The Terry Fox Foundation’s Terry Fox run was held across the country on September 18.

The run, commemorating iconic Canadian hero Terry Fox, is held on the second Sunday after Labour Day every year to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research across Canada.

For Invermere and nearby residents, the run was held on a crisp autumn morning at J.A. Laird Elementary School, beginning officially at 11 a.m.

This year’s event saw 90 participants, who raised over $3,000 in pledges.

“I’ve been doing this for eight years, and we usually get around 100 people,” said Terri Lightfoot of Kootenay Savings. “However this is the best year I’ve done since my fifth year because of a lot of generous people helping to raise this much.”

The Invermere branch of Kootenay Savings has been a long-time sponsor and organizer for the Invermere Terry Fox Run, promoting and helping to collect funds raised.

The September 18 day saw runners, joggers and walkers of all ages take part, from young children to seniors, putting their best foot forward to raise money for a good cause.

“Lots of families came out too,” said Lightfoot. “They would run as a group.”

Runners jogged up West Side Road, going towards Fairmont, then ran back to the school.

Markers were set up along the course for three, four, five, eight and 10 kilometre distances.

Many participants also went for second or third runs as well during the day.

Schools in the area have also been holding their own, separate runs to raise money for cancer research, on different dates than the September 18 Sunday.

J.A. Laird held its Terry Fox Run on September 16, and raised over $220 thanks to the hard work of staff and students.

Eileen Madson Primary School will be holding its Terry Fox Run today.

“It means a lot to me, with this being my first year as a survivor,” said Lightfoot.

“It’s awesome what these people are doing, it means a lot to me and to everyone else.”