Canada Army Run: 2023

We have almost reached the start line for our 16th annual Canada Army Run! On behalf of the Canadian Army, BMO Bank of Montreal and all of our incredible sponsors, partners, supporters and volunteers, I sincerely thank you for joining us and supporting our military community.

This year, we have once again received incredible support through you, the participants. I truly thank all of you who have worked hard to raise much-needed funds to support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families through our charitable causes, Support Our Troops and Soldier On. There is still time to fundraise and make a difference!

As we kick off race weekend, I encourage you to share your experience with us. Share your race weekend on social media using the hashtag #ArmyRun and come record a video testimonial about what this race means to you Sunday after you cross the finish line. We love hearing your stories.

Below is some information to help make your race weekend as enjoyable as possible. There is a great deal of information, but please take the time to read it all. You will find the details you need to get the most out of this year’s in-person event. Additional information is available on our website at www.armyrun.ca.

I wish you the very best for race day. I hope you achieve your goals and have a lot of fun and make great memories while doing so!

Thank you again very much for your support and dedication.

Sincerely,

Major Lesley Quinlan
Canada Army Run Director

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived, Canada Army Run 2023 race week! We are thrilled to count you among us once again this year!

On behalf of the Canadian Army and the Canada Army Run team, we thank you for joining us as we raise funds for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. As you probably know, Canada Army Run is far from an ordinary race; it is an opportunity to show your support to the military by raising funds that will directly impact the lives of ill and injured soldiers, veterans and their families.

Since the inception of Canada Army Run, $4.5 million have been raised in support of our charitable causes, and we’re excited to watch that number soar even higher this year while we also enjoying a fun challenge that will take us through the scenic streets of Ottawa.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the start line this Sunday, September 17th. Let’s make this run one to remember!

Lieutenant-General J.J.M.J. Paul, CMM, CSM, CD,

Commander Canadian Army

Chief Warrant Officer J.M. Smith, MMM, CD

Canadian Army Sergeant Major

As the Official Bank of the Canadian Defence Community, BMO is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Canada Army Run. We’ve supported the event since 2009 and became the presenting sponsor in 2014. It’s an opportunity for us to thank the men and women who serve our country and show support to military families. We’re honoured and happy to help!

Vittorio Pellegrino,

Regional President, Personal Banking |Président régional, Services bancaires aux particuliers
Quebec & Eastern Ontario | Québec et Est de l’Ontario
BMO Bank of Montreal | BMO Banque de Montréal

At BMO, we recognize the sacrifices our defence community members make in support of our country. That’s why we exclusively offer no monthly fee banking to military members and their families, saving them up to $479 per year with the Performance Chequing account.*

In addition to BMO employee discounts on a range of mortgage options, you’ll also have the flexibility to break your mortgage without penalty when you’re posted through the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

Preparing for No Ordinary Race

LOCATION – OTTAWA CITY HALL & CARTIER SQUARE DRILL HALL

We are proud to host all event activities at Ottawa City Hall and Cartier Square Drill Hall. This includes:

Start Line (Laurier Ave & Elgin St)
Finish Line (National War Memorial)
Race Kit Pick-Up (Cartier Square Drill Hall)
Expo (Cartier Square Drill Hall)
All other event features

The address for Cartier Square Drill Hall is:

2 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
Ottawa, ON
K2P 2H9

PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DRIVE UP TO, OR PARK AT CARTIER SQUARE DRILL HALL. PLEASE FIND PARKING AT ANOTHER LOCATION.

Race Kit Pick-Up

You can pick up your race kit in Cartier Square Drill Hall during the following times:

Friday, September 15 – 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

At race kit pick-up, you will receive:

Your race bib and merchandise
The Army Run race bag. This is the ONLY bag that will be accepted at bag check.

To pick up your race kit, you need:

Your bib number
Photo ID
If picking up for someone else, you MUST have their confirmation email (print or phone).

