407 Long Range Patrol Squadron’s

On Vancouver Island, a group of Royal Canadian Air Force members from Comox, B.C., have been training for the 2021 Canada Army Run: Virtual since April and have committed to all five of this year’s distance events.

Based out of 19 Wing Comox, 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron has stood up a running team to participate in this year’s virtual event. The 407 ‘Demon’ Squadron team of 29 members – from all ranks, including ground and air crew – planned on running the race on opening day of the race period, Sept. 10.

Six members will be completing the 5K challenge, while eight are taking on a 10K route. Five members have signed up to run 15 kilometres in the UBIQUE Challenge, six will complete 21.1 kilometres, and four are committing to the 26.1-kilometre Commander’s Challenge.

Warrant Officer (WO) Adam Ferguson, quality manager for 407 Squadron, has co-ordinated the effort.

“We have received support from PSP (Personnel Support Programs) in providing training plans, running routes for the race, a water station during race day, and shade at the finish line,” he said. “ CANEX stepped up with finish line drinks and snacks, and Wing Foods is providing some post-run nutrition with cut up oranges.”

The 407 Squadron team has been training since April while following COVID-19 protocols. All members of the team trained on their own time, in their own locations, and at their own pace.

“We did not train as a group, so the September 10 event will be the first time any of the team will get to run as a group,” laughs WO Ferguson.

Canada Army Run is more than just a race. It’s about Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces joining together in the spirit of camaraderie and community, and it’s a chance for the troops to extend the military esprit de corps to Canadians and to thank them for their support. 

Thank you for joining our event all the way from the West Coast, Demons!