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Run
In conjunction with the Terry Fox Foundation, award-winning author Eric Walters brings Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope to life for a whole new generation of young readers This first book for young readers about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope, written by one of Canada’s best-known writers for young adults, is a blending of fact and fiction, fully endorsed by The Terry Fox Foundation. Hundreds of thousands of young Canadians participate in the Terry Fox Run each year and this book will further enhance their knowledge of Terry’s epic journey. Run introduces a national hero to a new generation of readers. In his trademark page-turning style, Eric Walters, bestselling author of Trapped in Ice and Camp X , tells the story of Winston MacDonald. In trouble again after a suspension from school and a runaway attempt, Winston is sent to spend time with his father—a journalist who hasn’t been around much since his family split up a year ago. Travelling to Nova Scotia with his father, who is covering what he thinks is just a human interest story about a man trying to run across the country, Winston spends a day with Terry Fox and his best friend, Doug. Their determination to achieve what seems like an impossible goal makes a big impression on Winston, and he takes courage and inspiration from Terry’s run. He is overjoyed when his father’s article about the Marathon of Hope ignites public interest across the country. But when Winston discovers that his father’s next article about the Marathon of Hope will characterize Terry and Doug in an unflattering way, he is furious with his father and fearful of betraying his friends. Unsure of what to do or where to turn, Winston decides it is time to make a run for it himself...
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
61 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
156 books908 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 28, 2015
If you have no idea who Terry Fox is, my suggestion is not to read this book (***yet***), but go watch the documentary: INTO THE WIND (52min.) (It's on Netflix as of writing this--I know because I had to go re-check the title of it.)
That documentary will give you a better idea of who this guy is--a Canadian hero. Actually, he's not just a Canadian hero, he was voted the GREATEST Canadian hero.
Terry Fox is a legend.
For those of us (Canadians, mostly) who know exactly who Terry is, this will be a great read. At first, I must say, I didn't get it. 50 pages in...and no Terry? What was going on here?? I kept flipping to the cover to make sure I was ready a Terry Fox bio. Did I purchase the wrong book?
Nope. It just took a while to get going. (The first 50+ pages is about this whiny, spoiled kid who runs away and annoys his parents.)
Once Terry shows up, the book takes off and never slows down.
There are some great elements here, not only about the actual Marathon of Hope, but some sneak peaks into Terry the human being--simple things, like eating a plate of sliced oranges after running a mile, or arguing with his best friend, or and playing 1-on-1 basketball in one scene... some really great stuff. And also how painful it was for Terry to run, and run, and run on his prosthetic leg. You can almost FEEL Terry's ambition, his drive (or his stubbornness, his best friend, Doug Alward, calls it), and his absolute determination to go one more mile, and another, and another, and make it all the way to the end.
Do a little research first, find out who Terry Fox is, and THEN I guarantee you will enjoy this book tremendously.
That documentary will give you a better idea of who this guy is--a Canadian hero. Actually, he's not just a Canadian hero, he was voted the GREATEST Canadian hero.
Terry Fox is a legend.
For those of us (Canadians, mostly) who know exactly who Terry is, this will be a great read. At first, I must say, I didn't get it. 50 pages in...and no Terry? What was going on here?? I kept flipping to the cover to make sure I was ready a Terry Fox bio. Did I purchase the wrong book?
Nope. It just took a while to get going. (The first 50+ pages is about this whiny, spoiled kid who runs away and annoys his parents.)
Once Terry shows up, the book takes off and never slows down.
There are some great elements here, not only about the actual Marathon of Hope, but some sneak peaks into Terry the human being--simple things, like eating a plate of sliced oranges after running a mile, or arguing with his best friend, or and playing 1-on-1 basketball in one scene... some really great stuff. And also how painful it was for Terry to run, and run, and run on his prosthetic leg. You can almost FEEL Terry's ambition, his drive (or his stubbornness, his best friend, Doug Alward, calls it), and his absolute determination to go one more mile, and another, and another, and make it all the way to the end.
Do a little research first, find out who Terry Fox is, and THEN I guarantee you will enjoy this book tremendously.
