Organizers of this year's Terry Fox Run startedn the week leading up to Sunday's run with cautious optimism that an in-person running event will be part of this year's plans.
Last year's annual run that raises funds across the world for the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research was turned into a virtual fundraiser due to COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor gatherings and events. This year, although there has been a return to restrictions, the measures are not directly affecting outdoor gatherings ... so far.
"At this point — there are no guidelines restricting an in-person run," said member of the local organizing team TIna Skakun on Monday morning.
New restrictions
Days later, however, the announcement from Alberta Premier Jason Kenney that the province is returning to a State of Health Emergency announced a return to sweeping restrictions. Outdoor public events, however, were not restricted in the latest round of health measures.
With days to go before the planned run — and with the dynamic changes associated with the ongoing pandemic — Skakun says a virtual, online fundraising option is still available to participants as well.
"Right now, we have those two options — the virtual run lets participants register online, get pledges and then participate at their own pace, in their own chosen activity and through their own way," Skakun told Lakelandtoday.ca. "The other option will see participants start at 1 pm on Sunday at McArthur Place for our scenic run out to Pleasant Acres and back."
The in-person run will see some changes this year, including the removal of water stations along the 10 circuit, the absence of group warmup exercises and the after-race social gathering.
LakelandToday.ca has asked organizers if additional measures will be in place for Sunday's Terry Fox Run events. Updates on the event will be posted when available.
Whether Sunday's events remain both online and in person, or if measures force organizers to halt the in-person event, donations to the Terry Fox Foundation are still encouraged. Donations can be made to www.terryfox.org
