This week marked the 40th anniversary of Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope and Canadians are not letting the global pandemic stop them from marking the occasion. 

#OTD in 1980, Terry Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope. By this time, he had run for 143 days and covered 5,373 km. Fox vowed he would complete his cross-Canada run, but he was unable to return. Learn his story: https://t.co/vOMZcsas14

— CanadianEncyclopedia (@CdnEncyclopedia) September 1, 2020

While there has normally been a Terry Fox run every year for the past 39 years to honour the athlete and activist's memory, the spread of COVID-19 has made that a little more difficult this year. 

If he could see the legacy he left #terryfox #legend

— Rob Crawford (@Dropshot101) September 1, 2020

However, a virtual event will be taking place on Sept. 20 that allows participants to walk, ride, or run wherever they may be. Instead of coming together in person, people can register online as individuals or virtual teams to be able to raise funds for the Terry Fox Foundation. 

"Terry said that it’s got to keep going without me, but he could never have imagined that forty years later $800 million would be raised for cancer research," Fox's brother, Fred, said in a statement.

"Our family is so thankful for how Canadians have embraced Terry and his mission and made such an incredible impact on cancer research with their fundraising.”

#OnThisDay - Sept. 1, 1980 – near Thunder Bay

With every mile Terry endures terrible pain. He finally goes to a hospital; cancer has returned. It is the last day of the Marathon of Hope.

Journal entry: "21 miles. 3,339 miles."

Honour Terry's Try today. https://t.co/MAKFD0E1c6 pic.twitter.com/pIqXixZh03

— TerryFoxFoundation (@TerryFoxCanada) September 1, 2020

Back in 1980, Fox embarked on a cross-country run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. At the time, Fox only had one leg as the other had to be amputated due to cancer. 

Unfortunately, he was forced to end his run after 143 days, 5,373 kilometres, and six provinces as his cancer spread. He passed away on June 21, 1981 at the age of 22. 

Terry Fox is a Canadian hero. Forty years after his Marathon of Hope captivated the country, so many of us continue to be inspired by his courage, his discipline, and his message of hope. Today, it’s up to all of us to keep carrying that message forward. https://t.co/JApAv4ZsYH

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 1, 2020

"Cancer may have taken Terry's life, but it could never take away his try. Especially today, there is only one way forward: we all have to try like Terry," Fox added.