September 6, 2009 -- Beginning at 5:15 am local Afghanistan time, before dawn, 500 runners from 15 countries took part in a "satellite" 2009 Canada Army Run, intended to mirror to the extent possible the much larger run scheduled in Ottawa September 20. Runners, many sporting T-shirts and bibs shipped from Canada, ran 5K or 15K within the protected areas of the camp in temperatures that began at 21°C and quickly rose to 30°C.
For most of the Canadians soldiers, this race was one of the last special activities before their redeployment home.
Some soldiers are also planning on participating in the Ottawa event on September 20, expected to attract about 10,000 participants.
Today's race results were as follows:
15K (MALE)
1st - Major, Joseph Boland (56m43s) (CAN)
2nd - OR-5, Guillaume Viry (57m10s) (FRA)
3rd - E4, Michael Raymond (57m20s) ( USA )
15K (FEMALE)
1st - 1LT, YESENIA BYRNE (1h12m24s) ( USA )
2nd - SQN LDR, LEAH, GRIFFIN (1h14m09s) ( USA )
3rd - Sgt, Annick Tremblay (1h14m56s) (CAN)
5K (MALE)
1st - Capt, Jean Vachon (19m17s) (CAN)
2nd - Lt CDR, FRITS HEUKERS (19m20s) (NED)
3rd - Cpl, ROAN WINDMOLDERS (19m36s) (BEL)
5K (FEMALE)
1st, Cpl, SHELLEY PARDOE (23m37s) (uk)
2nd - LT(N), Kristi VEITHUIZEN (25m17s) (CAN)
3rd - SSGT E-6, Jennifer MCGILLIVARY (26m07s) (US)
About Canada Army Run
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 1/2-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.
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