The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva is deeply dedicated to the fight against cancer and is hosting its annual Run of Hope on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, in support of the Geneva League Against Cancer. This year, the event welcomes runners, walkers, children, and families with strollers to participate in a fun, community-driven event while demonstrating solidarity in the fight against this devastating disease.
The Run of Hope begins at 9:00 am with the first race commencing from Ile Rousseau at 9:30 am. Participants can choose between a 5km or 10km route, both open to all fitness levels, making it a welcoming event for everyone.
The event draws inspiration from the remarkable story of Terry Fox, a young athlete who, despite losing his leg to bone cancer, made headlines in 1980 by running an incredible 5,374 kilometers (3,340 miles) across Canada in 143 days. His courageous journey was undertaken to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Sadly, Terry was forced to stop his run due to the spread of cancer to his lungs, but his legacy lives on. He raised nearly 24 million Canadian dollars, achieving his goal of raising one dollar for every Canadian.
Touched by Terry’s determination, Four Seasons Founder Isadore Sharp personally committed to supporting the cause, initiating the first Terry Fox Run in 1981. Today, over 9,000 Terry Fox memorial runs are held globally, all organized by dedicated volunteers.
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues started hosting its Run of Hope in 2008 and has since raised over CHF 128,000 since 2015. These funds are crucial for providing support to cancer patients and their families through the Geneva League Against Cancer, offering personalized assistance and financial support for medical research. The league is also instrumental in cancer prevention and health promotion initiatives and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024.
The Run of Hope, held in honor of Terry Fox’s memory, is a non-competitive event open to individuals of all abilities. It’s a chance to join a community united in the fight against cancer and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.