Organizers to Cut Off Registration at 15,000
OTTAWA (September 2) -- With more than two weeks to go, registration for the third annual Canada Army Run, scheduled for September 19, has already passed last year's total of 11,000, positioning it for another record for growth.
Last year, the run grew more than 50 percent from the previous year to become what John Halvorsen, president of Run Ottawa, called "the fastest growing run in Canada, possibly North America". This year, organizers plan to cut off registration at 15,000 if demand reaches that high.
"Although this event was created three years ago as a way for the military to thank Canadians for their support, what has become clear is that Canadians want to thank the men and women of the Canadian Forces for all they do at home and abroad to keep our country safe,"said Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Army.
This sentiment is echoed on Canada Army Run's website and Facebook page, where Canadians and military personnel alike have shared their stories and personal reasons for why they will run, walk, or roll in 2010 Canada Army Run. Some are trying to break records or achieve personal bests. Some come in memory of parents or grandparents who spent their careers in the military, or of loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty. Many are honouring sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, or mothers and fathers who are in the military today. Others come to salute Canada's injured soldiers who participate and demonstrate for all the true spirit of "soldiering on". And thousands of others come to simply thank the men and women of the Canadian Forces.
"Last year at this time, 8,000 people had registered,"said Run Director Major Luc Frenette. "Another 3,000 signed up in the three weeks leading up to the event. If that trend continues, we plan to cap registration at 15,000 to ensure the event grows at a safe pace and remains a positive experience for all who participate."
Fundraising efforts at Canada Army Run benefit Soldier On and the Military Families Fund, initiatives that provide direct assistance to ill or injured soldiers and military families.
Online registration for the 5K and half marathon closes midnight, September 16. If the event is not sold out by then, in-person registration will continue at the Army Run Sports Expo until Saturday, September 18.
Canada Army Run is the second largest running event in Ottawa, after Ottawa Race Weekend.
Organizers of the run are Run Ottawa, the same team that organizes Ottawa Race Weekend.
Close to 40% of registered participants are from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and 75% have non-military backgrounds. The youngest registered participant is 4 years old; the oldest, 81.
Tickets for this year's pre-run pasta dinner -- which will be prepared by Army cooks and served "military field-kitchen style"by military leaders and local VIPs to 500 people -- is again expected to sell out.
Media credentials will be required to gain access to certain areas on September 19 and to the press room. Details are here.
Daniele Riendeau set a women's course record of 1:20:23 in last year's Army Run
About Canada Army Run
Canada Army Run is a unique running event in which Canadians run, walk, or roll side-by-side with members of the Canadian Forces in half-marathon and 5K events. Launched in 2008 with 7,000 runners (a Canadian record for the largest number of entrants for an inaugural run), this event is expected to grow to become a North American destination run. Fundraising efforts benefit Soldier On and the Military Families Fund. The 2010 Canada Army Run is scheduled for Sunday, September 19.
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