2008 Dubai Terry Fox Run takes place this Friday

Organisers hope that the popularity of the charity, family fun day will result in a record attendance - and record fundraising.

The International Organising Committee for the Terry Fox Foundation recently revealed that the Annual Dubai Terry Fox Run was the second biggest in the world by participation, and the third biggest in terms of revenue.

"Every year we are amazed at the level of enthusiasm for and participation in the Dubai Terry Fox Run, which has become one of Dubai's best loved charity events," said Judy Rickatson, Chair of the organising committee. "And this year is no exception with thousands pre-registering, from schools to corporates."

"The 2007 Dubai Terry Fox Run drew an estimated 10,500 participants, just a few hundred behind Bogata, Columbia which was the single biggest run site with 10,848 participants," she said. "More importantly, the Dubai run raised over $158,000 for cancer research, just behind Kuwait and Beijing, which was the biggest revenue generator at just over $245,000," she added.

Hundreds of volunteers have pulled together to stage the 2008 event which is being supported by the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) in order to promote and attract participants.

Rickatson adds that while the run is very much a Dubai event, the links to Canada are very strong, as Terry Fox was a Canadian.

"The run this year will be started by Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, 'Mountie', Grace Warkentine, in her very distinctive scarlet tunic. Grace is visiting the UAE as part of the Canada Day events organized by the Canadian Embassy," she says.

Mamzar Park will provide the backdrop for the event and the Aga Khan Scouts & Guides band will once again lead all the participants to the starting line. In addition a group of university student dancers and a Keralite (southern Indian) percussion group, along with a band from Wollongong University will take turns to entertain everyone both before and after the Run.

"It promises to be a great morning's fun and the park itself provides a safe and spectacular backdrop for everyone taking part," adds Rickatson. "We sincerely hope to see our biggest turnout ever and a larger contingent of participants from Sharjah along with our usual huge turnout from Dubai."

"Mamzar is capable of comfortably accommodating the tens of thousands we expect to turn out to walk or run the 4.6 or 8.4 km distance, especially wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles and rollerblades. The weather forecast is fine and this is truly one of Dubai's family occasions so we are looking forward to welcoming everyone," she said.

"There is no minimum registration fee charged to participate in the event. Simply show up on run day and complete a donation form. School and corporate participation is welcome. Simply go to www.dubaiterryfoxrun.com for more information," says Rickatson.