Terry Fox Run Camp Julien , Afghanistan - Major-General Andrew Leslie leads Canadian troops through one of the many 2-km laps of the camp perimeter that make up the first Terry Fox Run ever held in Kabul . September 13-14 , 2004 The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions across the globe in commemoration of cancer activist Terry Fox , and his Marathon of Hope , and to raise money for cancer research . The event is held every year on the second Sunday following Labour Day . Since its inception in 1981 , it has raised over $ 340 million dollars ( CAD ) . The run itself is informal which means that the distance often varies , usually between 5 and 15 kilometres , participation is more important then the completing the set distance . Unlike other major fund raising events , the Terry Fox Run has no corporate sponsorship . This is in accordance with Terry Fox 's original wishes of not seeking fame or fortune from his endeavour . During his cross-Canada run , he turned down every endorsement he was offered ( including from major multinationals such as McDonald's ) , as he felt that it would detract from his goal of creating public awareness . The current Terry Fox Runs have no advertisements on any race related materials ( such as t-shirts , banners , etc ) . History The 'Terry Fox Foundation ' was founded in 1981 , and decided to raise money by holding a run that took place that same year . It was a huge success with over 300 000 runners taking part , raising C $ 3.5 million . In 2002 there were 620 event sites in 53 countries . The runs are organized by Canadian Embassies/Consulates , the Canadian military along with anti-cancer organizations and individuals . It 's estimated that over 1.3 million people participate internationally in the runs . The run is the single largest single-day cancer fundraiser in the world . Today the National Director is Darrell Fox , Terry 's younger brother who accompanied Terry on the Marathon of Hope International runs North America Canada - First run : September 13 1981 at 760 run sites across Canada Cuba - First run : 2005 at over 3 , 600 run sites across the country , totalling 1.9 million Cubans . United States Europe Croatia Czechoslovakia Hungary - First run : 1999 Ireland Netherlands Poland - First run : 2006 Portugal - First run : 1994 Romania United Kingdom Middle East Kuwait Syria United Arab Emirates Asia Pacific Australia - First run : September 1988 in Brisbane ( legacy from Expo '88 ) raising $ 22 000 ( AUD ) China - First run : 1998 Japan Korea Malaysia - First run : 2002 in Kuala Lumpur [ Ran this on 12th November 1995 ] Singapore Vietnam - First run : 1996 in Ho Chi Minh City Africa Zimbabwe See also Terry Fox Marathon of Hope External links Official site Department of National Defence . Feature Story : Kabul Marathon of Hope  This Canada -related article is a stub . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it . Categories : Canada stubs | Marathons | Philanthropy 