Much has been said about Terry Fox in the 40+ years since his passing. But, somehow, Sean Menard has offered us something that feels entirely new.

And, frankly, it’s remarkable.

Directed by Menard, Run Terry Run takes the viewer back to the summer of 1980 when a 21-year-old Terry Fox decides to run across Canada in order to raise money for cancer research. Having lost his own leg to cancer, Fox’s passion for doing his part to raise awareness and support unified the nation the nation, ultimately becoming known as the Marathon of Hope.

Quite simply, one cannot help but get emotional watching Run Terry Run. By following the young man’s journey against impossible odds, Menard has created something as engrossing as the actual run itself. Somehow, he has developed a portrait of the man without adding other documentary ‘tricks’. At all times, Menard keeps his film laser-focused on Terry and his run. Although the film’s voiceover provides the necessary narration, it never distracts from Fox’s achievements. In doing so, he allows Fox’s actions to speak most loudly, trusting that the audience will feel as entranced as they were back in the 80s.

Every morning, every conversation, every metre of road matters because that is the story. There are no interviews with friends or doctors to provide background information. There are no cutaways to celebrities who have been impacted by Fox’s run. (For example, even though Darrel Sittler is highlighted, he remains relegated to a voice in the footage.)

In short, there are no distractions.

Menard simply allows the route itself to unfold before us. With the exception of a couple of minutes of childhood footage, the film begins quickly at the edge of the water in Newfoundland and simply follows the story of a young man who’s going for a run. Yes, the film’s story is told through narration but those moments are from people who were there themselves. It’s not conjecture or hearsay. The voiceovers are personal, from people who knew and cared about Fox.

And that’s the beauty of Terry. Menard’s doc simply allows us to be in awe of the courage of one young man to raise awareness (and funds) for cancer research. Each literal step on the journey feels significant. With every movement forward, we’re struck by Fox’s determination to share his own form of gospel. With a focus on finding a cure, he remains committed to the belief that things can be different for himself and others. To him, that’s good news, even though he knows what it means to truly struggle.

What’s more, Terry reminds the viewer that Fox’s run across the country only detours because of his passion for sharing his story. Though his intent was to run across the country, his goal was always to raise more money. As a result, his journey ebbs and flows based on interest, creating a journey that was more difficult than necessary. Yet, to him, what mattered most was not the achievement but the message and he chartered his route accordingly. (In fact, Menard points out that, had he proceeded to run without diversions, he would have made it almost to British Columbia.)

Even so, Fox isn’t particularly deified either. Though everyone loved him, there are stories about his frustrations and stubbornness. Though he’s always shown with respect, we hear about the toll that the journey took upon him. In essence, he’s a man like anyone else. While that seems obvious, it’s also an important detail to remember. Menard is unafraid to show the human side to him.

But that humanity also reminds us of the power of his achievement. His run becomes an inspirational beacon for the entire country. Not because he was unique but because he’s just like anyone else. There’s very much a sense of hopefulness within Run Terry Run that extends to the viewer, reminding them that they too have the opportunity to affect change in meaningful ways.  There’s real power in that assumption and, honestly, I believe it would make Terry proud.

Run Terry Run is available in theatres on Friday, October 9th, 2026.