Tens of thousands of people flooded downtown Ottawa Sunday to watch or race in the Canada Army Run.
The event has tripled in just five years, raising $250-thousand this season alone.
Injured soldiers led the way with more than 30,000 spectators cheering them on.
Friends and family of soldiers who were injured or killed in Afghanistan said it was an emotional day.
“It shows that the people are standing behind their troops,” said Sgt. Brett Rickard.
“Its a way for our city to thank the men and women in uniform who go out and put their life at risk every time they put the uniform on,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
Soldiers took extra precautions while racing.
“When I'm running with a prosthetic or a running leg you always have to watch for little cracks in the road,” said Rickard
“We all have the capability of doing this- there's no reason not to,” said Cpl. Chris Klodt.
Even the Governor General took part in the 5km challenge.
“I was just so taken by the people who were missing limbs, doing their own thing in their own way, with great courage,” said David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Natalie Duddridge.
