Rick Ball Breaks World Record for Single-Leg Amputee Half-Marathon
Jody Mitic Completes Half-Marathon
 
OTTAWA – Under sunny skies and perfect running conditions, 11,000 civilians and military personnel from across the country ran, walked or wheeled side by side in the 2009 Canada Army Run, a unique event that has become the fastest growing run in Canada.
 
Among the many inspirational stories and personal victories throughout the event, two stood out:
 
Orillia-based Rick Ball broke a world record for the single-leg amputee half marathon, with a time of 1:20:44.9 (the previous record was 1:21:46); and Master Corporal Jody Mitic, who lost both legs in a landmine accident two-and-a-half years ago and who has been followed extensively by the media in recent weeks, successfully completed his first-ever half marathon.

 

“Today’s event exceeded all of my expectations,” said Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Andrew B. Leslie. “From seeing the pride of participating soldiers, including some who have suffered serious injuries, to the tremendous outpouring of community support for the Canadian Forces, this event was inspiring from start to finish.”
 
“Canada Army Run was created last year as a way for the military to say ‘thank you’ to Canadians for their support,” said Run Director Major Chris Horeczy. “It has turned out to also be a very tangible and personal way for Canadians to say thank you to the men and women who do so much for them at home and abroad.  Today, we saw civilians and military personnel of all ages and abilities come together in a show of celebration, camaraderie and mutual respect. There’s just no other event like it in Canada.”
 
“I want to thank everyone who was part of today’s event – including the participants, the volunteers, and the thousands who came out to cheer everyone on,” said General Leslie. “Your involvement was truly appreciated. I would also like to congratulate both Jody Mitic and Rick Ball for their successes and to thank Rick for choosing Canada Army Run as the venue to break his world record. Both of these individuals have demonstrated to all the true spirit of “soldiering on”.
 
2010 Canada Army Run is scheduled for September 19, 2010. Registration will open October 1, at www.armyrun.ca.
 
Results from 2009 Canada Army Run
 
5K Male
1st: Private Ryan McKenzie (Victoria), 14:43.7
2nd: Rejean Chiasson (Ottawa), 15:03.7
3rd: Matthew McInnes (Ottawa), 15:25.1
 
5K Female
1st: Emily Tallen (Kingston), 17:03.6
2nd: Joanna Brown (Carp), 17:27.3
3rd: Heather Ostic (Kingston), 18:22.0
 
5K Military Only
1st Male:  Private Ryan McKenzie (Victoria), 14:43.7
1st Female:  Officer Cadet Celine Best (Kingston), 19:12.9

5km Injured Soldiers

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5km Team

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Half Marathon Male
1st: Lt. Charles Nadeau (Quebec), 1:11:46.4
2nd: MWO Stephen McNabb (Petawawa), 1:11:59.8
3rd: Matthew Leduc (Ajax), 1:13:27.0
 
Half Marathon Female
1st: Danielle Riendeau (Ottawa), 1:20:23.5
2nd: Jutta Merilainen (Petawawa), 1:20:30.7
3rd: Captain Marie Danais (Quebec), 1:20:36.6
 
Half Marathon Military Only
1st Male: Lt. Charles Nadon (Quebec), 1:11:46.4
1st Female: Captain Marie Danais (Quebec), 1:20:36.6
 
Half Marathon Injured Soldiers

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Half Marathon Team

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Canada Army Run is a unique running 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.