CANADA ARMY RUN: IN-PERSON 2026
We are almost at the start line for Canada Army Run 2026!
On behalf of the Canadian Army, BMO Bank of Montreal and all of our incredible sponsors, partners and supporters, we sincerely thank you for joining us and supporting our military community.
In this, our 19th year, we have once again received incredible support through you, the participants. We are so grateful that you have chosen our race.
If you have been wanting to make an even bigger difference in the lives of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans and their families, there is still time to fundraise for Support Our Troops and Soldier On, the official charitable causes of the CAF. Together, we have broken our fundraising records each of the last two years, and we are on pace to donate even more money to our causes this year! Donations are being accepted until September 30, and you can help us make our biggest impact yet!
Below is some information to help you prepare for race day and help make your race as enjoyable as possible. There is a great deal of information, but please take the time to read it all.
We wish you all the very best for a fun, safe and rewarding race! We hope you have fun, reach your goal, and finish with a smile on your face.
Thank you again for your support and dedication. You are the reason we can have such a positive impact on our CAF community, and we can’t wait to see you on Sunday, September 20!
Sincerely,
Your Canada Army Run Team
Dear Canada Army Run participants,
On behalf of the Canadian Army and ourselves, we are pleased to welcome you to the 2026 edition of Canada Army Run, presented by BMO!
On Sunday, September 20, you will not only be challenging yourself; you will be running, walking, or rolling alongside members of the military and fellow military supporters, united by a shared objective: raising funds for Support Our Troops and Soldier On. Whether you are taking on the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or one of our challenges, your dedication will make a real a difference in the lives of many.
Recognized as the official charitable causes of the Canadian Armed Forces, Support Our Troops and Soldier On provide essential support to ill and injured military members, Veterans, and their families. Thanks to participants like you, we have raised over $5.6 million since 2008. With your continued support, that number will only grow.
Following your race, we invite you to explore the grounds of Cartier Square Drill Hall, where you will find a variety of military displays, vehicles, and equipment, along with information booths and the BMO Kids’ Zone.
We are excited for you to experience why Canada Army Run is truly “No Ordinary Race”. The entire Canadian Army team is grateful for your contributions and your support of the Canadian military.
We encourage you to showcase your achievements and inspire others by tagging @CanadaArmyRun or using #ArmyRun on social media.
Thank you again for supporting Canada Army Run. We wish you all the best in your upcoming challenges. See you at the start line!
Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright
Commander Canadian Army
Chief Warrant Officer J.C. Robin
Canadian Army Sergeant Major
BMO is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Canada Army Run and the Official Bank of the Canadian Defence Community. Since 2009, we’ve supported this iconic event as a way to celebrate the dedication, resilience, and service of Canada’s military community. It’s our chance to say thank you to those who serve and to the families who stand beside them every step of the way.
Rick Campagna
Regional Vice-President
BMO Bank of Montreal
Omar Abouzaher
Regional Vice-President
BMO Bank of Montreal
At BMO, we stand alongside Canada’s military community and honour the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of military members and their families. Supporting those who serve goes beyond race day. It’s a year-round commitment reflected in the programs, resources, and benefits we offer. Through the BMO Canadian Defence Community Banking program, eligible members can access no monthly fee chequing accounts, mortgage flexibility that allows them to break a mortgage without penalty when posted under the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive, no annual fee credit cards, and more.
Learn more at bmo.com/cdcb
Since the very beginning, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada has been proud to support Canada Army Run, and this event has become an important part of our culture. I’d like to wish all those participating a fantastic race – we’ll see you enroute to the finish line, and at our water station along the course!
Joel Houde
Vice President & General Manager
General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada
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)
- Canadian Tire 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 18 – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
At Race Kit Pick-Up, you will receive:
- Your race bib
- Your Army Run merchandise
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 20
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 Virtual Transfers and Changing Distance below.
Virtual Transfers
If you can no longer make it on race day, we have a new option to keep you running, walking or rolling with us!
During our Expo and Race Kit Pick-Up hours September 18 and 19, you will now have the option to collect your finisher medal at the same time as your race kit, and we will transfer you into the virtual race of your distance.
You will pick up your race kit and then take your bib to the “Registration Support” table and ask the staff there to complete a transfer to the virtual race for you.
IMPORTANT:
- YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR RACE KIT AND MEDAL(S) AT THE EXPO.
- In-person race kits will not be shipped to participants who cannot make it.
- You may have someone collect your race kit for you. Please send them your confirmation email or pre-race email with your registration details.
