Big crowd expected for Terry Fox run

Al Ain: A large number of people are expected to take part in the annual Al Ain Terry Fox Run on Friday to help raise funds for research to find a cure to the deadly disease of cancer in the UAE.

It will be the second run taking place in the Oasis city since 2001. The last Terry Fox run was held here last year.

Dan Tonner, the organiser of the Al Ain run, said people from all age groups should come forward to make a donation and run in the event.

"All the money raised in Terry Fox Runs in the UAE goes to the cancer research at UAE University and Tawam Hospital," said tonner who is a student and academic supervisor at Al Ain Men's College. Starting from the Rugby Club at the Palm Sports Resort at 10am, participants are invited to register, donate, and then run, walk, bike, skateboard or rollerblade the 5.2km loop around the resort. Water stations will be provided along the route. "All the registered participants will receive an official Terry Fox Foundation participation certificate," said Tonner.

The Palm Sports Resort is located to the south of the road between Tawam Hospital roundabout and the Maqam Palace traffic lights, at the site of Al Ain's old Equestrian Club. The Registration desk will open at 8am and the run will start at 10am.

Tonner said the event is organised in many countries of the world in the spirit of Terry Fox's heroic 1980 run, known as the Marathon of Hope, across Canada. His mission was to raise fund for the research of the deadly disease he was suffering from. The organiser said people who would like to become volunteers should come forward for the noble cause that aims at finding a cure to the deadly disease killing people all over the world.

"We'll be getting a spirited support from the students of Al Ain Men's College, but we do need volunteer route marshals and person to man the water stations," he added.

Additional information

People interested in the event can contact Tonner on his mobile 050 448 9542 for more information