Thousands of Torontonians pounded the pavement Sunday to raise funds and honour the legacy of Canadian hero Terry Fox during the 27th annual Terry Fox Run.

Participants lined up to run, walk, skate and bike the 10-kilometre marathons that kicked off from various sites across the GTA, the province of Ontario and the nation.

Last year's non-competitive event raised more than $13 million in Fox's name.

Cancer survivor Bill McGuire told CTV News he participated in this year's race because he owes it to Fox's memory.

"I'm one of the lucky people who is a survivor," McGuire said Sunday.

"This guy who did all of this work for people like me, you've got to support it and keep it going."

The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981 and raised more than $3.5 million. Since its inception, the run has raised approximately $400 million worldwide for cancer research.

Martha McClew of the Terry Fox Foundation said Terry continues to be an inspiration around the world.

"If you think about Terry Fox, I don't think he would have had any idea that he would move people like he does today," McClew said.

"To think that there are people in China and in Afghanistan with our incredible soldiers who are participating today, I think that Terry really gives us the hope that anyone can make a difference. It's such a simple message, but a really powerful one and it stays with us today."

The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981 and raised more than $3.5 million. Since its inception, the run has raised approximately $400 million worldwide for cancer research.

Fox, who was born in Winnipeg and raised in Port Coquitlam, B.C., was first diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18.

In 1977, his right leg was amputated 15 centimetres above the knee.

Motivated by young cancer patients he met in hospital, Fox committed to running across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.

He set out on his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Nfld. on April 12, 1980 to raise awareness for amputee capability and cancer funds.

He ran 42 kilometres a day through the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario; the equivalent of a full marathon everyday.

After 143 days on Canadian roads, Terry was forced to stop running near Thunder Bay, Ont., because the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Fox passed away in June of 1981 at the age of 22.

With a report from CTV's Austin Delaney