(Ottawa, September 23) -- More than 18,000 Canadians and members of the Canadian Forces ran, walked, or rolled together in the 5th Anniversary edition of Canada Army Run -- acknowledged by running gurus as the fastest growing run in the country. This event, which has broken attendance records since it was launched in 2008, sold out in June.
Among the VIPs who took part in the Opening Ceremonies were His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada; the Commander of the Canadian Army Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin; Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay; and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
"It is always moving to see the enormous support Canadians show the men and women of the Canadian Forces, especially here, at the annual Canada Army Run," said Minister MacKay. "The Canada Army Run is a great initiative, contributing directly to supporting our ill and injured CF members and their families. I am extremely proud to join my fellow Canadians today as we walk, run or roll alongside these true Canadian heroes."
"I look forward to this event every year because of what it represents: an opportunity for Canadians and their Canadian Forces to come together as one in the spirit of community and camaraderie," said LGen Devlin. "We sincerely appreciate the support Canadians have shown us and feel immense pride in the growing popularity of this event."
As documented in the "Stories" section of the Canada Army Run website, people participate in this event for many different reasons. Some strive 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 family and friends who are in the military today. Others come to salute Canada's injured and ill 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 for all they do at home and abroad.
"Canadians deeply appreciate the sacrifices our military personnel make each and every day," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. "I am humbled by how many Canadians join us in our nation's capital to show their gratitude for those who are there for us when we need them."
Fundraising efforts from this year's Canada Army Run have generated more than $100,000 for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund, with donations still coming in. More than $150,000 in proceeds are also expected to be donated to Soldier On and the Military Families Fund.
Results from 2012 Canada Army Run
Complete results are available at: SportStats.
INDIVIDUAL TOP FINISHERS
5K Male
1st: Lt Ryan McKenzie (Stittsville), 16:17.3
2nd: Maj Joe Boland (Ottawa), 16:19.6
3rd: Andrew Towle (Ottawa), 16:25.2
5K Female
1st: Leah Larocque (Ottawa), 18:03.7
2nd: Liz Maguire (Ottawa), 18:45.2
3rd: Morgan Johnson-Dugay (Ottawa), 18:56.2
Half Marathon Male
1st: Gezahgn Eshetu (Ethiopia), 1:06:42.6
2nd: Nick Best (Ottawa), 1:10:23.2
3rd: Kevin Coffey (Kingston), 1:11:07.0
Half Marathon Female
1st: Jutta Merilainen (Batawa), 1:21:23.0
2nd: Celine Best (Oromocto), 1:23:46.7
3rd: Georgette Mink (Midhurst), 1:25:31.6
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. Fundraising efforts and proceeds benefit Soldier On and the Military Families Fund.
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