Tens of thousands of people pounded the pavement Sunday in support of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Runners took over the downtown for the 9th annual Canada Army Run. Since 2008, more than $1.6 million has been raised for Soldier On and the Military Families Fund.
Rob Pullen, an army veteran, was one of the first to depart for the 5 km race with a group of ill and injured soldiers.
"I was home bound for years, Soldier On got me into hand cycle and I figured I wanted to give back, so I came here," he said.
According to organizers, the Canada Army Run is the single most significant event generating funds to help military members and their families. Showing support and raising money is a big draw to the event.
"It was really hard after I was released," said army veteran Angela Arie. "Just getting to be around everyone and the camaraderie and the support has been really good."
The Canada Army Run started in 2008 with 7,000 people, with more than 1,000 volunteers. The event has grown every year to include more than 25,000 participants.
Friends and veterans John Fournier and Gerrie Kautz have made the run a tradition. For them, the event is a chance to remember how support for the military has grown in recent decades.
"We military people, back in the 50s and 60s, there were times we weren't allowed to go out on the street in uniform," said Kautz. "It was so anti-military in those days. Just look at the difference. Isn't that fantastic?"
Organizers have big plans for next year's event, the Canada Army Run's 10th anniversary.
