The Canada Army Run is an annual event that sends thousands of registered runners into the streets of Ottawa to raise money and show support for the military community. It includes five-, ten- and half-marathon races, plus a new one-kilometre stretch for children called the Juno 1K after Juno, the official polar-bear mascot of the Canadian Army
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s also an option for participating virtually.
Organizers say in-person participation numbers have been rebuilding in recent years, with about 15,000 registered for the 19th annual run, including 300 boys and girls in the Juno 1K.
Another 1,700 are participating virtually.
When and where in Ottawa does it take place?
The children’s Juno 1K starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 19 along Queen Elizabeth Driveway near Confederation Park.
The main races take place Sept. 20, starting at staggered times throughout the morning. From Ottawa City Hall, the course does a loop of downtown before heading east through Rockcliffe and then back, ending near the National War Memorial on Elgin Street.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:25 a.m. on Sept. 20 at Ottawa City Hall, with the Canadian Military Wives Choir singing the national anthem.
What streets will be closed during the Canada Army Run?
The city warns that all road users can expect traffic delays in the downtown core and Rockcliffe area during the run on Sept. 20, due to extensive road closures.
Generally speaking, the downtown streets west of city hall will be closed until noon, while street closures to the east, including Sussex Drive and the Alexandra Bridge, could disrupt things until 3 p.m.
Parking restrictions are also in effect along the entire route, and will be enforced. Cars left in a temporary no-stopping zone will be removed, the city said.
How will the Canada Army Run affect OC Transpo schedules?
An OC Transpo update says that service on O-Train Lines 1 and 2 will begin at 6 a.m. to accommodate race participants, volunteers and spectators on Sept. 20.
OC Transpo routes 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19 and night service routes N39, N45, N57, N61, N75 and N105 will be detoured due to street closures. Detours on these routes will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20.
For Para Transpo customers attending the event, the drop-off and pick-up point is at the Lisgar Street entrance to Ottawa City Hall.
Who gets the money raised by the Canada Army Run?
More than $5 million has been raised by the Canadian Army Run through race proceeds and the fundraising efforts of participants.
The money goes to Support Our Troops and Soldier On, two organizations that provide care to the Canadian Armed Forces community, and also support the recovery, rehabilitation and the reintegration of members with a physical and/or mental illness.
How did the Canadian Army Run start?
According to newspaper coverage of the inaugural event in 2008, it was conceived by Canadian Army officials after they took part in the U.S. Army Ten Miler in Washington.
Then-race director Maj. Chris Horeczy said the event was designed not only for fitness but also to connect the troops with fellow Canadians and foster a sense of pride in the military.
Registration exceeded expectations by thousands. Instead of the 1,000 military and civilian runners they expected, they got 7,000 that first year. Within a decade, it grew to more than 20,000 participants.
Why is the Canadian Army Run so popular?
One appeal is that it gives regular folks the chance to rub shoulders with members of the military in a friendly and welcoming setting, says spokesperson Lindsay Chung.
“You really get a chance to meet soldiers and talk to them and see their equipment and get to know their jobs and their training,” she said. “It’s a really great opportunity to see the people behind the uniform.”
The military touchpoints are plentiful, too, starting with the location. Headquarters for the event is the Cartier Drill Hall, which will have activities, heavy-vehicle displays, merch and more, indoors and out.
The finish line is next to the National War Memorial, where soldiers will hand out military-style dog tags as the runners cross.
What’s more, instead of a starter’s pistol, each race begins with the blast of an actual military weapon, a C3 105-mm towed Howitzer operated by trained personnel from the 30th Field Artillery Regiment of the RCA.
As one experienced runner warned on social media, “It’s loud, and you will jump.”
Where’s the Canada Army Run after party?
One of the region’s running clubs, the Hull Sunday Run Day, has organized an informal after party at a casual Elgin Street eatery.
They invite participants, volunteers and anyone else to Good Neighbour, 399 Elgin St., from noon to 3 p.m. on Sept. 20.
“Whether you raced, cheered or simply want to celebrate, we would love to see you there,” they wrote in a social media post on Instagram.
