Steve Fonyo Completes Cross-Canada Marathon
On May 29, 1985, Steve Fonyo — a 19-year-old Canadian who had lost his left leg to cancer at age 12 — completed a 14-month coast-to-coast run across Canada, finishing in Victoria, British Columbia. His Journey for Lives raised millions of dollars for cancer research.
Inspired by Terry Fox
Steve Fonyo was motivated by Terry Fox, the Canadian athlete who attempted a transcontinental run in 1980 before being forced to stop when cancer spread to his lungs. Fox died the following year, becoming a national hero. Fonyo, who had survived bone cancer and lost his left leg at age 12, decided to carry on what Fox had started. On March 31, 1984, Fonyo dipped his prosthetic leg in the Atlantic Ocean at St. John's, Newfoundland, and set off westward on his own coast-to-coast journey, which he called Journey for Lives.
Did You Know?
Steve Fonyo was only 19 years old when he finished his cross-Canada run. During the 14-month journey he raised over $13 million for cancer research — a remarkable achievement for a teenager running on a prosthetic leg.
The Journey
Over 14 months, Fonyo ran more than 7,924 kilometres (4,924 miles) through every province, enduring harsh weather, physical fatigue, and the emotional weight of his mission. Crowds turned out along the route to cheer him on, and his story attracted national media coverage. On May 29, 1985, Fonyo reached Victoria, British Columbia, dipping his prosthetic leg in the Pacific Ocean to mirror his Atlantic start. Thousands gathered to witness the finish and celebrate his achievement.
Legacy
Fonyo's run raised more than $13 million for cancer research and inspired countless Canadians. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1985 and received numerous other honours. His journey helped cement a uniquely Canadian tradition of individual athletic feats undertaken in service of charity — a tradition that Terry Fox began and that continues to inspire fundraising runs and walks across the country every year.