"Many Stories. One Inspiring Run."
(Ottawa, September 19) -- More than 14,000 Canadians and military personnel walked, ran, or rolled in the third annual Canada Army Run, held today under sunny skies in the nation's capital.
"Growing by another 3,000 people over last year's total is phenomenal," said Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Army. "We sincerely appreciate the support that Canadians have shown for the men and women of the Canadian Forces who contribute so much at home and abroad. I want to thank all of the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and people who came out to cheer for helping make this the biggest and best Canada Army Run yet."
The first-ever Canada Army Run, held in 2008, made Canadian history by shattering records for the largest number of entrants for an inaugural run. The sold-out event brought together 7,000 civilians and military personnel. Last year's event broke records again, growing by more than 50% to 11,000 participants, to become "the fastest growing run in Canada".
"The theme for this year's run was 'Many Stories, One Inspiring Run', and that is what unfolded today," said Major Luc Frenette, Run Director. "Many, many stories. Young and old. Able and disabled. Military and civilians. Men and women. Runners, walkers, rollers. Some came to achieve personal bests, but many others came to honour family and friends in the military today or in memory of loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty. And thousands were here to simply show their support for the troops. It was truly an inspirational and motivational day."
Many who participated today shared their stories and reasons for running through posts on the Canada Army Run "Stories" blog and Facebook page, both new this year.
"Canada Army Run has captured the imagination of Canadians like few runs before have ever done," said running guru John Stanton, who is president and founder of Running Room Inc., one of the sponsors of Canada Army Run. "Its appeal extends far beyond the running community. Canadians from all walks of life are embracing the unique opportunity to connect directly with our men and women in uniform and say ‘thanks for all you do'."
Fundraising efforts generated close to $60,000 for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund, initiatives that provide direct assistance to ill or injured soldiers and military families.
Results from 2010 Canada Army Run
Complete results are available at: SportStats.ca.
INDIVIDUAL TOP FINISHERS
5K Male
1st: Maya Aden (Ottawa), 14:52.1
2nd: Yves Sikubwabo (Ottawa), 14:52.2
3rd: Ryan McKenzie (Victoria), 15:13.0
5K Female
1st: Joanna Brown (Carp), 17:25.6
2nd: Liz Maguire (Ottawa), 18:05.2
3rd: Daniele Riendeau (Ottawa), 18:09.1
Half Marathon Male
1st: Patrick Marion (Ottawa), 1:11:17.2
2nd: Charles Nadeau (Quebec City), 1:11:32.0
3rd: Patrick Lalonde (L'Orignal), 1:15:45.2
Half Marathon Female
1st: Kerri Cook (Ottawa),1:23:28.1
2nd: Stacey Lance (Ottawa), 1:24:29.3
3rd: Susan Durrell (Ottawa), 1:24:30.9
Start of the Army Run 5K
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?
