Courtesy of Terry Fox, 1979 PG to Boston Marathon YouTube

By Veronica Beltran

Labour Classic Day 46th year

The 46th Labour Day Classic has special meaning to one local

Aug 25, 2019 | 9:20 AM

PRINCE GEORGE–The 46th Labour Day Classic run is just one week away today, (Aug.25th) and for one local, it holds the memory and inspiration to be better.

This year, the run is extra special to Bill Masich because he ran it 40 years ago–back when it was called the “Prince George to Boston Marathon” in 1979, when Terry Fox ran it too. Masich, a local high-school teacher, says he remembers the run very well, being almost 11 at the time.”Terry finished and I didn’t,” he said to us in an over the phone interview.

Masich says that he was an avid track runner–his dad being a track coach, however he says he wasn’t in shape to run eight and a half miles that day. Three miles in he says he cramped and “collapsed like a house of cards.”

“Terry showed up with his one leg and his prosthetic and he kept going. He just ran, and ran, and ran.” He says that looking back now, as an adult, Terry’s determination to finish is hugely inspiring to him. Also inspirational, Wheel Chair Athlete, Rick Hansen, who Masich says also took part in the race.

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Masich share’s his story with his high school students every year before the Terry Fox run, in hopes to inspire them, sharing what he calls “one of the greatest failures of (his) life, and yet, one of the most inspiring moments of at the same time.”

He still looks back at that day, for inspiration at times, to push him to be something “better.” Masich had plans to run the race this year, 40 years after collapsing and being unable to finish the race that Terry had managed to. The high-school teacher was planning on using the inspiration and determination, from 40 years ago, to finish what he started at the 6th Annual Prince George to Boston Marathon, now known as the Labour Day Classic. However life had other plans…after spending months training, Masich threw out his back and unfortunately won’t be running the race this year.

Although he won’t be running Masich says he will be on the sidelines cheering everyone on. The run is scheduled for September 1st with the first run at 9am. Late registration is available at the package pick-up from 4pm-6pm on August 31st.