Events

Canada Army Run Attracts Thousands to Downtown Ottawa

Above images: courtesy of Canada Army Run. 

For the 17th year, Canada’s famous Army Run attracted thousands of eager participants. The annual marathon, presented by BMO, took place in Ottawa, where more than 14,000 participants joined various races alongside members of the military.

Runners, rollers, and walkers participated in events including the 5K, 10K, half marathon, Sergeant Major’s Challenge, and Commander’s Challenge.

The races were kicked off by Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, and Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Robin, Army Sergeant Major.

Military members, veterans, and members of the public participate in the Canada Army Run on September 22, 2024, in Ottawa to show support for the military community. The Canada Army Run is held annually in the spirit of camaraderie and community to raise funds for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. Photo Credit: Canadian Armed Forces Photographer. Image courtesy of Canada Army Run.

Supporting Serving Members

In addition to being an opportunity for Canadians to thank Canadian Armed Forces members who serve at home and abroad, Canada Army Run directly supports serving members, Veterans, and their families. Race proceeds and participants’ fundraising efforts go to Support Our Troops and Soldier On.

“It’s no ordinary race,” exclaimed Lt-Gen. Wright. “Canada Army Run stands as a symbol of support for Canadian Armed Forces members who defend Canada and our interests, as well as their families. By taking part in this year’s race, we are challenging ourselves and making a difference in people’s lives. The proceeds raised by Canada Army Run will greatly benefit Support Our Troops and Soldier On – two organizations that directly support ill and injured soldiers, veterans, and their families.”

Military members, veterans, and members of the public participate in the Canada Army Run on September 22, 2024, in Ottawa to show support for the military community. The Canada Army Run is held annually in the spirit of camaraderie and community to raise funds for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. Photo Credit: Canadian Armed Forces Photographer. Image courtesy of Canada Army Run.

Over 14,000 Participants

Since its inception in 2008, Canada Army Run has raised more than $5 million for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. Additionally, this year, more than 2,000 participants ran, walked, or rolled virtually across Canada, while more than 12,000 participated in person in Ottawa. Virtual participants completed their runs by September 27.

“Canada Army Run is a fun opportunity to achieve a personal best and increase fitness,” said Army Sergeant Major CWO Robin. “Thanks to participating athletes, more than $5 million has been raised since 2008. We’re excited to see that this amount has grown again this year as we ran, walked and rolled along the streets of our beautiful capital.”

Winners from this year’s event include:

Launched in 2017, Remembrance Row is presented in partnership with The Royal Canadian Legion and features photographs of veterans who have passed. Image courtesy of Canada Army Run.

Remembrance Row

This year also saw the return of Remembrance Row. Launched in 2017, Remembrance Row is presented in partnership with The Royal Canadian Legion and features photographs of veterans who have passed. On the Canada Army Run virtual platform, accessible to participants, Remembrance Row is much more than images, as people learn about those who have served.

The Canada Army Run team, along with the Canadian Army, also announced that Canada Army Run will be back next year, taking place on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Image courtesy of Canada Army Run.

Run Featured New Disruptive Pattern Multi-Terrain

This year’s Canada Army Run also highlighted the new Canadian Disruptive Pattern Multi-Terrain, the latest camouflage pattern adopted by the Canadian Army. Lt. Gen. Wright said this advanced design offers exceptional performance across a wide range of environments where Canadian soldiers may operate, enhancing their ability to avoid detection by the enemy and improving overall operational effectiveness.

“It was a great opportunity for Canadians to see soldiers supporting the event wearing this innovative camouflage and showcasing the new colours of our Canadian Army,” he concluded.

The Canada Army Run team, along with the Canadian Army, also announced that Canada Army Run will be back next year, taking place on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

For more information on the Army Run, visit here.

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