By Massimo Stefanovic

Days after the double tornado touch down in Ottawa, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) partnered with Support our Troops, Soldier On, and Veteran Affairs to host its 11th annual army run.

The army run began in 2007 with hopes of fundraising to support injured Canadian veterans. Today the marathon has been responsible for raising $2.5 million towards building better lives and helping those who have served Canada.

On September 23, 2018, Ottawa witnessed over twenty thousand people lined up at the starting line prepared to run 5km, 10km, Ortona Challenge 15km, half a marathon 21.1km, and the Commander Challenge 26.1km.

Ottawa saw people of all ages from across the world eager to put one foot forward to support our country’s injured and retired service members. There were even people dressed in World War ll uniforms and Armed Forces members running with rug sacks on their backs!

Next year the CAF will be hosting their 12th annual army run on September 22, 2019, as well as celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion with the Normandy Challenge. It’s a great event that shows true Canadian pride.

If you are interested in taking part you can visit http://armyrun.ca/ to register. If you want to learn more about this great Canadian event you can talk to Massimo or email 1stefanovmas@hdsb.ca.

I hope to see everyone for the Normandy Challenge next year!