Annual Terry Fox Run expected to attract thousands of residents

Dubai The 18th Annual Terry Fox Run will be held here on April 27, 2012 at the Palm Jumeirah.

The event is expected to bring thousands of residents and visitors of all ages together to walk, run, or cycle for any desired length — 8, 4.6 or 3.2 kilometres — of the scenic route.

For the first time, a longer route of 15 kilometres will also be offered for advanced runners. Participation is free, and donations are encouraged with 100 per cent of all proceeds going towards UAE-based cancer research.

For cancer research

It will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group and President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and supported by the Dubai Sports Council and the Maktoum Foundation.

Recognised as the largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research in the world, it has successfully funded 16 research projects with the UAE University and eight new projects which will continue to impact the lives of patients and their families of the UAE.

Inspiration

"The Terry Fox is more than a run; it is an initiative that has inspired and given hope to millions around the world and contributing to local and international medical research in search of a cure for cancer," said Dr Frank Branicki, Chair, Department of Surgery — and Cancer Research Coordinator at UAE University, in a media statement. "Projects supported by these funds includes research into leukaemia and various types of cancers, cancer prevention, cancer gene therapy and chemotherapy treatment."

Since 1981 (the year of inception), the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over Dh1.8 billion through Terry Fox runs around the world.

Information

What: 18th Annual Terry Fox Run

When: 27 April, 2012

Where: Palm Jumeirah, starting from the Atlantis Hotel

Why: To raise funds for cancer research

For more information, log on to www.dubaiterryfoxrun.org