Race Day Pick-Up, Sunday September 17

THERE IS NO RACE DAY PICK-UP. Please arrive on Friday or Saturday, or designate someone to pick up your kit for you.

Shirt Exchanges

There are no exchanges during Race Kit Pick-Up timings.

Transfers, Refunds & Deferrals

At this point, no transfers, refunds or deferrals will be accepted online. If you cannot participate in your registered distance, please see Changing Distance below.

Changing Distance

Changes are on-site only, and only for dropping down in distance (i.e. 10K to 5K). If required, please take your bib to the Sportstats kiosk in Cartier Square Drill Hall to do so. You may not be given a new bib; however, your timing chip will reflect the distance change.

Late Registration

We have a limited number of spaces remaining. You can register in-person only within the Race Kit Pick-Up location in Cartier Square Drill Hall.

*Only credit cards will be accepted. No cash or cheques.
* Price does not include HST or associated fees

Virtual Expo

We invite you to visit our official Virtual Expo, where you will find important information, sponsored content, and exclusive offers from the event and our partners. Check back often to see what new information and offers are added!

Sergeant Major’s Challenge and Commander’s Challenge

Thank you for being part our unique challenges that celebrate and honour military culture!

Participants will take on both the 5K and 10K courses or the 5K and Half Marathon courses in these challenges. Below are important details to ensure your day is as enjoyable and successful as possible:

You will receive ONE bib for both events. You have a unique bib that you must have on for both the 5K and either the 10K or Half Marathon events. You will receive a finish time under the same number for the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon and for the combined challenge.
YOU MUST START YOUR SECOND RACE BY THE TIME OF THE LAST WAVE. There are no exceptions to this. All participants must start each event during the official wave starts of the race.

5K Start: 8:00 a.m.10K Start: 9:00 a.m.Half Marathon Start: 9:30 a.m.

You may enter any corral at the Start Line. Use this to strategize your event, allowing for more time on course, or less time between distances.
You will receive your challenge coin after completing your second race.

Challenge Transition Zone

Participants in the Sergeant Major’s Challenge and Commander’s Challenge will enter the Transition Zone after completing the 5K. This area takes place between the Finish and Start Lines, after receiving your 5K dog tag medal. The Transition Zone will:

Provide a faster, shorter and easier route back to the Start Line, bypassing the Recovery Area;
Provide XACT NUTRITION FRUIT2 to refuel before your second distance; and
Reduce the number of people around you so you can better prepare and line up for the second race.

After completing the second distance, you will receive your dog tag medal and proceed to the Recovery Area, where you will receive your challenge coin.

For more information on xact nutrition, please go here.

Army Run Weekend

BMO Kids Zone

The BMO Kids Zone is fun and free for the whole family!

Hours of Operation are:

Saturday, September 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 17 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

NEW Baby Care Station:

New for 2023, we will have a Baby Care Station located under a tent inside the BMO Kids Zone. There will be a table for changing diapers, garbage cans for disposal and separate seating for nursing. Please note, no products or supplies will be provided; you must be self-sufficient.

Colouring Sheets:

Below you will see images that you can save to your device and print (right-click, “Save As”). These are great ways to get your children involved with your race.

https://armyrun.ca/events/bmo-kids-zone/

Expo

Here you can look, shop, get your official Army Run merchandise, and visit our partners.

Hours of operation are:

Friday, September 15 – 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 16 – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 17 – CLOSED

When you visit the Expo, be sure to stop by and see our friends at Support Our Troops and Soldier On to purchase shirts and hats from previous editions of Canada Army Run by donation. They will be selling merchandise and accepting donations Friday and Saturday during Expo hours, as well as Sunday on race day.

On-Site Photography

Please note that all people on-site during the event weekend may have their photo taken and used for promotional purposes.

Parking, Transportation & Bike Valet

Public parking is available throughout downtown Ottawa, including Ottawa City Hall underground. We encourage public transit whenever possible.

If you choose to cycle to the event, our friends from the Navy Bike Ride will be providing free bike valet services.