October 24, 2016
After reading this book, I wanted to get up and go for a run. Eric Walters did a great job of portraying the true story of Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope in a novelised version for young readers. Terry Fox was a humble and determined young man who bravely ran to create awareness and raise money to fight the cancer that took his leg and eventually his life. I am glad that his legacy lives on throughout Canada today.
August 1, 2021
If you ever ask me the question, “Who’s your favourite author?” my answer would be instantaneous: Eric Walters. I first read Eric’s work when I was in the 3rd grade, and still, almost 18 years later, his books continue to resonate with me.
It’s my birthday month, this month and I’m planning on revisiting books that have shaped me as a reader and a writer throughout each stage of my life, and so I started with the Eric Walter’s book that first captivated me as a precocious 7-year-old: “Run.”
The story of Run follows 14-year-old Winston MacDonald, who after troubles at school and multiple times running away from the Toronto apartment he shares with his mother, is sent to spend a few days with his newspaper reporter father as he covers a human interest story in Nova Scotia. That human interest story? Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope.
I can happily report that this book is as impactful and inspiring as it was when I first read it. Deftly blending the facts and timeline of the Marathon of Hope with fictional elements, Eric Walters tells the story of one of Canada’s most revered and enduring figures in a way that people of any age can connect with, resulting in 227 pages of the finest historical fiction, I’ve ever read.
Terry’s story inspired all of Canada, and his legacy continues to inspire millions around the world every year, in part due to incredible books like this that make the story accessible.
This is a perfect book to read whether you’ve grown up knowing Terry’s story, or you’re just discovering it for the very first time. It’s educational, while also managing to be completely immersive.
I HIGHLY recommend ANY Eric Walters book, but even after almost 18 years, “Run” is still the one that is closest to my heart.
It’s my birthday month, this month and I’m planning on revisiting books that have shaped me as a reader and a writer throughout each stage of my life, and so I started with the Eric Walter’s book that first captivated me as a precocious 7-year-old: “Run.”
The story of Run follows 14-year-old Winston MacDonald, who after troubles at school and multiple times running away from the Toronto apartment he shares with his mother, is sent to spend a few days with his newspaper reporter father as he covers a human interest story in Nova Scotia. That human interest story? Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope.
I can happily report that this book is as impactful and inspiring as it was when I first read it. Deftly blending the facts and timeline of the Marathon of Hope with fictional elements, Eric Walters tells the story of one of Canada’s most revered and enduring figures in a way that people of any age can connect with, resulting in 227 pages of the finest historical fiction, I’ve ever read.
Terry’s story inspired all of Canada, and his legacy continues to inspire millions around the world every year, in part due to incredible books like this that make the story accessible.
This is a perfect book to read whether you’ve grown up knowing Terry’s story, or you’re just discovering it for the very first time. It’s educational, while also managing to be completely immersive.
I HIGHLY recommend ANY Eric Walters book, but even after almost 18 years, “Run” is still the one that is closest to my heart.
January 11, 2013
Horrible book. The story of Terry Fox is amazing, but Eric Walters' dry, boring writing ruins it. I had to read this for a school project, but if I hadn't had to read it, I would have stopped by the second chapter.
November 19, 2018
My run is about ability and not disability.
This book...
Why did you do this to me?!!
How dare you do this to me?!
It was full of hope, happiness and a hint of sadness, it made me think so much and plus the book was on my shelf and I was killing two birds with one stone reading it.
It was a Canadian book and at the same time I was tackling a whole new genre all together.
The writing was a work of art... so simple yet impact full writing.
If I had more spare time in my life, I would have DEVOURED this book!
The Character development was so apparent and charming.
Everything about Terry made me happy to the brink of tears!
The relationship between Winston and his parents was inspiring.
Terry and Doug's friendship was eye opening.
I recommend this book so much but AGAIN I wish it had ended differently!
This book...
Why did you do this to me?!!
How dare you do this to me?!
It was full of hope, happiness and a hint of sadness, it made me think so much and plus the book was on my shelf and I was killing two birds with one stone reading it.
It was a Canadian book and at the same time I was tackling a whole new genre all together.
The writing was a work of art... so simple yet impact full writing.
If I had more spare time in my life, I would have DEVOURED this book!
The Character development was so apparent and charming.
Everything about Terry made me happy to the brink of tears!
The relationship between Winston and his parents was inspiring.
