Stanley Park Terry Fox Run

The Terry Fox Run is a fundraising event for cancer research. In the City of Vancouver it takes place at Stanley Park in mid-September.

In 2025 the run takes place on Sunday, September 14th. Registration is available as early as mid-April.

Other fun running events that happen around this time of year are the Big Pirate Run later in September and the Rubber Ducky Race in October.

Continue reading to learn about the Terry Fox Run at Stanley Park. See our article about Lower Mainland Terry Fox Runs to learn about similar events happening elsewhere in the region.

Terry Fox Stanley Park Run in 2025

The Terry Fox Run is an annual Canada-wide event that is held on the second Sunday after Labour Day in September. Runs take place on the same day in communities all across Canada to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Around two dozen runs occur in the Vancouver region alone. See our article about Vancouver Terry Fox Runs to find one near you.

The event in Vancouver takes place at Ceperley Field in Stanley Park near the outdoor swimming pool at Second Beach. Registration typically starts at 8:00 am and the runs take place from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.

There are two routes to choose from: a 3 km and a 10 km run. The 3 km route loops around Lost Lake. The 10 km route, meanwhile, is slightly more challenging and follows the seawall around the perimeter of Stanley Park. Both routes are suitable for bikes, wheelchairs and dogs on leashes.

Before the run there is a warm-up. There are usually activities for kids on-site as well. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottle, as single-use bottles aren’t typically provided.

Registration Information

Although the event has no registration fee, participants donate and/or collect pledges from friends and family. All funds go directly to the Terry Fox Foundation to support the fight against cancer.

Jogging by Stanley Park's Lost Lagoon — Running in Stanley Park by Lost Lagoon

The Legacy of Terry Fox

Terry Fox was a Canadian hero and a symbol of resilience. Diagnosed with cancer in 1977 and forced to have his right leg amputated, Terry set out in 1980 on an ambitious journey to run across Canada using a prosthetic leg. He called it the Marathon of Hope, aiming to prove that physical limitations need not define a person, and to raise money for cancer research.

After covering 5,374 km, Terry had to stop when the cancer spread to his lungs. By then, he had already raised $1.7 million. He passed away on June 28, 1981, but his mission didn’t end there.

Terry’s courage and determination sparked a global movement. Today, millions continue his legacy by running in his name and raising funds for cancer research, keeping his dream alive with every step.

Other Information

Click Stanley Park Run to register for the above event.

See our main article about Terry Fox Runs to learn about similar fundraising events on the same day, including the Terry Fox Hometown Run in Port Coquitlam.

Visit the Terry Fox Foundation website for information about runs near your community or to learn more about the charitable beneficiary of the event.

See our article about Stanley Park for ideas on other things to do in the area.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following: