Forty-five years ago today, Terry Fox was making his way from Quebec into eastern Ontario, en route to the nation’s capital for Canada’s 113th birthday. Known for his courage and iconic style, Fox was often seen in his Canada-logoed Marathon of Hope T-shirt and the signature adidas Orion shoes, which have now become an image etched into the Canadian identity.
Now, fans of Fox’s legacy and Canadian running history can get their hands on a piece of it.
On July 3, adidas Canada will re-release a limited-edition version of the classic Orion runners that Terry wore during his Marathon of Hope in 1980. The navy blue and white shoes feature the name “Terry Fox” in gold and come with commemorative shoelaces.
On April 12, 1980, Terry dipped his leg in the harbour in St. John’s, N.L., and filled up a jug with water from the Atlantic, with plans to pour it into the Pacific when he arrived across the country. He ran 20km that first day; over the next 143 days, Terry ran nearly 42 km a day, covering 5,373 km, until his run was cut short in September when he found out the cancer had spread to his lungs. In June 1981, Terry passed away at 22.
On Feb. 1, 1981, the Marathon of Hope fund had raised C$24.17 million; Terry had achieved his goal of collecting one dollar for every Canadian citizen.
“It’s heart-warming to see Canadians across the country continue to resonate with Terry’s legacy more than 45 years later,” says Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother. “We hope that these shoes will serve as an inspirational reminder that it’s up to all of us to finish the marathon against cancer that Terry started.”
During the Marathon of Hope, Fred helped coordinate logistics, manage communications and growing media attention as the run gained momentum. Terry’s younger brother Darrell was in the van to help him with day-to-day support, alongside Fox’s close friend Doug Alward, who drove.
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:00 am ET, Canadians will be able to shop the limited-edition shoes online while supplies last. All proceeds will directly support life-changing cancer research in Canada.
Visit terryfox.org/orion for more information, or to register and fundraise for the 45th annual Terry Fox Run taking place on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. Registered participants who secure 45 sponsors by Sept. 15, 2025, will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pair of the limited-edition adidas Orion shoes.
