More than your average road race, the second annual Army Run demonstrates the close relationship between Canadians and the military, the event’s director said.
Originally, the run – held this Sunday – “was created for us to thank Canadians for their support,” said run director Chris Horeczy. “But Canadians decided it was a chance for them to support us. It’s really an opportunity to demonstrate the strong relationship between us and all Canadians.”
There’s still time to sign up for the run, which is expected to get 10,000 runners and walkers in the half marathon and 5K events, said Horeczy. “We’re hoping to accommodate as many people as want to participate.”
The event “exceeded expectations by a landslide” last year, he said. “A first-year run might get 1,000 people,” he said. “My running friends said (we) could expect 2,500 because we’re the army.”
More participants mean a few changes this year.
There will be running corrals to keep runners of the same speed together, and on race day, a bigger display of army equipment at the Cartier Drill Hall, he said.
The run is a fundraiser for Soldier On, which assists injured soldiers and their families, and for the Military Families Fund, which assists families in meeting challenges that military life creates. Last year, participants raised $60,000, and Horeczy hopes more will be raised this year.
The support of Canadians to the military is so important, he said.
“A lot of folks are doing difficult and challenging jobs, and it helps tremendously when you have the support of the nation behind you,” Horeczy said.
