The streets of Ottawa were filled with runners and spectators Sunday, as thousands took part in the annual Canada Army Run. Participants laced up for the 5K, 10K and half-marathon, with routes stretching through downtown, Lowertown, Rockcliffe, and Beechwood Cemetery before finishing at the National War Memorial. For 82-year-old Fred Clark, the event was about more than logging kilometres. It was about paying tribute to Canadian soldiers and supporting their families. “I was in for five years, so I’ve got close buddies still in the military and I relate to their cause or to the veterans and especially the wounded and their families, so it’s an honour,” Clark says. The Army Run, now a staple in Ottawa’s fall race calendar, is unique in its symbolism, with routes passing through Beechwood Cemetery – the resting place of many Canadian soldiers. Race organizer Jeff Moyle says the race was designed starting at the finish line, the Canadian War Memorial. “That’s one of the unique things about Army Run, where it’s designed to be a direct connection between the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Army and Canadians,” Moyle says. “It’s one of the true moments where we all get to join together, engage, run and have a good time on our course.” Funds raised from the event go to Support our Troops and Soldier On, programs that provide assistance ranging from family services to rehabilitation and adaptive sports. “This year, especially, with our theme of a soldier’s story, we really look towards what we do within our charitable causes, and that’s supporting military families and the injured,” says Madison MacDonald, fundraising manager of Soldier On and Support our Troops. “It’s the combination of coming out, running, being active, being part of the community and then fundraising for something that truly makes a difference.” MacDonald says this year there were over 16,000 participants that signed up either in person or online.
