Tens of thousands of people packed into the downtown core Sunday morning for the annual Canada Army Run.
Since the run began in 2008 with 7,000 people signed up, the number of participants has more than tripled. This year, more than 25,000 people took part.
“This is the one chance soldiers get to connect with the public,” said Sgt.Maj. Rob Clarke, who helped organize this year’s event. “When we're deployed overseas, we feel the support, but it's very difficult for us to have the tangible feeling.”
The event gives the public an opportunity to say thank you to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their service.
It’s also a chance for the troops to thank Canadians for their support.
The event features a half marathon or five kilometre course.
Among those taking part in the race are people living with a disability, including some former soldiers.
“For me, luckily, events like this, (they’ve) given me more than luckily I've lost,” said Erik Payne, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran.
Payne was with the military for 23 years, before being medically discharged.
He lost part of his leg in a motorcycle crash nearly ten years ago.
“To be able to see the other accomplishments of my fellow brothers and sisters, we kind of push each other to be able to move forward,” he said.
The Army Run also raises money for Soldier On, and the Military Families Fund. Money raised supports ill and injured soldiers, and military families with immediate needs that are the result of military service.
More than $350,000 has been raised for these charities this year, with more than $1 million raii
