While the 2020 Terry Fox Run looked very different than previous years in wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that didn't stop local students from raising substantial funds in support of cancer research.

Through participation in the 2020 Terry Fox Run, Rocky View Schools (RVS) students from 42 schools raised a total of $47,621.62 to aid the cause.

Terry Fox Runs were modified across the RVS division to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols and saw students participate in smaller cohorts rather than the usual school-wide run. 

RVS Superintendent, Greg Luterbach says that like Terry, RVS students' were able to rise above the challenges they were faced with this year.

"We are extremely proud of our students and their incredible fundraising efforts," says Luterbach. "One of our goals as educators is to equip students to navigate successfully as global citizens who are resilient, empathetic and have a desire to take an active role in their community. Despite the challenges 2020 brought, these students each took it upon themselves to embody Terry Fox’s determination and make an impact through their actions."

The 2020 Terry Fox  Run marked the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.

Some schools offered fun incentives for their students. After hitting their goals, many RVS students were rewarded by pieing their teachers, having staff sport crazy hair-dos and even shaving a teacher's head.

RVS students from Cochrane were among those from Airdrie, Beiseker, Bragg Creek, Chestermere, Crossfield, Langdon and Springbank who contributed to raising nearly $48,000 for cancer research.