Terry Fox is shown in the documentary "Run Terry Run" in this undated handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Sean Menard Productions
A new documentary promises to give Canadians a fresh look at national hero Terry Fox. It will feature never-before-seen footage from his historic Marathon of Hope.
Toronto filmmaker Sean Menard has pieced together Run Terry Run from over 90 reels of restored film. Many of the scenes are unseen for more than four decades. The film is scheduled for release later this year.
Fox, then only 21, set out on an extraordinary mission in 1980 — to run across Canada with an artificial leg, raising money and awareness for cancer research. His determination inspired the nation, uniting Canadians behind a cause that continues to this day.
A Closer Look at Terry Fox
Unlike traditional news coverage of the time, Run Terry Run presents a more intimate portrait of Fox. Menard says the documentary draws heavily on hours of footage captured by a crew who accompanied him on the road.
The reels reveal both his grit and vulnerability as he tackled long days of running, community events, and the emotional strain of his journey. “This film gives people a side of Terry they have never really seen,” Menard explained. “It’s raw, personal, and deeply moving.”
Fox’s dream was tragically cut short when his cancer returned, forcing him to stop the run after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres. He died the following year in 1981, but his legacy only grew stronger. Today, the annual Terry Fox Run continues worldwide, raising hundreds of millions for cancer research.
A Cinematic Tribute
Menard intends to premiere the documentary in grand style. The first screening is set for Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall in November. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform the score live.
The event will serve as both a cinematic debut and a tribute, allowing audiences to experience Fox’s story with the emotional weight of live orchestral music. A wider theatrical release is planned for 2026. Canadians across the country will have a chance to relive the Marathon of Hope through newly restored images.
Preserving a National Legacy
For many Canadians, Terry Fox remains a symbol of courage, determination, and hope. By unearthing hours of unseen film, Menard hopes to remind viewers not only of the incredible run itself but of the young man behind it.
The filmmaker believes the timing is right for a new generation to connect with Fox’s story. “This is not just history,” Menard said. “It’s a reminder of what one person’s vision and persistence can achieve.”As anticipation builds, Run Terry Run is expected to spark renewed reflection on Fox’s impact and the enduring relevance of his mission. More than four decades after his Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox continues to inspire Canadians to dream big, fight hard, and never give up.
