Thousands of people of all ages took part in this year’s Terry Fox Run, running, walking, cycling and rollerblading around Lake Jarun. Croatia joined the global Marathon of Hope 27 years ago, and since then more than €1 million has been raised in the country to support cancer treatment and research.

This year’s donation will support research into lobular breast cancer carried out at the Ruđer Bošković Institute’s Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, led by Dr Petar Ozretić.

Lobular breast cancer has distinct biological and clinical characteristics that can make timely detection more difficult in some cases. Research at RBI focuses on developing new models that could contribute to a better understanding of the disease, enable earlier detection and support the development of more effective therapeutic approaches.

Jessica Blitt, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Croatia, highlighted the importance of the fact that the funds raised in Croatia remain in the country, directly supporting Croatian scientists and their research.

“Only by working together can we make a difference and finish what Terry Fox started. Let’s finish it,” Ambassador Blitt said, recalling that Terry Fox covered 5,373 kilometres across Canada in 143 days and, through his extraordinary effort, inspired an international movement in support of cancer research.

Dr David Matthew Smith, Director General of the Ruđer Bošković Institute, thanked the organisers, partners, volunteers and members of the public for the trust they have placed in the Institute’s researchers.

“This support will help our scientists continue investigating a disease that can often be difficult to detect at an early stage. Behind every sample, every measurement and every result lies a very tangible hope: that we can understand the disease better, detect it earlier and treat it more effectively. The trust placed in us by the organisers and the public is a great honour, but it also carries a responsibility to turn knowledge into progress that can contribute to the fight against this malignant disease,” said Smith.

He also emphasised that cancer research is not solely the work of scientists and physicians, but a collective endeavour involving society as a whole.

“By taking part, whether by running, walking, volunteering or donating, people show that the community stands alongside patients, their families and researchers. Terry Fox transformed his own illness and hope into a promise to others, and his Marathon of Hope continues through everyone who chooses to take a step of their own. On behalf of the Ruđer Bošković Institute, I would like to thank everyone for their generosity, their trust and their belief in science,” said the RBI Director General.

The Terry Fox Run was established in memory of Canadian athlete Terry Fox, who lost a leg to osteosarcoma. In 1980, he embarked on his Marathon of Hope with the goal of running across Canada to raise funds for cancer research. Over 143 days, he covered 5,373 kilometres before the recurrence of his cancer forced him to end his journey. His initiative went on to become an international movement that has raised funds for cancer research for decades.

This year’s event at Lake Jarun was supported by Minister of Health Assoc. Prof. Irena Hrstić, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Croatia Jessica Blitt, President of the Croatian League Against Cancer Prof. Damir Eljuga, representatives of the City of Zagreb, and Director General of the Ruđer Bošković Institute Dr David Matthew Smith.

The 2026 Croatian edition of the Terry Fox Run was organised by MPG, the Croatian League Against Cancer and the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Croatia, in cooperation with the City of Zagreb and with the support of partners and sponsors.

The funds raised through this year’s campaign will thus carry Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope forward through research at the Ruđer Bošković Institute, to improve our understanding of lobular breast cancer, detect it earlier and develop more effective treatments.