A new documentary film showcasing unseen footage of Terry Fox and his 1980 Marathon of Hope has released its trailer a month before its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Titled “Run Terry Run,” the documentary utilizes nearly 100 recovered archival reels to provide an intimate portrayal of the Canadian athlete and cancer research advocate’s journey.
The trailer includes insights from key figures such as van driver Doug Alward, Terry Fox’s brother Darrell Fox, and Terry Fox himself as he embarked on the ambitious cross-Canada run to raise funds for cancer research post his leg amputation due to cancer. The film captures Fox’s determination and sentiments about his mission, expressing his happiness and dedication to continuing his run.
Director Sean Menard from Toronto acquired the raw footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who documented Fox’s run with multiple camera operators from the East Coast. Menard’s quest was inspired by the limited availability of high-quality footage on Fox’s marathon. With support from the Terry Fox Foundation, Menard located the footage in a Toronto storage unit near his residence and restored it to 4K quality for his documentary.
The documentary, which premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto last year, stands out for its unique approach of using voiceovers from key individuals like Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler instead of traditional interviews. The film highlights Fox’s incredible journey, starting from his cancer diagnosis to his impactful Marathon of Hope that raised over $24 million back then.
Terry Fox’s legacy has been commemorated in various documentaries over the years, with his image set to appear on Canada’s upcoming $5 banknote in 2024. Menard’s film, “Run Terry Run,” aims to showcase the transformation of the young Fox from a determined runner with a grand vision to a young man navigating the global limelight while pushing his boundaries.
Featuring an original score by composer Tom Caffey, known for his work on the Michael Jordan documentary series, “The Last Dance,” “Run Terry Run” is scheduled to premiere at TIFF on September 19, preceding the 46th annual Terry Fox Run. The documentary is set for theatrical release on October 9, 2026.
