Shawville’s Terry Fox run raced ahead on Sunday afternoon for its 45th edition and second with new organizers at the helm. 

The first run took place in 1981, months after its namesake passed away of cancer after his famous Marathon of Hope ended in northern Ontario. Until two years ago, the Shawville iteration of the run was put on by John Petty and Rick Valin, who passed the torch last year to new organizers Jennifer Mielke and Carolann Barton. 

“I have a lot of respect for both of them, and to see something just go away was heartbreaking, and so we resurrected it last year,” said Mielke. 

In addition to the traditional Lions Club barbeque and the run itself, Mielke and Barton added new activities to the day’s schedule including a morning yoga class and live music. 

“There’s still a number of people that come out. I’ve seen some t-shirts from over the years, people that have been supporting over the years, and it’s a great cause,” Mielke said, noting it was nice to see so many familiar faces at the event. 

Mielke, who has twice battled with cancer, said the run is a good opportunity to give back to the cause since some people aren’t quite as fortunate. 

“I came out with really minimal side effects and bounced back really well, and I know some people don’t, and that is kind of where you want to give back and you want to support,” she said. 

Mielke said the event had around 50 participants and raised $7,780 for the Terry Fox Foundation. 

“It’s part of who we are as Canadians and it has to live in our community,” Barton said.