50p
New Year, Different Run, Same Spirit
Last Sunday hundreds of Brentwood students took part in the annual Terry Fox Run. This year is the 40 year anniversary of the famous “Marathon of Hope,” where 21-year-old Terry Fox, with an amputated leg due to bone cancer, ran a marathon every day on his trek across Canada.
In honour of his achievements, Brentwood and other schools and organizations all around the world have run an annual event to raise money for cancer research and carry on his dream. Although this year’s run had to be adjusted to abide by COVID-19 measures, nothing was going to stop a proud Brentwood tradition like this from taking place.
Staggered at 30-minute intervals, each learning group, comprised of the four brother-sister houses, ran, walked, biked, or even roller-skated at least one lap of the ‘Milk Run.’ This route weaves its way through campus, starting near the boatsheds, around the Foote Centre, past the boys’ boarding houses, around Hope House, and down the home stretch past Crooks Hall and the arts and academic buildings. Along the way, runners were met by the encouraging faces and cheers of student volunteers who were positioned throughout the course, ensuring the runners went in the right direction.
Although one lap was the minimum requirement, many students surpassed that mark, going above and beyond in Terry’s honour. One of these students, Head Prefect Jack NG, Ellis ‘21, completed 11 laps which is over 14 kilometres. He understood the importance of the event, saying “I think that the Terry Fox Run is one of the most important events that the school has each year. It’s a shame that we couldn’t have opened it up to more alum and families, but I think it was really good that we were still able to have it.” He also commented on where he drew inspiration from, saying “It was awesome that everybody was still able to participate and do their best, because some people aren’t fortunate enough to do that, so that was definitely a big motivating factor for a lot of us.”
Ms Pettit agreed, saying “Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. His ability to persevere and overcome the most significant obstacles is a lesson for all of us to carry forward each and every day. When talking about the impacts of COVID-19, she said “For our Brentwood community which has been separated globally throughout this pandemic, for us to come together and support this cause shows the reach and care of our family.”
This was one of the first school-wide events that have taken place so far in the new school year, and it is clear that, despite all the challenges the school is facing in the midst of the pandemic, the Brentwood spirit always shines through.
Will P, Whittall ‘22
In honour of his achievements, Brentwood and other schools and organizations all around the world have run an annual event to raise money for cancer research and carry on his dream. Although this year’s run had to be adjusted to abide by COVID-19 measures, nothing was going to stop a proud Brentwood tradition like this from taking place.
Staggered at 30-minute intervals, each learning group, comprised of the four brother-sister houses, ran, walked, biked, or even roller-skated at least one lap of the ‘Milk Run.’ This route weaves its way through campus, starting near the boatsheds, around the Foote Centre, past the boys’ boarding houses, around Hope House, and down the home stretch past Crooks Hall and the arts and academic buildings. Along the way, runners were met by the encouraging faces and cheers of student volunteers who were positioned throughout the course, ensuring the runners went in the right direction.
Although one lap was the minimum requirement, many students surpassed that mark, going above and beyond in Terry’s honour. One of these students, Head Prefect Jack NG, Ellis ‘21, completed 11 laps which is over 14 kilometres. He understood the importance of the event, saying “I think that the Terry Fox Run is one of the most important events that the school has each year. It’s a shame that we couldn’t have opened it up to more alum and families, but I think it was really good that we were still able to have it.” He also commented on where he drew inspiration from, saying “It was awesome that everybody was still able to participate and do their best, because some people aren’t fortunate enough to do that, so that was definitely a big motivating factor for a lot of us.”
Ms Pettit agreed, saying “Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. His ability to persevere and overcome the most significant obstacles is a lesson for all of us to carry forward each and every day. When talking about the impacts of COVID-19, she said “For our Brentwood community which has been separated globally throughout this pandemic, for us to come together and support this cause shows the reach and care of our family.”
This was one of the first school-wide events that have taken place so far in the new school year, and it is clear that, despite all the challenges the school is facing in the midst of the pandemic, the Brentwood spirit always shines through.
Will P, Whittall ‘22