On a bright September morning, the CFB Borden community came together to honour the legacy of one of Canada’s most enduring heroes during the 45th annual Terry Fox Run where CAF members, families, and civilians gathered in solidarity to continue Terry’s mission of hope and determination in the fight against cancer.
Opening Remarks
Event organizer Captain Diana Noble opened the morning by reflecting on the significance of the run and the words Terry Fox left with Canadians when illness forced him to end his Marathon of Hope in 1980:
“All I can say is if there is any way I can get out there and finish it, I will.”
Capt Noble reminded participants that although Terry could not finish his cross-country journey, communities like Borden carry on his legacy by running in his name each year. She then welcomed guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Michaud, Deputy Base Commander, to deliver the official opening remarks.
LCol Michaud thanked Capt Noble and the organizing team for bringing the base together for such a meaningful event. He emphasized how Terry’s story continues to unite Canadians from coast to coast, calling the annual run a symbol of perseverance and shared purpose.
Getting Started
Before the runners set off, participants were guided through an energizing warm-up led by PSP Borden staff. Families, cyclists, and runners of all ages stretched and laughed together, building excitement for the start line.
The event officially began with cyclists leading the way, followed by the 10-kilometre runners and then the 5-kilometre participants. The pathways around CFB Borden quickly filled with a sea of motion—uniforms, athletic gear, and even strollers—all moving forward with a shared goal: to honour Terry Fox and to contribute to cancer research.
Community Spirit
What stood out most was the strong sense of unity. Participants cheered each other on, families ran together, and volunteers captured memorable moments. As one PSP staff member noted, this year’s crowd seemed even larger than previous years—a sign of the event’s growing impact within the base community.
Continuing Terry’s Legacy
Though Terry Fox was unable to complete his Marathon of Hope, the spirit he inspired continues to ripple across generations. The 45th annual Terry Fox Run at CFB Borden reaffirmed that his dream lives on through every stride taken, every kilometre covered, and every donation made.
As the morning concluded, the words of Capt Noble rang true: “He couldn’t finish what he started, but we can.”
