More than four decades after Terry Fox embarked on his historic Marathon of Hope, the Canadian icon is returning to the spotlight in a big way.
Run Terry Run, a new feature-length documentary chronicling Fox's extraordinary 1980 journey across Canada, is hitting more than 150 screens nationwide this Friday, October 9, marking the widest theatrical opening for a non-concert documentary in Canada in more than 20 years. The last film to achieve a comparable release was Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 back in 2004.
Directed by Sean Menard and distributed by Elevation Pictures, the documentary offers an intimate look at one of the most defining moments in Canadian history, drawing on 96 reels of previously unseen footage and unheard audio interviews. The archival material takes audiences inside the van and onto the road alongside Fox, his best friend Doug Alward and his younger brother Darrell, capturing the determination, exhaustion and emotion behind the 143-day journey that inspired a nation.
Fox began his Marathon of Hope in April 1980, setting out from St. John's, Newfoundland, with the goal of running across Canada to raise money for cancer research. Having lost his right leg to cancer, he ran an average of approximately 42 kilometres a day before the return of the disease forced him to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario, after covering 5,373 kilometres. His journey would go on to inspire generations of Canadians and raise hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research.
"What a moment for us, knowing Run Terry Run will be cinematically released Friday, allowing Canadians from coast to coast the opportunity to experience Terry's 143-day Marathon of Hope," said Darrell Fox, who also appears in the film.
For Menard, the nationwide release represents the realization of a goal he had from the beginning of the project.
"When I set out to make this film, my hope was for Canadians to be able to go to their local movie theatre and experience Terry's incredible journey on the big screen," the director said. "To see that it's happening for an independent documentary in a historic way is a testament to Terry Fox and his remarkable ability to bring the country together."
Following its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, Run Terry Run has screened at festivals across the country, including the Atlantic International Film Festival, Edmonton International Film Festival, Calgary International Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival.
The film's theatrical release also carries on Fox's original mission, with proceeds supporting cancer research across Canada through the Terry Fox Foundation.
Run Terry Run opens in theatres across Canada on Friday, October 9, 2026. Donations to support cancer research can also be made at terryfox.org.
