September 18th, 2017
The Canada Army Run arrived one weekend prior to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, an 8-day event which allows ill and injured war veterans to compete in sports on an international stage. Stay tuned for upcoming posts and details of the events happening Sep. 23-30.Incessant pounding on your joints, blisters forming on your heels, chaffing, sweating, and killer shin splints. Add a 30+ Celsius humidex into the mix. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to spend your Sunday?
Turns out, at least 22,000 people wouldn’t have it any other way!
The Canada Army Run took place Sunday, September 17 in the Nation’s Capital. People of all ages took to the streets to run 5K, 10K, and ½ marathons (21K for the uninitiated). This year’s event included The Commander’s Challenge (a 5K plus a ½ marathon), and the first Vimy challenge (5K and 10K) in honour of the battle’s 100th anniversary.
The Canada Army Run is a race-weekend like no other. Proceeds go to Soldier On and the Support Our Troops program. It’s an opportunity for communities to give back and support serving and veteran members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and for serving and veteran members of the CAF to introduce their family and friends to something fundamentally “military” through-and-through.
This year’s abnormally warm September created an added challenge for the race participants, and truly tested their grit. Determined runners were able to run alongside PM Justin Trudeau, National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, MP Andrew Leslie, veterans— many of those ill and injured— and of course, several commissionaires.
This year, we had employees participating from the Southern Alberta and Kingston & Region Divisions, as well as the National Office. Each noting although the heat was an added challenge they managed to keep their goals in mind, and left feeling accomplished, proud, and excited for next year’s event.
Check out our Twitter feed for more photos and videos from the event.
The Canada Army Run arrived one weekend prior to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, an 8-day event which allows ill and injured war veterans to compete in sports on an international stage. Stay tuned for upcoming posts and details of the events happening Sep. 23-30.
(Left) The Governor General David Johnston and Her Excellency, Sharon Johnston, socialize immediately after arriving.
(Centre) Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan engaged in conversation with colleagues and friends.
(Right) MP Andrew Leslie and his family on their way to the starting line.
(Left) Commissionaire James Ostler and his running team.
(Right) Commissionaire Ken Ruller proudly holds up his Commander’s Challenge medal.