The 19th Terry Fox Run, also known as the "Marathon of Hope", was held here this morning to raise funds for cancer research.

Nearly ten thousand participants, including doctors, embassy officials, college students and 1,500 local cancer patients, either ran, cycled, or used wheelchairs and roller blades during a 10 km journey starting from the Workers' Stadium to the Chinese Cancer Institute (CCI) in Beijing.

Terry Fox, who lost his right leg to bone cancer, became the Canadian national hero after he traveled across Canada on an artificial leg to raise money for cancer research in 1980.

"Keeping Terry's spirit in mind, we'll never succumb before any serious illness," said Kenny Carnes, an American wheelchairs athlete from the team representing United Airlines.

Following Terry's death at the age of 23 in 1981, volunteers began holding runs once a year to commemorate his death and raise funds for cancer research. Over the past 20 years, 220 million Canadian dollars (more than 136 million US dollars) has been collected among some 50 countries.

This year's event is organized by the Canadian Embassy and Tumor Hospital under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. It is the first time that Beijing has hosted the charity race on such a large scale. All proceeds will go to the CCI. (Xinhua)