The streets of Ottawa were a sea of red Sunday as thousands of runners pounded the pavement for the 8th annual Canada Army Run.

Cpt. Chris Courtemanche and his PTSD service dog, Shadow, were at the front of the line for the 5 K race alongside more than 100 ill, injured and disabled soldiers. For Courtemanch, who completed several tours to Afghanistan, the outpouring of support was overwhelming.

"It means the world.  It means the world," Courtemanche said. "If people knew how much we need that as veterans, it's like a pill of happiness to see all these people cheering us on."

The event's military flavour, from "dog-tag" like medals to camouflage race shirts, makes it unique from other races in the capital, and helps bridge the gap between civilian and military life.

For Marianne Francis and her family the race is a chance to remember her son, Jeff, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2007.

"We do this of course to connect with our son, and all the other soldiers that we want to support as well, both those who returned and those who didn't," she said.

25,000 people took part in the 5K and half-marathon races, with a large portion of those runners either in or connected to the military.

"I think it's very important for all Canadians to show we support our troops and I think that this is a great way to do that," said one runner.

"My dad was in the Air Force, so I think it just reminds me of that tight knit family that sticks together no matter what," said another runner.

Although racing is a major focus, fundraising is too. The Army Run is the single most significant event generating funds to help military members and their families, raising more than $1.6 million for Soldier On and the  Military Families Fund since it was created in 2008. This year's race raised $400,000 for the two funds.

"It makes a big difference. When people come back and there are in top shape with the Canadian Armed Forces, and then they actually get injured, they go from that top notch, to quite a low notch to their injury and what not," said Sgt. Brent Rickard, the longest serving amputee in the Canadian Armed Forces.

"To be able to have events, or activities or to get on a bike or skis to get back into an active lifestyle is phenomenal."