You can find more information about Navy Bike Ride here: https://navybikeride.ca/.

Race Day Information

EARLY O-TRAIN SERVICE

OC Transpo will have the O-Train open for regular service at 7 a.m. to help get you to the Start Line! This is a great way to avoid traffic, parking and post-race crowds.

For more information on the O-Train Line 1, click here:

https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/bus-o-train-network/service-types/o-train-line-1

INTERACTIVE MAP

Want to know which roads will be closed when, where to find the portable toilets and where the water stations will be? You can find it all on our interactive course map.

To view our 2023 Canada Army Run interactive map, powered by RacePoint, visit:

https://www.racepoint.ca/maps/armyrun.html

Race Start Times

- 5K Soldier On Wave – For military or civilian participants with visible or non-visible conditions or injuries:
  7:50 a.m.

- 5K, Presented by General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada:
  8:00 a.m.

- 10K Soldier On Wave – For military or civilian participants with visible or non-visible conditions or injuries:
  8:50 a.m.

- 10K, Presented by The Personal Insurance Company:
  9 a.m.

- Half Marathon Soldier On Wave – For military or civilian participants with visible or non-visible conditions or injuries:
  9:25 a.m.

- Half Marathon:
  9:30 a.m.

Wave Starts & Corrals

Your race number has a corral colour based on the anticipated finish time you indicated when registering. Please ensure you stay in your corral to ensure you start with people of similar pace, and do not impede the progress of others on-course.

Baggage Check

CARTIER SQUARE DRILL HALL – RACE KIT PICK-UP AREA

It is a FREE service provided to all participants and is open on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

NOTE: We will ONLY accept the official race bag at baggage check. You will receive this bag with your race kit. Please do not bring additional bags or items that will not fit within the official race bag.

You can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Canada Army Run Weekend by minimizing the baggage you bring with you, never leaving your bags unattended, allowing extra time at the baggage check and being prepared to show the contents of your bag if asked.

Course Information

Water & Aid Stations

Placed approximately every 2-3 kilometres, aid stations feature:

- Water

- Portable toilets

- One station along Half Marathon route with XACT NUTRITION FRUIT2 bars

These stations are put on by incredible volunteers, sponsors, organizations and clubs, so show them your appreciation and thank them as you pass by!

To learn more about xact nutrition, visit here.

Post-Race Food & Recovery

Upon completion of your race, you will receive:

- Water

- Bananas

Race Photos by FinisherPix Canada

FinisherPix Canada will be along the course taking photos of everyone. You will receive an email in the days after the race with the option to purchase your official race photos.

Despite our best efforts, you may receive limited photos. This is due to the high number of runners around you, or an obscured race number.

* Ensure your race number is clearly visible on the front of your body so you can be identified by photographers

https://www.finisherpix.com/

Remembrance Row

In partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, all participants will be part of this stretch of course honouring those who served.

You can also visit our virtual Remembrance Row, with amazing images and stories submitted by participants here:

https://armyrun.ca/events/remembrance-row/

Results

Official, chip-timed results can be found live on Sportstats, and post-race on your Race Roster participant dashboard and public results page:

Sportstats:

5K
https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=129603

10K
https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=129605

Half Marathon
https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=129609

Sergeant Major’s Challenge
https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=129611

Commander’s Challenge
https://www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=129612

Race Roster:
https://results.raceroster.com/results/9yuy5nuy4974v7rd

Fundraising

1. Check out this year’s Peer to Peer Fundraising Toolkit for tips and tricks to engage your family, friends, colleagues. Your fundraising will champion Support Our Troops and Soldier On!
  
  https://armyrun.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CAR_Toolkit_En_reduced.pdf

1. Follow @CDNForceSupport and @soldieronsanslimites on Facebook and Twitter to learn about how you have made a difference in the lives of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, and their families!

1. Check out this year’s fundraising prizes! We greatly appreciate your support of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.