Vicki L Morrison
The Loops for the Troops Father’s Day Run/Walk on June 21 is a time to honour those who have made and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
Organizers invite supporters to come watch or challenge Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops and First Responders to a five or 10 kilometre run or walk, plus a two kilometre walk, looping through North Glenmore Park, Calgary.
Loops for the Troops (LFTT) was founded by Michael Hornburg in memory of his son, Corporal Nathan Hornburg. A reservist, Hornburg was killed in action on September 24, 2007 while serving with the CAF in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Nathan was born on Father’s Day.
“We are staging our 8th event. My son was a King’s Own Calgary Regiment corporal and also a member of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Our family still has very close ties to both the KOCR and the LdSH. They always lend their support to the event. We consider the CAF to be the highest example of what it means to be a First Responder, so we try to celebrate and honour all the First Responders who make possible the many freedoms and choices we have in our society,” said Michael Hornburg.
At the event runners and their families can check out military equipment, hear speeches given by local politicians and military dignitaries and purchase Support the Troops memorabilia from Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) staff. Each registrant will receive a Loops for the Troops dog tag. Additional dog tags can be purchased for $10 each when registering online.
Opening Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. followed by the 10 kilometre, and five-kilometre races at 9:30 a.m. Those choosing to walk the routes also begin at 9:30. Everyone is encouraged to attend the awards presentation at 11 a.m.
Proceeds from Loops for the Troops, Father’s Day Run/Walk benefit the Royal Alberta United Services Institute (RAUSI), in support of CAF members, First Responder services, veterans and cadets. The R.A.U.S.I. Foundation is operated by a board of directors which raises funds through activities such as Loops for the Troops, bequests, donations in lieu of flowers, and gifts from organizations. Each year the organization raises $60,000 in support of various requests while developing an endowment fund to ensure the long-term viability of their objectives.
“Although we are not one of the major runs, we have raised quite a bit of funding over the years. We have been able to pay-it-forward into the CAF community in the form of local monuments, bursaries and scholarships, and to many other programs and projects,” said Hornburg.
Since the first run in June 2008, Loops for the Troops has continued to grow in numbers of participants and numbers of dollars raised, honouring the sacrifices of all men and women who have served, and continue to serve, at home and abroad, in the name of freedom. This includes past and present members of the Canadian Forces, as well as First Responders from Calgary Police Service (CPS), RCMP, Firefighters, EMS and Peace Officers across Canada.
For more information on the event visit the Loops for the Troops website.
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