- You have until midnight, Friday, September 25 to complete your virtual race.
Changing Distance
You may change your distance to a shorter distance option (i.e. Half Marathon to 5K) on-site at the Expo only. You will receive your original bib, but we will transfer your sub-event digitally to the new distance. You will receive the finisher medal of the event you complete. Refunds will not be issued for the difference in registration fee for downgrades.
We will have limited selection and options for upgrades to longer distances, and these will be subject to paying the difference in registration fee.
Whether you are downgrading or upgrading your distance, you will pick up your original race kit and then take your bib to the “Registration Support” table and ask the staff there to complete a transfer for you. You may not be given a new bib; however, your timing chip will reflect the distance change.
Late Transfers to Another Person
If you cannot make it on race day and wish to transfer your bib to someone else, this can only be done in-person during Expo hours. Please collect your race kit, and proceed to “Registration Support” for help with the transfer.
Note – a new bib will not be issued, and this will be subject to a processing fee taken on-site.
Late Registration
We have a limited number of spaces remaining for our discounted no-merchandise registration. 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.
*You will still receive a medal once you complete your race.
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 a.m.
10K Start: 8:45 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 Energy Fruit Bars 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 19 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Baby Care Station:
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/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CAR-21-ColouringPages-1.pdfCanadian Tire Expo
Here, you can look, shop and and visit our amazing partners.
Hours of operation are:
Friday, September 18 – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 – CLOSED
EXPO PRESENTED BY
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.
On-site bike valet services will be provided at the designated bike parking area, located directly beside the North (Laurier Ave.) entrance to City Hall.
Bike valet services are being provided by Nakkertok.
Military Equipment Displays
Throughout the weekend, you will have a chance to learn more about life in the Canadian Army by speaking to the men and women who proudly wear the uniform. There will be equipment displays sprinkled throughout the event site Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Don’t be shy! Ask questions, ask to take photos and take the opportunity to touch the equipment.
Past Army Run shirts for sale by donation
Throughout the weekend, you can have an even bigger impact on the lives of Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families by donating to Support Our Troops and Soldier On in their shirt sales tent outside the Drill Hall! Once you donate, you can choose from a selection of past years’ shirts and other Army Run items, such as wooden coin stands, while supplies last.
Sizes and selection are limited, and not all years will be represented.
The hours for these sales are:
- Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donating your gently-used shoes can make a world of difference
BioPed collects gently-used shoes at all of its 75+ BioPed Clinics across Canada and donates them to those who really need them, all year round. BioPed Clinics have collected more than 700,000 pairs of gently-used shoes by holding community shoe drives, collecting shoes in their clinics across Canada, or distributing shoes to people in their neighbourhoods who are in need.
If you have gently-used shoes that you no longer need, please bring them to donate Friday or Saturday and enter to win a FREE pair of shoes at the BioPed Footcare Booth!
To learn more, visit https://www.bioped.com/giving-back/
NEW Juno 1K (sold-out)
We’re so excited to announce a brand-new event for our youngest Army Run athletes – the Juno 1K, named after our favourite polar bear and the official mascot of the Canadian Army.
Event Date: Saturday, September 19
Opening Announcements/Warm-Up: 10:50 a.m.
Start Time: 11 a.m.
Start/Finish Line: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, outside of Confederation Park
Kids receive:
- A Juno-themed race bib
- A Juno-themed finisher medal
- Snacks at the finish line, in partnership with Military Family Services, National Capital Region
Important: Parents or guardians must be present for the entirety of your kid’s run, and you are welcome to join them on-course.
Kit Pick-Up:
- Friday, September 18 – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. inside Cartier Square Drill Hall
- Saturday, September 19 – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Volunteer Tent outside the Drill Hall
While this year’s event is sold-out, we encourage you to come out and cheer on our youngest athletes and meet Juno – and then check out the BMO Kids’ Zone after the race!
Race Day Information
EARLY O-TRAIN SERVICE
OC Transpo will have the O-Train open for regular service at 6 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/o-train-network/line-1
For more information on the O-Train Line 2, click here:
https://octranspo.com/en/our-services/o-train-network/line-2/
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 2026 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:
7:45 a.m. - 5K, Presented by General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada:
8 a.m. - 10K Soldier On Wave – For military or civilian participants with visible or non-visible conditions or injuries:
8:40 a.m. - 10K, Presented by The Personal Insurance Company:
8:45 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, Presented by BMO:
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.
Walkers and strollers ARE welcome in all events. For your safety and the safety of others, however, please start in the last corral, and be careful of other participants.