Terry and Doug's friendship was eye opening.
I recommend this book so much but AGAIN I wish it had ended differently!
July 10, 2025
“He gave us a dream as big as our country” (pg.198)
Run by Eric Walters is a truly touching story about a young boy searching for purpose and direction. In the novel, Winston Jr. has the remarkable opportunity to run alongside Terry Fox, witnessing firsthand how one young man faced overwhelming odds with determination and courage.
I’m excited to bring this novel into my classroom, as it offers powerful lessons in perseverance, empathy, and inspiration that will connect with students.
Run by Eric Walters is a truly touching story about a young boy searching for purpose and direction. In the novel, Winston Jr. has the remarkable opportunity to run alongside Terry Fox, witnessing firsthand how one young man faced overwhelming odds with determination and courage.
I’m excited to bring this novel into my classroom, as it offers powerful lessons in perseverance, empathy, and inspiration that will connect with students.
October 12, 2021
A solid little book. I can't wait to give it to my nephew. All young (and old) Canadians should read this. A much needed reminder regarding the ongoing fight to beat cancer and the beauty of real friendship.
November 21, 2011
I really didn't know much about Terry Fox until I read this a few years ago. The story (more or less) is about a teenage boy who follows his dad, who is a reporter. The kid basically gets dragged into following Terry Fox. It's not an epic story, no battles against aliens or dragons, but it seems realistic and I cared about the main characters, and it made me want to know more about Terry Fox. I really don't have any heroes, but after learning more about Terry Fox and seeing what he went through, well, he'd be closer than just about anyone else.
September 24, 2018
Terry Fox always makes me cry. So this story made me cry too. I was literally sobbing at the end when Winston finds out the sad news that Terry had to stop running. This is no spoiler because everyone knows Terry's story.
I loved how this story was written. I loved the way the author took a piece of history and combined it with fiction, making it more personal and touching. I loved everything about it.
I loved how this story was written. I loved the way the author took a piece of history and combined it with fiction, making it more personal and touching. I loved everything about it.
October 28, 2019
Cute book for grade 7/8 ELA. I focused on the themes
- doing you personal best
-bravery
- persistence
But would love to spend more time on this novel
- doing you personal best
-bravery
- persistence
But would love to spend more time on this novel
September 18, 2023
"Run" by Eric Walters deserves nothing less than a glowing 5-star review! As a teacher who recently read this book to my grade 6/7 class, I can confidently say that it captivated our hearts and minds from start to finish.
Eric Walters masterfully weaves a tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of the human spirit. The story of Winston, a young boy who embarks on a cross-country run to raise awareness for cancer research, left my students and me inspired and deeply moved. It provided us with valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.
The characters in "Run" are beautifully developed, and my students connected with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level. Walters skillfully brings out the emotions of each character, making us feel like we were running alongside Winston and his friends every step of the way.
The pacing of the book is perfect for young readers, and it kept my class eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The discussions sparked by the book's themes were invaluable, promoting empathy, social awareness, and critical thinking.
"Run" is not just a book; it's an experience that touched the hearts of my students and opened up important conversations about the issues our society faces. Eric Walters has created a true masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to teachers, parents, and young readers alike. It's a must-read for anyone looking to be inspired and make a positive change in the world.
Eric Walters masterfully weaves a tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of the human spirit. The story of Winston, a young boy who embarks on a cross-country run to raise awareness for cancer research, left my students and me inspired and deeply moved. It provided us with valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.
The characters in "Run" are beautifully developed, and my students connected with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level. Walters skillfully brings out the emotions of each character, making us feel like we were running alongside Winston and his friends every step of the way.
The pacing of the book is perfect for young readers, and it kept my class eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The discussions sparked by the book's themes were invaluable, promoting empathy, social awareness, and critical thinking.
"Run" is not just a book; it's an experience that touched the hearts of my students and opened up important conversations about the issues our society faces. Eric Walters has created a true masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to teachers, parents, and young readers alike. It's a must-read for anyone looking to be inspired and make a positive change in the world.
June 15, 2020
3.5 stars!
It's a bit cheesy and an incredibly simple story, but it's still quite powerful. There aren't any other fiction books (that I know of) that have Terry Fox in it because Terry's family is very private and doesn't like it when people use his name/legacy for things outside of Cancer Research/Awareness. Eric Walters had to get special permission to write this story.
