The 19th annual Canada Army Run took to the streets of downtown Ottawa on Sunday. More than 15,000 runners participated in several events offered, including a 5K, 10K and half marathon and various special challenges. The run raises funds to help the military community and support Canadian Armed Forces charities and their families. “We’re doing a half marathon with between 35- and 50-pound rucksacks. I want to show them [the army cadets] that, if we can do it, they can do it,” said Shawn Pilipowitz, a Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer from Peterborough. It was 84-year-old Diana Abel’s second time participating in the 5K run. She did it in memory of her son, who died in 1993 while on deployment in Somalia. “I’m a Silver Cross mother and it’s in his memory that I do it,” said Abel, “Two weeks from coming home, he died. He was killed. This really means a lot to me.” Abel says she comes from a military family; her dad, husband and grandsons have served in the military. “It’s important to support our military and our past military. I do it for the young men that came back from Somalia that came back and are living with PTSD and so many other problems,” said Abel. Abel says she’s been working for two years to get there. She says two years ago, she struggled with walking but got herself trainer that got her to where she is today. The races started at Ottawa City Hall and finished near the National War Memorial. “More than half of our participants actually don’t have a connection to the Canadian Armed Forces. Our event is an incredible way to connect with Canadians, for the Army to engage with Canadians and just celebrate fitness and fun here in Ottawa,” said Jeff Moyle, race director of the Canada Army Run. Thousands of supporters lined the race route to cheer on runners and loved ones. “These kinds of races are very inspiring, especially for such a good cause. We try to come as much as we can,” said supporter Myriam Bernard. Over the years, the Canada Army Run has raised over $5.6 million to support Canadian troops and their families and charitable causes of the Canadian Armed Forces. “You’ve got to support them. This helps to support and that’s important. I raised almost $800 for the boys, so it makes me very happy,” said Abel.
