Canada Army Run
Canada Army Run is a unique event in which civilians run, walk, or wheel side-by-side with
members of the Canadian Forces (Air Force, Army, and Navy) in half-marathon and 5K events.
Launched in 2008 with 7,000 runners (a Canadian record for the largest number of entrants for an
inaugural run), this event is expected to grow to become a North American destination run. Fundraising efforts benefit Soldier On and the Military Families Fund. The 2009 Canada Army Run is scheduled for September 20 in Ottawa. Check their web site for more info.
Rick Ball Targets World Record for Single-Leg Amputee at Canada Army Run
Rick Ball, has already set two world records for single-leg amputees this year – one for the
marathon (at Boston Marathon) and the other for the 10K (at Ottawa Race Weekend). Now, the 43 year old from Orillia, Ontario, has set his sights on a new world record: the ½ marathon.
On September 20, Ball hopes to break the single-leg amputee half-marathon record of 1:21:46 during 2009 Canada Army Run.
“It would make me very proud to set a new record in our country’s capital among those Canadians who serve Canada and many of whom also share similar challenges,” said Ball. “If conditions are right, I will be inspired to go for it.”
“Rick isn't a soldier, but he demonstrates the essence of the ‘Soldiering On’ spirit,” said Run Director Major Chris Horeczy. “Through sheer determination, he has not only overcome the physical challenge of losing his leg, but in just over two years has catapulted onto the world’s running stage. I am confident he will break the record and am thrilled he has chosen Canada Army Run – which salutes civilians and those in the military who ‘soldier on’ despite life’s challenges – as the venue for his
record breaking.”
Also involved are:
- General Andrew B. Leslie (Commander of the Army)
- Army Sergeant Major Wayne Ford, who will be running the 5K with General Leslie and joining him for the Awards Ceremony, is the highest ranking non-commissioned officer in the Army, and was instrumental in bringing the Run to fruition.
- Major Chris Horeczy (Run Director) conceived and developed Canada Army Run and has been the Run Director for the past two years.
- Andrew McLean and Greg Legacé co-founded (together with the Paralympics organization) Soldier On, which has benefited 50 injured or ill soldiers since its launch three years ago.
- Master Corporal Jody Mitic, the Outreach Coordinator for Soldier On (as well as a beneficiary as a result of losing both legs in a landmine accident in Afghanistan 2.5 years ago) will be running his first-ever half marathon. (see article in FrontLine #4 / 2009 for more info)
- John Halvorsen, President of Run Ottawa (the official race organizer for 2009 Canada Army Run), will be the officiating Race Director on the day of the Run.
- Jim Robinson, General Manager of Run Ottawa, has been instrumental in building Ottawa Race Weekend into a North American Destination Run.
- Phil Marsh, who has coached thousands of runners (including Olympic athletes) over the last 20 years, has been coaching and training with MCpl Mitic to help him realize his goal.
Check the Army Run web site to sponsor or volunteer.
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