Thousands take part in Terry Fox Run at Expo 2020

More than 1,000 charity champions put their best foot forward at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday to support the fight against cancer at the Terry Fox Run.

Raising funds for cancer research projects in the UAE, the event had special significance for many of the participants as a way to pay tribute to family or friends affected by cancer, and to support ongoing research to find a cure for the disease.

The fundraiser is held each year in more than 30 countries in honour of Fox, who ran more than 5,000km across Canada in 1980 over 143 days to raise money and awareness after losing a leg to cancer.

Now an annual event in 33 countries across five continents, the Terry Fox Run has evolved into one of the largest fundraising events in support of cancer research in the world.

More than Dh8 million has been raised through the Terry Fox Run to bolster cancer research in the UAE alone.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director of Expo 2020 Dubai, spoke of her pride at bringing the popular run to the world's fair.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is proud to be hosting the Terry Fox Run this year, not only to continue its tradition of taking place in Dubai, but also to pay tribute to its international status by weaving the course of the run through the world’s pavilions,' she said.