Benjamin Segobaetso – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online August 26, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
MRC PONTIAC — After more than four decades at the same location, the Shawville Terry Fox Run is getting a new home this year, as organizers prepare for the annual fundraiser on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Organizer Caroline Burton announced the change during the MRC Pontiac Council of Mayors meeting on August 20, saying the event will move from Pontiac High School to Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary School at 89 Centre Street in Shawville. Burton, who organizes the event with Jennifer Milko, said accessibility was a major factor behind the decision. The pair are entering their third year organizing the local run after taking over from longtime organizer John Petty. “We are moving from where we have been for 43 years at the high school,” Burton told the mayors. “The reason why we decided to do that is because it’s more accessible for the participants that we have,” she added.
She said some participants had difficulty navigating the hill leading to Pontiac High School. The McDowell location will also give participants greater flexibility in deciding how far they want to walk or run, including the option of using the school’s oval. “You don’t have to run the full five or 10 kilometres if you don’t want to,” Burton said, encouraging residents of different ages and abilities to participate. The event will include more than the traditional walk and run. A community barbecue hosted by the Lions Club begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by registration at 1 p.m. The Terry Fox Run gets underway at 2 p.m. Organizers are also planning a morning yoga activity.
Burton also arrived at the mayors’ meeting with some good news: the local Terry Fox Run recently received an achievement award recognizing its fundraising performance. While last year’s event raised approximately $4,500, Burton disclosed the Shawville run was recognized for having the highest per-capita fundraising rate in Quebec, an accomplishment she highlighted given the relatively small population supporting the event. Burton stated information packages, including posters and promotional materials, will soon be distributed to municipalities through their Director Generals as organizers work to increase participation across the Pontiac.
The annual event continues the legacy of Terry Fox, who began his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, dipping his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean in St. John’s, Newfoundland, before beginning his cross-country journey to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Since Fox’s Marathon of Hope, fundraising in his name has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research worldwide. This year’s Shawville run invites residents to participate at whatever distance and pace works for them.
Photo: Terry fox organizer, Caroline Burton, presenting at the MRC Mayor’s Council meeting
