Terry Fox inspired the nation with his Marathon of Hope in 1980, raising more than $23 million to fight cancer.

He was diagnosed with the disease at age 18, and attempted to run across Canada despite having had his leg amputated. The annual community fundraising runs held in his honour are a great way to introduce kids to a Canadian hero and do something active as a family.

A number of Terry Fox runs are being held around Montreal on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 and some host shorter versions of the race for children. The events are also often held at parks that have playgrounds. Don’t worry: no running is actually required! Terry Fox Run participants are welcome to walk and, in some cases, cycle or rollerblade. It’s possible to register and make a donation at the event (prior fundraising isn’t necessary to take part).

Here is a list of some of the Terry Fox runs happening in the greater Montreal area. To find out more about each event, or to find others in Quebec, go to http://www.terryfox.org/ and click “find a run site”.

Downtown: 10:30 a.m. at the Beaver Lake Chalet on Mount Royal. Registration at 9:30 a.m. Run, walk, bike.

Westmount: 11 a.m. at Westmount Park. Run or walk. More information.

Town of Mount Royal: 11 a.m. at Terrain des Loisirs, Montgomery St. Run, walk, bike, rollerblade, wheelchair.

Kirkland: Registration at 10 a.m., run at 10:30 a.m. There is a 1.5K, 3K and 6K event in Heritage Park. Run, walk, bike, rollerblade. More information.

Pierrefonds: 9 a.m. at George Springate Park, next to Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, 13800 Pierrefonds Blvd. Run, walk, bike. More information.

Pointe Claire: 10 a.m. at Alexandre Bourgeau Park in Pointe Claire Village. Run, walk, bicycle, rollerblade, wheelchair.

Hudson: 11 a.m. at Stephen F. Shaar Community Centre, 394 Main Rd. Distance is 1.5K, 5K or 10K. Run, walk, rollerblade, bike, wheelchair.

St. Lambert: 10 a.m. children’s run; 10:30 a.m main event, 5 to 10K, at Seaway Park. Run, walk, bike, rollerblade, wheelchair.

Greenfield Park, Longueuil. 10 a.m. children’s 1K; 10:30 a.m. main 5K event at Cynthia Coull Arena. Run, walk, rollerblade, cycle.

La Prairie: 2 p.m. at Collège Jean de la Mennais, 870 St. Jean St. Run, walk.

St. Léonard: 1:30 p.m. at Delorme Park, corner of Robert and Albanel Sts. Run, walk.