How Participating In The Upcoming Terry Fox Run By Four Seasons Will Help In The Making Of A Cancer-Free World

Having spent more than 30 years with Four Seasons around the globe, Nelson Hilton has attained an emotional and indelible appreciation for the company, which he likens to feeling like a member of a family. “In any of the 17 hotels through my career, I have always felt like I made a difference and contributed to the company’s success,” he reflects.

Among the many successes of Four Seasons is its unwavering support of the Terry Fox Foundation, founded in honour of Canadian athlete Terry Fox. In 1980, the 22-year-old Fox lost a leg to bone cancer and, following his amputation, decided to set out on a Marathon of Hope, covering more than 5,000km across 143 days before his cancer returned. In the process, his brave effort raised CAD24 million for cancer research.

As of 4 February this year, on World Cancer Day, the Terry Fox Foundation has surpassed CAD1 billion in funds raised to aid cancer research. Four Seasons continues a long-standing tradition of contributing to this cause, one which received support from Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp’s help in organising the first Terry Fox Run in 1981. In the present day, more than 12,000 annual runs dedicated to the Terry Fox Foundation take place around the world, with many hosted by Four Seasons.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the five-kilometre Terry Fox Run will take place at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 24 May 2026, and at Dataran Tanjung Rhu near Four Seasons Langkawi on 13 June 2026. Registration comes with a complimentary T-shirt, with 100 per cent of all contributions going to Cancer Research Malaysia. “This is a fun run in every sense of the word,” Hilton says, adding that, as an organiser, he will be cheering on those running and welcoming them at the finish line.

What can first-time participants expect from participating in this year’s run?

“We don’t time the runs, but we do recognise the first place in each category. It’s meant to be a good morning of fun for the entire family or company, where we focus on finding a cure for cancer. Every year, 20 million people are affected by cancer, and we do this fun run to honour those who have survived, those who we have lost, and those who are on their own cancer journey. We do this to find a cure.”

The annual support for the Terry Fox run by Four Seasons has been a great cause for Cancer Research—what have been some of the results that have come out of this pledge and effort by Four Seasons since 1981 in terms of the advancement from the donations and proceeds?

“As of 4 February 2026, the Terry Fox Foundation announced that they have surpassed CAD1 billion dollars raised, thanks to contributions of millions of volunteers and supporters around the world. The Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) invest donations—along with the funding it receives from the Government of Canada and other partners—in the very best researchers across Canada through its highly competitive, independently adjudicated grants and awards programmes. When Terry was a kid, childhood leukaemia had a survival rate of less than three per cent. Today, that number is more than 90 per cent. Cancer mortality is also on the decline. The contributions play a huge role in cancer research, and the TFRI share Terry’s vision and has a powerful mandate to fund and pursue innovative research in the quest for a world without cancer.”

Are the fundamentals that Isadore Sharp instilled in the business still in operation right up to this very day?

“The original founding pillars of the brand still remain true to this day, even as we celebrate 65 years. Four Seasons remains deeply anchored in the founding vision of Isadore Sharp, where genuine care and service excellence are not strategies, but principles. At the heart of this is the Golden Rule—treating others as we wish to be treated—which continues to guide every interaction, both with guests and among colleagues. While the brand has evolved globally, these fundamentals are preserved through a strong culture of empowerment and consistency. Employees are entrusted to act with intuition and empathy, ensuring that service is always personal, thoughtful, and unscripted rather than transactional. This human-centric approach is reinforced through continuous training, leadership example, and a shared commitment to craftsmanship in hospitality.”

What are your travel essentials?

“I do travel a bit through the year and always in the bag are my sneakers, three sets of sports gear, and a fully charged set of headphones. I always check a hotel’s website to see if they have a spin bike and always make time for a 45- to 60-minute spin session.”

Your idea and definition of happiness?

“I find happiness in my family and when we are doing things together. Whether basketball, riding our bikes through KL, or out on the water snorkelling and diving, we love exploring Malaysia and everything it has to offer.”

Terry Fox Run tickets can be purchased via Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s website or here.