Downtown roads to be closed for annual Canadian Army Run

Don’t be alarmed if you see those in uniform mixed with others running through downtown Sunday. The 18th annual Canadian Army Run is set to take place with the first gun going off at 7:45 a.m.

That also means there will be a series of road closures throughout the city’s core, so give yourself extra time if you have somewhere you need to be.

Portions of the following roads will be closed at various points throughout the day.

• Laurier Avenue West
• Elgin Street northbound
• Mackenzie Avenue
• Rideau Street
• Queen Elizabeth Drive
• O’Connor Street
• Bay Street
• Wellington Street
• Lyon Street North
• Sussex Drive
• Princess Avenue
• Alexandra Bridge
• Lisgar Road
• Dufferin Road southbound lane
• MacKay Street eastbound lane
• Rideau Terrace westbound lane
• Corona Avenue
• Beechwood Avenue
• Hemlock Road
• Birch Avenue southbound lane
• