Ras Al Khaimah gears up for 2nd annual Terry Fox Run

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

THE second edition of annual RAK Terry Fox Run will be staged at the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche on March 4, aimed at raising funds for cancer research in the UAE. 

The RAK Terry Fox Run is the newest of the four Terry Fox Runs in the UAE and the inaugural run last year had been a tremendous success, organisers said.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah will inaugurate the charity run, which will start off at 9am at the RAK Corniche near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque opposite the Al Safeer market area.

Kris Panday, Canadian Consul General in Dubai, said that the initiative will set the stage for a broader public participation this year to create awareness on a wider canvas and raise funds for cancer research programmes in the UAE. 

“The Terry Fox Run is a great example of how a community like in Ras Al Khaimah can work together towards a common goal and in this case it is about joining hands for a worthy cause of raising funds for cancer research,” he noted.

According to him, all the proceeds from this year’s run will be donated to the UAE University Hospital in Al Ain where a number of ongoing and impressive cancer research projects are being conducted. 

Jane Shaw, Member of the RAK Terry Fox Organising Committee, said the event will feature a five kilometre distance aimed at runners and joggers and a three kilometre distance for adults, children and families to walk, run, and skateboard or rollerblade, jog or even push the baby stroller in this non-competitive event.

“The track is accessible for wheelchairs. However pets and bikes are not allowed due to safety reasons. The registration procedures and submission of sponsorship forms will begin at 7.30am on March 4,” she added.

“Numerous institutions, schools, government departments, social organisations and private establishments in the emirate have already extended significant support for the charity run. About 1200 people are expected to take part in the run, which will be a fun-filled day for families and residents,” elaborated Shaw.

“The scenic setting at the RAK Corniche will provide a wonderful backdrop for the Friday morning event. The funds are being raised either through direct donations or by individual sponsorship sheets available online at www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun,” she said.

“We are currently arranging presentations on Terry Fox at various schools and educational institutions to promote the charity run,” she added.

Shaw urged the public to contact the committee via email at terryfoxrak@gmail.com or get updates through the online platform RAK Terry Fox Run group on Facebook.

Terry Fox was a young Canadian amputee who attempted to run across Canada in 1980 to raise awareness on the need for more money and effort to be given to cancer research. 

Sadly, Terry's bone cancer returned during his run and he died shortly after at the age of just 22. His dream to further cancer research, however, lives on and Terry Fox Runs are held around the world every year to bring communities together to raise money for cancer research.

According to www.terryfoxrun.org, about $500 million has been raised to date worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name.

The inaugural RAK Terry Fox Run held last year had attracted around 700 participants and collected over Dhs65,000 in funds.