A marked sense of enthusiasm and collective community fervour defined the 18th Terry Fox Run yesterday.
People with varying levels of ability showed up at the new venue, off Atlantis Hotel, some with cycles, pet dogs and strollers. Professional runners in gear as well as school groups were part of the 5,000-strong supporters for the cause.
The organisers billed the Run as a nation-building activity that will generate funds towards UAE's cancer research programmes.
Resident Nicola Anderson, a first-time supporter had a personal reason for her participation. She told Gulf News: "My father passed away two weeks ago from colon cancer, and we are doing this for him. I am wearing a specially designed t-shirt with a message, ‘I fought the good fight, I finished the race, and I have kept the faith', along with his photograph. My family has joined me in support of cancer.
"I wasn't aware of the money that the Run has generated towards cancer research; now the cause is close to my heart. I am sure my father is looking down on us, proud of what we are doing."
Professionals
The event drew fitness professionals. Patrick Marugu, a diver, has been training thrice a week. He told Gulf News, "At last year's Run, I came fifth, and am hoping for the best this year as well. I train regularly, three days a week. Jonathan Nanzushi, a chef and professional runner, told Gulf News that he was excited about the new longer route of 15km introduced this year.
"I have participated in marathons in the last few years, the Dubai Marathon being the most recent. This Run is my first. Previously I have run longer routes like 40km and above. However this cause is encouraging, and I think I will be able to finish this route in good time."
Providing a special kind of participation was the Aga Khan Scouts & Guides with a 45-member musical band. The representative, Sameer Noor Ali, said that the band has been practising for several weeks.
He said, "We have been partnering with the Terry Fox Run for the past 17 years in Dubai. There are kids aged seven to 15. It reflects the ethos of the community of partnering. Apart from the band, we have a strong community of volunteers."
The event also attracted rollerbladers and residents with pets. David Palfreyman, a professor, came to the event with his daughter — both on rollerblades.
Palfreyman said he wasn't aware that rollerblading was discouraged due to the new surface. He said, "I've been participating since my girl was little. We have walked, ran and cycled as well."
Colette Boileau, an office manager in Dubai attended the first Terry Fox Run in Dubai and a few Runs in her home country Canada. Of her pet dog, she said: "There aren't many occasions to take the dog to events in the emirate. I am very passionate about the run. Terry Fox is an extraordinary human being, and he was also a good Canadian. We are proud of this fact"