No Ordinary Race, No Ordinary Pacers.
Have a race goal in mind? Canada Army Run pacers are here to help. They are experienced runners running an even pace towards their pace times, and there will be pacers for roughly every five-minute increment for each race.
Wearing a PACER bib on their back and carrying a pace sign, pacers will be easy to find and will be lined up in the starting corrals 20 minutes before the race start. If you have any questions, please contact the Pace Leader at ottawapacebunnies@gmail.com.
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 a.m. until 1 p.m.
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.
Pre- and post-race services
Find the Lifemark team on race day for on-site treatments that support movement and recovery. Products and Spin-to-Win will also be available.
Learn more about Lifemark at https://www.lifemark.ca/.
RESULTS
Results by Sportstats can be found here:
https://sportstats.one/event/canada-army-run-course-de-larmee-du-canada
Course Information
Interactive Map
You can find elevation profiles for each course on our Racepoint interactive map at https://www.racepoint.ca/maps/armyrun.html.
Water & Aid Stations
Placed approximately every 2-3 kilometres, aid stations feature:
- Water
- Portable toilets
- One station along Half Marathon route with XACT Energy Fruit 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
- Snacks
- Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic beer (while supplies last)
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
Remembrance Row
Remembrance Row is a moving on-course tribute to our participants’ loved ones. We are so grateful to everyone who shares an image and story with us.
You can also visit our virtual Remembrance Row, with amazing images and stories submitted by participants here:
FUNDRAISING
You’ve registered for Canada Army Run, and you want to make a difference. Now what?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is such an impactful aspect of our event, and this year, our participants are on track to raise the most money ever! Do you want to be part of that impact? It’s not too late to start fundraising, and we are here to help from start to finish.
When fundraising, the first step (besides registering) is to personalize your fundraising page and explain your “why.” Then you can choose how you want to reach out based on your level of comfort. Remember to always follow up and thank your supporters!
Need a little bit of motivation to make an impact on the Canadian Armed Forces community? We have some awesome prizes for our fundraisers this year, including Canadian Tire gift cards, a custom Canada Army Run quarter-zip sweater, free and discounted 2027 Canada Army Run registration, and a great gift basket from Popeye’s Supplements.
For more information about fundraising with Canada Army Run and advice for getting started, visit https://armyrun.ca/fundraising/ – here, you can also download our Fundraising Toolkit for that final push!
Learn about our charitable causes on-site
Support Our Troops and Soldier On will be on-site all weekend, so make sure you say Hi! You will be able to meet the people behind these incredible causes and learn more about the amazing impact your donations have. You will also be able to help make a difference by contributing on-site through the outdoor shirt sales, where, for a donation, you can take home past Army Run merchandise!
On race day, Soldier On athletes will be participating in all three races, and representatives from Support Our Troops and Soldier On will be speaking during the opening ceremonies for the 5K and the Half Marathon. You won’t want to miss it!
Personalise your medal with itab
This Is Your Time.
The itab is a precision-engraved, personalised plate featuring your name and official race time, fitting neatly into the recess on your Canada Army Run medal.
A medal represents a moment, but an engraved itab represents the whole journey. Honour the effort, the early mornings, and the sweat it took to cross that line. Make it personal.
Ready to finish your story? Head over to https://shop.makeitpersonal.io/products/itab?event=canada+army+run after your race to enter your details and have your engraving delivered right to your door.
Need a little extra motivation? Check out our special Canada Army Run playlists!
In partnership with MOVE 100 and PURE COUNTRY 94, we are excited to help you power through your races.
You can find our MOVE 100 playlist at https://www.iheart.com/playlist/canada-army-run-playlist-312064750-XKhnV5jE2tLVErFN2TsKHd/ and our PURE COUNTRY 94 playlist at https://www.iheart.com/playlist/canada-army-run-playlist-312064750-Q6PDHY98hVeJ1FP91P9D8a/ or on the iHeartRadio app. We hope they give you the motivation you need to crush your goals! These are the songs you’ll hear when you cross the finish line on race day, and you can listen to them now for extra motivation and inspiration. We hope they give you the boost you need to achieve your goals!
*Please note, there is some profanity in some songs, and, at this time, the songs are only in English.
Download the free iHeartRadio app and take MOVE 100 and PURE COUNTRY 94 with you wherever you go! With curated playlists, today’s hottest podcasts and live radio all in one place, iHeartRadio makes it easy to stay connected. Keep us close with the iHeartRadio app and let MOVE 100 and PURE COUNTRY 94 be the soundtrack to your day!
