Terry Fox Ride of Hope Expands with New ‘Terry Tough’ Challenges

TORONTO, ON – May 20, 2026 – This summer, the spirit of Terry Fox’s iconic Marathon of Hope will be channeled onto two wheels as the Terry Fox Foundation launches its 12th Annual Ride of Hope. The foundation is calling on Canadians to participate in a series of 16 community cycling fundraisers across seven provinces, continuing the quest to end cancer.

In a significant expansion for 2026, the event will introduce three new "Terry Tough" challenges in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. These elevated cycling routes are designed to honor the legendary determination of Terry Fox himself, inviting participants to push their own limits for a cause that has united the nation for decades.

"What started as one ride in Terry's honour has become a movement that stretches from coast to coast, a reminder that his spirit lives on in everyone who chooses to show up," said Michael Mazza, Chief Executive Officer of the Terry Fox Foundation, in a statement. "This year, we are pushing further than ever, and we invite all Canadians to be part of something truly bigger than themselves."

A Legacy on Two Wheels: From a Single Ride to a National Movement

The Ride of Hope has evolved dramatically since its inception in 2015. It began when Terry’s brother, Darrell Fox, challenged a small group of cyclists to a 350-kilometre journey to Mount Terry Fox in British Columbia. In the decade since, this grassroots initiative has blossomed into a nationwide series of events, raising a cumulative total of over $2.25 million for cancer research.

The event’s growth and fundraising power have accelerated dramatically in recent years. In 2025, to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, Darrell Fox led a team of nine cyclists on an ambitious 7,000-kilometre cross-Canada ride. That single journey raised over $1 million, a figure that nearly equals half of the total funds raised in the event's entire previous history. This success demonstrated a powerful, renewed public appetite for engaging with Terry’s legacy through challenging, community-focused events. The momentum from that national ride is now being channeled into the 2026 regional events, with hopes of reaching new fundraising heights.

New Challenges for a Renewed Commitment

The introduction of the "Terry Tough" rides marks a strategic evolution for the foundation, aiming to attract a wider range of participants, particularly dedicated cyclists seeking a formidable challenge. These routes are not merely longer; they are designed to be a profound test of endurance, mirroring the grit Terry Fox displayed every day of his marathon.

One of the flagship "Terry Tough" events is the Fraser Valley's "Terry Fox 360" Ride of Hope in British Columbia, a grueling 360-kilometre single-day group ride scheduled for July 18. The fully supported and RCMP-escorted event has become a significant fundraiser in its own right, consistently raising over $100,000 annually. In the interior of the province, the Kamloops Terry Fox Ride of Hope offers a 200-kilometre gravel loop with 2,300 meters of elevation, taking riders through the rugged mountain terrain surrounding Sun Peaks.

While these new challenges cater to serious athletes, the Ride of Hope remains fundamentally inclusive. Events across the country offer a variety of distances and difficulties to welcome families, casual riders, and solo cyclists. For example, the 3rd annual PEI Terry Fox Ride of Hope on June 20 offers routes ranging from a 7-kilometre family ride on the Confederation Trail to a 75-kilometre mixed-terrain challenge for more experienced cyclists. This "something for everyone" approach, combined with a no-registration-fee model, removes barriers to entry and emphasizes the core mission: raising funds for life-saving research.

Pedaling for Progress: Funding the Future of Cancer Treatment

Every dollar raised through the Ride of Hope directly fuels some of Canada's most promising cancer research. The funds are a critical power source for the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN), a visionary pan-Canadian initiative that unites top researchers, oncologists, and patient partners. The network’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of precision medicine, moving away from one-size-fits-all treatments toward therapies tailored to a patient's unique genetic makeup.

A powerful example of this work in action is the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) Program in British Columbia, which is co-funded by the MOHCCN. The POG program uses whole-genome sequencing to analyze the DNA of a patient's tumour, providing oncologists with a detailed roadmap to inform treatment decisions. This approach is bringing new hope to patients with aggressive, metastatic, and hard-to-treat cancers, including osteosarcoma—the same bone cancer that Terry Fox faced. By funding programs like POG, the Ride of Hope directly connects the physical effort of its participants to tangible advancements that can change patient outcomes.

Within Canada's broader research funding landscape, which includes government bodies like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and other major charities, the Terry Fox Foundation occupies a unique and vital space. Its singular, unwavering focus on funding cancer research, guided by Terry's original vision, ensures that every dollar is strategically invested in high-impact projects that aim to translate scientific discovery into clinical reality as quickly as possible.

The Enduring Spirit of a Canadian Icon

Decades after his Marathon of Hope came to an end, Terry Fox’s legacy continues to inspire profound acts of generosity and determination. The motivation for the thousands of Canadians who participate in the Ride of Hope is often deeply personal—riding in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a survivor, or in solidarity with those currently fighting cancer. It is a shared journey fueled by a collective belief in a world without cancer.

The volunteer-driven nature of the 16 regional rides speaks to the powerful sense of community that the foundation has fostered. From the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast, individuals are organizing, training, and fundraising to ensure Terry’s dream crosses the finish line. As cyclists clip in and begin their rides this summer, they will be doing more than just covering kilometres; they will be carrying a torch of hope that was first lit by a young man from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, proving that his incredible journey is far from over.

Canadians interested in joining a ride, supporting a participant, or learning more about the initiative can find all the necessary information on the Terry Fox Foundation website.