I taught this book to adult immigrants who had NEVER heard of Terry Fox. Teaching them about the greatest Canadian hero I know was fun, and reading the book and researching further details only strengthened my opinion on Terry. The book is a fantastic way to learn about Terry Fox and it does well to capture the public's general sentiments at the time of his run.
The story itself follows Winston and, as I said, is fairly straightforward. But with Terry's Marathon of Hope as the background, it makes for a good read overall.
Run = 3.5 stars
The Terry Fox Story itself = 5 stars
It's a bit cheesy and an incredibly simple story, but it's still quite powerful. There aren't any other fiction books (that I know of) that have Terry Fox in it because Terry's family is very private and doesn't like it when people use his name/legacy for things outside of Cancer Research/Awareness. Eric Walters had to get special permission to write this story.
I taught this book to adult immigrants who had NEVER heard of Terry Fox. Teaching them about the greatest Canadian hero I know was fun, and reading the book and researching further details only strengthened my opinion on Terry. The book is a fantastic way to learn about Terry Fox and it does well to capture the public's general sentiments at the time of his run.
The story itself follows Winston and, as I said, is fairly straightforward. But with Terry's Marathon of Hope as the background, it makes for a good read overall.
Run = 3.5 stars
The Terry Fox Story itself = 5 stars
August 21, 2018
This book was so emotionally charged. To me this is one book that had me almost in tears. Terry Fox is a hero to Canadians everywhere with his will and is spirit. This book allowed me to capture some of this just like last year when I went to his memorial. Such a surreal experience same with this book.
October 11, 2018
Love this tribute to Terry Fox. Eric Walters has done an excellent job of mining footage to find Terry's voice. I read this to my students surrounding our school Terry Fox Run, and they loved it. Along with the videos we watched of Terry, this helped make Terry's story much more personal and meaningful to them. A fitting portrait of a Canadian hero.
March 2, 2021
An inspiring and easy to read story. However, I'm afraid that it's not a great work of fiction -the plot and the characters feel way too forced. I guess that if you're not Canadian and thus you don't know who Terry Fox is, it's a pretty decent read. But for those who know everything about the Marathon of Hope, the whole book is just plain boring and it could also feel somewhat preachy.
February 3, 2019
While the writing is about as basic as you can get ‘Run’ still exists as one of the invaluable works of Eric Walters, the man who got me into reading as a kid through his engaging and historical stories.
January 18, 2021
This was solid through and through. I know this book hits harder with people who have list family members due to cancer and it did with me too. I was tearing up since midbook. And bam the waterworks came at the end. Great novel on Terry's run.
May 17, 2023
An interesting first hand glimpse at Terry Fox through the eyes of a young protagonist.
I enjoyed it more knowing it was written with the permission and blessing of the Terry Fox society and was proofread by family members.
I enjoyed it more knowing it was written with the permission and blessing of the Terry Fox society and was proofread by family members.
May 9, 2024
A must read in Canadian classrooms
A good read about a great Canadian. Perseverance despite all odds is Terry’s story. Winston’s willingness to overcome his life hurdles shows a spirit of growth that is desperately needed today.
A good read about a great Canadian. Perseverance despite all odds is Terry’s story. Winston’s willingness to overcome his life hurdles shows a spirit of growth that is desperately needed today.
November 26, 2017
A bit Interesting and boring.
September 29, 2018
Excellent read aloud for Grade 6 students to start the year. Since the Terry Fox Run is in late September it is relevant to the students.
January 21, 2020
Inspiring story for every young Canadian
October 24, 2020
An awesome book about Terry Fox.
September 11, 2021
Great book - but it left me wanting more of the boy's life. It didn't go into detail about how he changed and it felt like it happened too quickly. Good for 5-6.
October 24, 2021
Great read. Intriguing characters. Good pacing. Learned a lot about fox
October 24, 2021
4.5 stars
January 28, 2022
Really good but it traumatized so I took off a star
November 7, 2024
Eric Walters did an excellent job of portraying the true life story of Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope.
Currently reading
December 2, 2025Chapter 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2017
It's honestly frightening how much Winston on the cover looks like me when I was 14
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews