A newly unveiled trailer for an upcoming documentary on Terry Fox showcases exclusive footage ahead of its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Titled “Run Terry Run,” the film delves into the 1980 Marathon of Hope undertaken by the iconic British Columbia athlete and cancer research advocate, using nearly 100 recently unearthed archival reels.
The trailer offers a glimpse into Fox’s journey, featuring insights from key figures such as van driver Doug Alward, Fox’s brother Darrell, and Fox himself, as he embarked on his ambitious cross-Canada run at the age of 21 to raise funds for cancer research following the amputation of his leg due to osteogenic sarcoma.
Director Sean Menard of Toronto obtained the raw footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who originally documented Fox’s run with multiple camera operators from the East Coast. Menard’s quest to uncover authentic documentation of Fox’s marathon was supported by the Terry Fox Foundation, leading to the discovery of the footage in a Toronto storage unit near Menard’s residence.
After meticulously restoring the film to 4K quality, Menard used it to craft his documentary, which premiered at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall last year. The film eschews traditional interviews in favor of voiceovers from notable personalities such as Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler, offering a unique perspective on Fox’s remarkable journey.
Terry Fox initiated his marathon on April 12, 1980, with the initial goal of running from St. John’s to Victoria. Despite having to halt his run near Thunder Bay, Ontario, due to lung cancer spreading, Fox’s efforts raised over $24 million back then, equivalent to $1 per Canadian. Recently, the Terry Fox Foundation celebrated surpassing $1 billion in funds raised for cancer research.
Fox’s enduring legacy has been previously documented in various films, with his image also set to appear on Canada’s next $5 banknote. Menard’s documentary captures Fox’s growth from a young, determined runner to a global inspiration, complemented by an original score by composer Tom Caffey. “Run Terry Run” will premiere at TIFF on September 19, ahead of a theatrical release on October 9, 2026.