A new documentary trailer showcasing “never-before-seen” footage of Terry Fox has been unveiled today, ahead of its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Titled “Run Terry Run,” the documentary offers a unique perspective on the 1980 Marathon of Hope undertaken by the British Columbia athlete and cancer research advocate.
The trailer includes exclusive dialogue and insights from key figures such as van driver and friend Doug Alward, Terry Fox’s brother Darrell Fox, and Terry Fox himself as he embarked on his cross-Canada run at the age of 21 to raise funds for cancer research. The footage captures Fox’s determination and emotional journey, with poignant moments like his reflections on home and determination to keep pushing forward.
Director Sean Menard of Toronto retrieved the archival footage from filmmaker John Simpson, who had filmed Fox’s journey with a team of camera operators from the East Coast. Menard’s quest for this rare footage was fueled by the scarcity of high-quality materials depicting Fox’s iconic run. With support from the Terry Fox Foundation, Menard successfully located and restored the film reels to 4K resolution, ultimately using them to craft the documentary that premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto last year.
Notably, the documentary refrains from traditional interview formats, opting instead for voiceovers from individuals like Alward, Darrell Fox, Leslie Scrivener, and Darryl Sittler, who offer firsthand perspectives on Fox’s extraordinary endeavor.
Terry Fox initiated his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, following his cancer diagnosis three years prior. Despite his journey being cut short near Thunder Bay, Ontario, due to the spread of cancer, Fox’s efforts raised over $24 million at the time, equivalent to $1 from every Canadian. In a significant milestone, the Terry Fox Foundation recently surpassed $1 billion in funds raised for cancer research.
Having been the subject of previous documentaries, Terry Fox’s legacy continues to resonate, with his image set to appear on Canada’s $5 banknote in 2024. Menard’s documentary captures the evolution of Fox as a young individual driven by a bold vision, evolving into a globally recognized figure navigating newfound challenges and opportunities.
Featuring an original score by composer Tom Caffey of the Michael Jordan Netflix series “The Last Dance,” “Run Terry Run” is set to premiere at TIFF on September 19, preceding the 46th annual Terry Fox Run, and will hit theaters on October 9, 2026.