amid the serious nature of his journey.
Although Fox's life has been portrayed in various television biopics and documentaries, including ESPN’s acclaimed “30 For 30” episode titled “Into the Wind” from 2010, Menard emphasizes that “Run Terry Run” offers a fresh perspective. He highlights the emotional and physical challenges depicted in the footage captured by the camera crew that followed Fox, focusing on the struggle of running on a prosthetic leg designed only for walking.
The documentary's title, “Run Terry Run,” was inspired by the encouragement Fox received from onlookers during his run. Menard discovered this phrase in audio files and on signs made by fans along Fox's route. His passion for preserving Canada’s video history drove him to search for archival footage, resulting in the discovery of 96 reels of mostly 16-mm film. With assistance from the Terry Fox Foundation, this footage underwent a 4K restoration process, revealing details such as the sweat on Fox's face while maintaining the vintage aesthetic of the 1980s.
The documentary also features audio interviews with individuals who supported Fox during his journey, including Doug Alward, his best friend and the driver of the support van. The film’s emotional depth is further complemented by an original score composed by Tom Caffey, who previously contributed to the Michael Jordan docuseries “The Last Dance.” Upon its debut at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall on November 10, the score will be performed live by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, adding a unique dimension to the viewing experience.
Following its premiere, Menard plans to facilitate a broader theatrical release in 2026, potentially engaging symphonies across Canada to perform the score live. Tickets for the exclusive presentation at Roy Thomson Hall are available on the venue's website, with all proceeds directed towards the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research initiatives.
