A new documentary showcasing previously unreleased footage of Terry Fox and his 1980 Marathon of Hope has unveiled its trailer ahead of the upcoming premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Titled “Run Terry Run,” the film uses close to 100 reels of recently discovered archival material to provide an intimate perspective on the iconic British Columbia athlete and cancer research advocate.
The trailer includes insights and reflections from key figures such as van driver Doug Alward, Terry’s brother Darrell Fox, and Terry himself, as he embarked on his ambitious cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research following the amputation of his leg due to osteogenic sarcoma. In the footage, Terry expresses his thoughts on his journey, stating his determination to continue running towards his goal.
Director Sean Menard from Toronto retrieved the original footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who had initially thought the material was lost. Motivated by the lack of high-quality documentation on Fox’s marathon, Menard, with support from the Terry Fox Foundation, located the footage in a storage unit in Toronto. He meticulously restored the film reels to 4K resolution and utilized them to create the documentary, which premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto last year.
The documentary, praised for its unique storytelling approach, features voiceovers from key individuals involved in Fox’s journey, including journalists and notable personalities like Darryl Sittler. It offers a rare glimpse into Fox’s determination and the impact of his unprecedented endeavour.
Terry Fox’s legacy continues to inspire, with his fundraising efforts surpassing $1 billion for cancer research. The documentary is set to premiere at TIFF on September 19, preceding the annual Terry Fox Run, and is slated for a theatrical release on October 9, 2026.