OTTAWA (September 17) -- Hundreds of people, dressed in red, gathered on the lawns of City Hall today for a special Red Rally that officially launched 2010 Canada Army Run Weekend.
Hosted by Commander of the Army Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin and Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien, the event included a performance of the National Anthem by international recording artist Alexandria Beck, a former member of the Army Reserve, who has also performed for the Earthquake Appeal in China, Canada Day in Trafalgar Square in London, and the opening of the first Vancouver Olympic Venue. She is currently writing and recording an album in support of Canadian Troops due for release in Spring 2011.
"Every member of the Canadian Forces takes pride in the growing popularity of this event,"said LGen Devlin. "Although it was created 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. And we sincerely appreciate that support."
As part of the official ceremonies, Mayor O'Brien proclaimed September 19 as "Canada Army Run Day"in the City of Ottawa, an event that "brings thousands of Canadians together in our nation's capital"and "shows our troops that we appreciate their dedication to our country and the sacrifices they make to keep us safe."
LGen Devlin also took the opportunity to honour 10 members of the Army team, all of whom will be running Sunday. These soldiers were selected from across Canada to represent the diverse contributions made by the Canadian Forces each and every day: multiple tours in Afghanistan, assisting those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, protecting Canada's North, volunteering in their local communities, and representing Canada in international sporting events that test both physical and mental toughness.
"These individuals are representative of the thousands of men and women who work so hard, every day, to make a difference in the lives of Canadians and others around the world,"said LGen Devlin.
Immediately following the Rally, LGen Devlin and Mayor O'Brien officially opened the Army Equipment Display and Army Run Sports Expo, and picked up their race kits and Canada Army Run t-shirts.
Canada Army Run will take place Sunday, September 19 in Ottawa.
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.
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.
Rick Ball running in the 2009 Canada 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.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
