Some walked for family, some walked for friends, and some walked for themselves but all took part in the annual Terry Fox Run to help raise funds for cancer research in Canada.

Evelyn Livingstone was one of the many who took part in the run at Welland's Merritt Island.

She was walking for those in her family - her father, sister and brother - who passed away from various forms of cancer.

"I'm doing it for so many that can't speak for themselves," said Livingstone, who has taken part in past runs.

She said every dollar raised across the country helps cancer research.

Darlene Lacey, who was walking with Livingstone, said the last time she took part in the event was about six years ago.

"I'm walking for my son-in-law and my two sisters," she said.

The two women planned to walk the full 10 kilometres on the island.

Nancy Theriault said it's been a few years since she's taken part in the run.

Theriault lost her mother to cancer 17 years ago

"I've been to several in the past. I normally walk on Sundays and this is a great cause."

Martha Lizotte took to the trails in honour of her friend Lisa Stilwell, who is currently battling cancer.

Lizotte planned to ride her bike on the island and said it was her first time at the Welland run.

"I've done it in Port Colborne before," she said.

Even before participants took to the trails at Merritt Island, organizer Kelly Jones said they'd raised nearly half of the $10,000 goal for the Welland walk.

Jones and Alexis Higginbotham, Welland Downtown BIA executive director, took over running the annual walk this year from Dave Sinclair.

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"It's a huge tradition in the city and we're doing our best to build it up. We have a lot to learn in setting it up and promoting it," said Jones.

He said the Terry Fox Run is a great cause and raises funds for cancer research right across the country.