Every Canadian child learns the basics of Terry Fox’s story: in April 1980, the 21-year-old set out from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on a cross-country run to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. Having lost his right leg to osteosarcoma, he ran using a poorly fitted, off-the-shelf artificial limb (all that was available at the time) for 143 days straight. He ran the equivalent of a marathon nearly every day, covering more than 5,000 kilometres before a resurgence of cancer forced him to stop near Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The Terry Fox Run has honoured his legacy ever since, inspiring millions of participants in more than 60 countries to keep running for the cause. But behind the iconic image was a young man confronting extraordinary physical and emotional demands.

In this intimate and inspiring portrait, veteran filmmaker Sean Menard brings that remarkable human story into focus. Drawing on never-before-seen footage, RUN TERRY RUN reveals the arduous preparation, vulnerability and determination behind Fox’s historic journey—and the profound impact one young person can have on the world.