More than 1,000 people hit the streets on Friday morning for the Terry Fox Run in Abu Dhabi. Runners took to Corniche Beach to raise money for cancer research. The annual event is held in 40 countries across the world in memory of Fox - who ran more than 5,000km across Canada in 1980 after losing a leg to cancer. He died in 1981. To date an estimated $750 million (Dh2.7 billion) has been raised for the foundation. Previous races in Abu Dhabi have raised a total of Dh22m. Friday's figures are still being calculated. "It is timeless and international," Fred Fox, Terry's older brother, told <em>The National </em>ahead of the race. “Not only is Terry’s example continuing to inspire people around the world, but the funds raised for cancer research are making a difference to this global problem of cancer.” He said that the event’s ethos was to make sure it is "inclusive of everyone,” he said. As the event has grown in profile it has attracted the attention of companies who have been keen to attach their name to it – this has proven to be a difficult juggling act for the organisers. “It is an ongoing challenge for us to have to turn down offers for corporate sponsorship,” said Mr Fox. “But it keeps the focus on the mission, not the sponsor.” <em>Additional reporting by Isaac Scott</em>
