Inspirational day in Ottawa as more than 23,000 take part in Canada Army Run
More than 23,000 participants were in the nation's capital taking part in the Canada Army Run in support of the country's Armed Forces.
One of Canada’s most inspirational events took over the nation’s capital on Sunday as runners, walkers and rollers got the chance to support the country’s troops. The Canada Army Run was an overwhelming success as more than 14,000 lined up for the 5K with an additional 8,800 in the half-marathon.
There were an additional 250-plus participants in the 5K and half-marathon for the Ill, Injured & Disabled as the run is about “Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces – Air Force, Army, and Navy – joining together in the spirit of camaraderie and community.”
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Finishers earn a “dog tag” upon completion and Canadian soldiers hand out the post-race souvenir to each finisher. This year’s event was the ninth anniversary of the race as Canadians got the chance to run alongside members of Canada’s military and the chance to see personnel after their race.
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The half-marathon course is about as Canadian as it gets as the route passes by notable landmarks including Parliament Hill, the War Museum, the National Art Gallery and the official residences of the prime minister and governor general.
While you're at the #ArmyRun, check out the Military Equipment Display at Marion Dewar Plaza! pic.twitter.com/2FA6N5dKc6
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
One of the highlights of the weekend was the Commander’s Challenge, which involved runners completing the 5K early Sunday and then completing the half-marathon shortly after. Finishers of both receive a special coin as well as their dog tag medals.
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There were a number of notable appearances at Canada Army Run on Sunday including Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, Governor General David Johnston, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and many members of Canada’s Armed Forces. Justin Trudeau ran in the event in 2014. The PM’s office confirmed with Canadian Running that he was not at this year’s event.
University of Ottawa students Alex Berhe and Katie Phillips won the 5K on Sunday morning in 15:27 and 17:34, respectively. Both competed less than 24 hours prior at the McGill cross-country open in Montreal.
Katie Phillips est la première coureuse à terminer le 5 km. Felicitations! #ArmyRun pic.twitter.com/SvmU6TOzEK
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
Alex Berhe just finished the men's 5K in 1st place! Congratulations! #ArmyRun pic.twitter.com/7SPbRjBzGJ
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
Thomas Des Brisay was the overall winner of the half-marathon running 1:12:24. Pan Am Games bronze medallist Rachel Hannah was the first woman across the line in 1:16:00.
Félicitations à Thomas Des Brisay, le premier homme à terminer le demi-marathon #ArmyRun! Temps : 1 h 12 m 25 s pic.twitter.com/ZXhBxG1DwR
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
Congratulations to Rachel Hannah for finishing 1st place in the women's #ArmyRun Half Marathon! Time: 1:16:00 pic.twitter.com/VWL515Aczc
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
Photos
Ill, injured and disabled athletes have started the #ArmyRun Half Marathon. We salute you! pic.twitter.com/mXwU6Pv345
— Canada Army Run (@CanadaArmyRun) September 18, 2016
The half-marathon begins. Le demi-marathon commence. #SoldierOn #SansLimites #CanadaArmyRun pic.twitter.com/SAFQAbvktm
— SoldierOnSansLimites (@SoldierOnCAN) September 18, 2016
As commander-in-chief I take pride in addressing the #ArmyRun crowd before the race! pic.twitter.com/k2JuAViSGv
— David Johnston (@GGDavidJohnston) September 18, 2016
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