Mishall RehmanShowcasing the Canadian Army of today and its modernization in the recent few years is a top priority for the annual Canada Army Run this year.
“We’ll be showcasing our people and equipment in order to educate and connect with Canadians,” stated Canada Army Run Race Director Maj. Lesley Quinlan.
This priority falls in line with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) general goal of reconstitution and retention.
The Canada Army Run 2023 is returning to its roots with all of its usual splendour and distinctive features.
All Events Return to the Army Run
The 2023 Canada Army Run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 and will be returning to downtown Ottawa. The race will maintain the same route for the 5K and 10K. The race will also be adding back the half marathon this year.
Participants can sign up for special challenges, including the Sergeant Major Challenge, which includes the 5K and 10K events, and the Commander’s Challenge, which consists of the 5K and half marathon events.
“As always, the Army Run is a unique event,” added Quinlan.
And, indeed, the Canada Army Run is like no other event with its canon “starter pistol” and dog tags, the Run gives a flavour of Canada’s military to the everyday Canadian.
As with the previous couple of years, the virtual component will also be back this year. All the virtual events are the same except for the Commander Challenge, which will include all three components, the 5K, 10K and half marathon.
New this year, virtual participants will also receive dog tags, the signature marker of the Army Run.
“The people have spoken, and we were able to make that happen this year,” explained Quinlan.
Other Activities Surrounding the Run
To showcase the Canadian Army and help connect with the everyday Canadian, the Run will once again host displays around Cartier Square Drill Hall.
Also, military displays will be featured in front of City Hall from Friday, Sept. 15, through Sunday, the 17. Participants can also visit an expo featuring the Run’s sponsors and partners. The expo will also be held inside the Cartier Square Drill Hall on Friday and Saturday.
Supporting a Good Cause
The Army Run not only provides Canadians with a chance to do something special for their health, says Quinlan, but also a chance to support a good cause.
“It provides an opportunity to be part of something bigger than just yourself and contribute to two charitable causes that positively and tangibly impact the lives of the CAF community,” noted Quinlan.
These two charities are Support Our Troops and Soldier On, both of which support Canadian Armed Forces members through various challenges, including mental and physical setbacks, and their families.
Since 2004, Canada Army Run has contributed more than $4 million to both of these charitable organizations.
Connecting all Canadians
With the race just a few months away, Quinlan and her team anticipate that participation will be much greater this year. This dream could come to fruition as Cannada enters the first “real normal summer” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Quinlan, serving as race director is just one way to bring the city and country together for this truly unique event.
“It’s wonderful to be a part of that community outreach element and be able to bring that sense of community and camaraderie that the Army Run is well known for out to the public and get so many people involved,” said Quinlan.
Registration for the Canada Army Run is currently open here.
