A new documentary showcasing previously unreleased footage of Terry Fox has unveiled its trailer, with a sneak peek at the athlete’s 1980 Marathon of Hope. Titled “Run Terry Run,” the film is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in a month.
Director Sean Menard obtained nearly 100 reels of archived footage, providing an intimate perspective on Fox’s journey across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. The trailer includes insights from key figures like Doug Alward, Darrell Fox, and Terry Fox himself, sharing his determination and thoughts during the marathon.
Menard’s quest for this exclusive footage was sparked by the scarcity of high-quality visuals of Fox’s historic run. With support from the Terry Fox Foundation, he located the reels in a storage unit near his residence and meticulously restored the film to enhance its quality.
Unlike traditional documentaries, “Run Terry Run” emphasizes storytelling through voiceovers rather than interviews. Notable figures like Leslie Scrivener and Darryl Sittler contribute their perspectives, enhancing the narrative without traditional “talking head” commentary.
Terry Fox’s legacy continues to inspire, from his courageous marathon that raised over $24 million in the early ’80s to the recent milestone of the Terry Fox Foundation surpassing $1 billion in cancer research funds. His impact is evident in various documentaries dedicated to his life, and in 2024, the Bank of Canada announced his depiction on the upcoming $5 banknote.
The documentary captures Fox’s growth from a young, ambitious runner to a global symbol of perseverance under the spotlight. Accompanied by an original score by composer Tom Caffey, known for his work on the Michael Jordan documentary “The Last Dance,” “Run Terry Run” will premiere at TIFF on September 19, coinciding with the 46th Terry Fox Run, followed by a theatrical release on October 9, 2026.