Vicki L MorrisonIt’s time to start training for the 2015 Canada Army Run, presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, being held on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Registration for the 5K and half marathon events opens Wednesday, February 4, 2015.
An additional 2,000 spots will also be added to this year’s run, 1,500 to the 5K and 500 to the half marathon, bringing the total number of participants to a record 27,000 racers, totalling 14,500 in the 5K and 12,500 in the half marathon.
“This year is going to be the biggest and best yet with 27,000 people running, walking or rolling to show their support for the Canadian Armed Forces. We’ve sold out for the past 4 years though so make sure you register soon. I can’t wait to see you at the start line,” said Major Gus Garant, director, Army Run.
The slogan of the run is, “No ordinary runners. No ordinary race.” Participants are invited to walk, run, or roll across the finish line.
Canada Army Run is unlike any other event in the country. From the cannon used as a starter’s pistol to the dog-tag medals all participants receive, Canada Army Run is military in flavour from start to finish.
The success of Canada Army Run to date has exceeded all expectations. In its 2008 inaugural year 7,000 participants registered. At the time, professional race organizers indicated 1,000 people would be a good turn-out for an inaugural run.
“I am thrilled by just how popular this event has become. Its phenomenal growth has been outpaced only by the support shown by Canadians for their Army. I look forward to welcoming another record number of participants in 2015, and to have the opportunity to showcase our Canadian Army, which stands strong, proud and ready to serve Canadians,” said Commander of the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse.
As one of the fastest growing runs in the country, the number of participants more than tripled in 2014, from 7,000 to more than 25,000 in 2014.
In addition to participants, tens of thousands of people line the streets to cheer on those running, walking, or rolling.
Canada Army Run, presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, proceeds and fundraising efforts support Soldier On and the Military Families Fund. More than $1.2 million has been raised through Canada Army Run for these two charitable organizations.
Canada Army Run Weekend starts Friday, September 18, with the opening of Race-Kit Pickup and the Sports Expo, and ends on Sunday, September 20, about 12:30, right after the Awards Ceremony.
Among the highlights of the weekend are military bands, military equipment displays, a carb loaded pasta dinner served military field-kitchen style, a military-inspired kid’s zone and the ever popular technical t-shirts, sporting the Canadian Army camouflage pattern (CADPAT).
Registration details for Canada Army Run can be found at:www.armyrun.ca.
Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CanadaArmyRun
Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CanadaArmyRun
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CanadaArmyRun
Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/CanadaArmyRun
Get More! Receive six issues of Canadian Military Family Magazine in your mail box for only $17.95! Click here to subscribe NOW!
