Thousands take part in 36th annual Terry Fox Run

Thousands of people took part in the 36th annual Terry Fox Run in Toronto on Sunday.

Lisa Hirsh-Wax, a cancer survivor, wasamong them.

"I am trying to kick cancer in the butt myself," she told CBC News. "I couldn't be happier to be here today."

Hirsh-Wax said she was walking in memory ofher late father-in-law, Len Wax, known as "Loveable Len," who she said raised more than $100,000for cancer research himself because he was "so inspired" by Terry Fox.

"This year, it's a dual privilege to be here today, supporting the Terry Fox Run and all of the amazing work that they do for everyone who is suffering from this terrible disease."

A memorial clothesline wasset up in honour of Terry Fox near the start of the run, at Wilket Creek Parkin the Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue East area.

Terry Fox T-shirts,photos and memorabiliawerepinned to the clothesline. "Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue," read one sign with the famous Fox quote."It's got to keep going without me."

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynnealso took part.

"On top of everything, all the good you're doing, raising money, all of the difference you will make by being here, it's a great community event,"she told the participants before the run began."So have a wonderful walk, run, whatever it is you do, enjoy yourselves and again, thank you so much for being here,"

The run is one of several being held across Ontario today.Participants are running or walkingtwo, five andten kilometre-long routes.