Prince Albert first responders race for Terry Fox cause

One member said he was thinking about his grandfather, who died of prostate cancer when he was about seven years old.

“I guess I was just running for him because I missed out on a lot of memories that I could have had with him growing up through the years,” he said. “I was running to hopefully raise money for a cure and help others in the future.”

Another Parkland participant also spoke about losing a grandfather to cancer, while adding there was still room for some friendly competition among the city’s first responders.

“Just kind of support the community, get out, have a fun race, try and beat the firefighters,” he said.

Other members of the Parkland team shared similar stories. One said his grandfather had died fairly recently, meaning he would miss milestones such as buying a first home or getting married. Another spoke about losing both a grandfather and an uncle to cancer.

Prince Albert firefighters, paramedics and police officers participated in the annual relay race. (Image Credit: Submitted)

Prince Albert Police Service team captain Sgt. Brennan MacDonald said the meaning behind the race made the victory especially significant.

“I’m incredibly proud of our four officers for winning this for our team and our town,” MacDonald said. “Cancer impacts so many in Prince Albert, so keeping Terry Fox’s dream alive is the ultimate victory for our service.”

The first responders relay has a long history with Prince Albert’s Terry Fox events. Relay races became part of the local run after it moved to the Harry Jerome Track, which was built in 1992, with Parkland Ambulance among the event’s early supporters.

From 1994 to 2002, winning teams were awarded the Golden Shoe trophy. The first responders competition was revived in 2015 with a new trophy donated by Malcolm Jenkins. Organizers Chelsea Mitchell said Saturday marked the 12th relay race since that revival.

She said the event brings first responders and the wider community together around a common cause – raising money and awareness for cancer research.

The relay also serves as a lead-up to Prince Albert’s 46th annual Terry Fox Run, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20 at the Alfred Jenkins Field House.

Registration begins at noon, followed by opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. and the run immediately afterward. Participants can choose a two-, five- or 10-kilometre route and can walk, run, jog, wheel or rollerblade at their own pace. There is no entry fee.

Several other fundraisers are planned ahead of the run.

A steak night will be held at The Canadian Brewhouse Sept. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m., while a 41-item online silent auction continues until Sept. 19. Organizers will also hold a chuck-a-puck fundraiser during the Prince Albert Raiders’ home opener Sept. 18.

The 46th annual Terry Fox Run in Prince Albert takes place on Sept. 20. (Image Credit: Submitted)

Money raised through Terry Fox events supports cancer research, including work aimed at developing more effective treatments with fewer short- and long-term side effects.

For the participants who took to the track Saturday, including the Prince Albert firefighters, winning the relay wasn’t ultimately the point.

As one firefighter put it, the opportunity was about “being able to come out here, raise some money and hopefully find a cure.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Prince Albert first responders race for Terry Fox cause

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