From left: committee member and 40-year run veteran Vern Hodgins, race chairperson Danielle Poisson and 40-year run veteran Chris Ferchuk stand behind the Hope sign at the 2020 Terry Fox Run at the Alfred Jenkins Field House Sunday.

By Jeff D'Andrea

40th Terry Fox Run

Prince Albert Terry Fox run exceeds expectations; Hodgins and Ferchuk mark 40 years of participation

Sep 20, 2020 | 5:04 PM

This Sunday marked the 40^th year of the Terry Fox Run, and Prince Albert’s Vern Hodgins has been a part of every single one.

Hodgins continued his four-decade streak on Sunday at Prince Albert’s Terry Fox Run at the Alfred Jenkins Field House. The race was also run virtually, with participants registering and sending in donations online.

But this was Hodgins’ third year running the race wearing a red shirt—a special distinction reserved for participants who have survived cancer. To simply call Hodgins “a participant” wouldn’t do him justice. Before he retired, he taught about Terry Fox’s courage, endurance, and determination in classrooms across Prince Albert. He’s also done extensive work on the race committee over the years.

“You just believe in the cause. And he’s Canada’s greatest hero, so how could you stop?” Hodgins said.

Chris Ferchuk has also been to all 40 races. He was just 12 when the first Terry Fox run came to Prince Albert. Back then, it was held at Little Red River Park.

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“It was a big event, there must have been like 500 people,” Ferchuk said. “There were bands playing, and entertainment.”

Hodgins and Ferchuk both enter every year for a very similar reason.

“I believe in doing research. I’m hoping they find a cure, eventually,” Ferchuk said. “Right now, they’ve got treatments for cancer and the money raised today will help continue with the research.”

Exceeding goals and expectations

Prince Albert race chairperson Danielle Poisson admitted that she didn’t know what to expect for Sunday’s run given the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and the dreary rainy day, Poisson wasn’t sure how many people would be involved and how much of the $12,000 goal would be raised.

But the community stepped up and exceeded expectations, raising $14,385.

“I’m so thankful. I don’t know what’s changed this year, but it seems like more people are willing to give and help than every other year—which is amazing. I find that wonderful,” said Poisson. “The community support is very resilient. We know people are out there supporting each other, we’re in it together.”

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW