A new documentary trailer showcasing previously unreleased footage of Terry Fox was unveiled today, a month ahead of its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Titled “Run Terry Run,” the film offers a unique perspective on the 1980 Marathon of Hope undertaken by the British Columbia athlete and cancer research advocate. The trailer includes insights from key figures such as van driver Doug Alward, Terry’s brother Darrell Fox, and Terry himself as he embarked on his cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research following a leg amputation.
Director Sean Menard of Toronto obtained the raw footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who had initially believed the footage to be discarded after producing a documentary in 1981. Motivated by the scarcity of high-quality visuals documenting Fox’s journey, Menard collaborated with the Terry Fox Foundation to locate the footage in a Toronto storage facility near his residence. The footage was meticulously restored to 4K quality, forming the basis for Menard’s documentary that premiered at Roy Thomson Hall last year.
The documentary, noted for its absence of traditional interviews, instead incorporates voiceovers from key individuals such as Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler, providing a unique narrative perspective on Fox’s legendary feat. Fox’s impactful Marathon of Hope, launched in 1980 and spanning over 5,000 kilometers before being cut short near Thunder Bay due to illness, raised over $24 million at the time, symbolizing a dollar from each Canadian citizen. The Terry Fox Foundation recently surpassed $1 billion in funds raised for cancer research, underscoring Fox’s enduring legacy and contribution to the cause.
Fox’s story has been the subject of previous documentaries, and in 2024, the Bank of Canada announced plans to feature Fox on the country’s $5 banknote. Menard’s documentary delves into Fox’s transformation from a determined young runner with a grand vision to a global icon navigating newfound fame and challenges. The film’s original score was composed by Tom Caffey, known for his work on the Michael Jordan documentary series “The Last Dance.”
“Run Terry Run” is set to premiere at TIFF on September 19, preceding the 46th annual Terry Fox Run, with a theatrical release scheduled for October 9, 2026.