2008年首屆 加拿大陸軍賽跑 (10公里, 半馬拉松) ∕ 2008 Inaugural Canada Army Run (10K, 1/2 marathon)

(Updated Sept 28, 2008) I just came back from a three-day trip to Toronto and would like to fill in the text of the draft article that I first posted three days ago.

The inaugural Canada Army Run took place on Sunday September 21st with over 7,000 military and civilian men/women participating in the 10 kilometres and half-marathon competitions. The temperature was in the mid to high teens which suited me just fine. Since the 21.1 km run was part of my training leading up to the full marathon in mid October, I did not go all out, but rather kept at an even pace throughout. Here are the highlights of the event:

* With the many young man and woman soldiers/cadets joining the races, the average age of the participants must be, according to my observation, in the 20-30 years range. As expected, there were more youths in the 10K run than the half-marathon race.

* At the 0.5 km mark, I passed by two army guys dressed in full body suits and face masks. Their lenses were already fogged up. So I assumed they had their gas filters installed inside the cartridges, as opposed to no filters which would have made breathing much easier but rendered the apparatus in malfunction mode. They seemed to have a great time and were waving to everybody!!

* All along the canal, supporters and volunteers were out in full force cheering the runners on. I gave high-fives to some of the kids and their parents on the side of the road.

* Unlike many marathon circuits, there were no big prizes. But the most rewarding for everyone was to see the soldiers with disabilities competing in wheel-chairs or artificial limbs and then being acknowledged on stage by the organizers and guest speakers.

The event was sold out before race day. Everyone agrees it was a complete success. The organizers are now thinking about adding a full marathon to the 2009 event !!

Note 1: I did not participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon earlier today because of time conflict.

Note 2: Many years ago, I was in an emergency response training course during which participants were required to play volleyball dressed in a Level-A Hazmat suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus. I exercised with the suit on and was sweating and gasping for air after abt 20 minutes!!
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攝影图片 Photo 1 : The statue of a soldier "overlooking" the headquarters of the Department of Defense in the nation's capital.

攝影图片 Photo 2: Two members of the federal RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and their male partners from the municipal police force.

攝影图片 Photo 3: Soldiers dressed up in traditional Scottish uniform.

攝影图片 Photo 4: Scottish bag pipers.

攝影图片 Photo 5: An armored vehicle with computerized navigation and firing systems inside.

攝影图片 Photo 6: Army personnel handling out medals at the finish line.

攝影图片 Photo 7: "Soldier On!" - Runners with disabilities being acknowledged on stage.

攝影图片 Photo 8: My 2008 Canada Army Run half-marathon medal on a chain.
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(Posted Sept 25, 2008) My computer is still not 100%. So, I am posting this draft blog article with the hope that I will fill in the story/text next Monday. Enjoy the pics and send in your comments if you wish.

I will respond to all the comments here and those you left in earlier articles asap. I thank you for your patience !!

Haricot
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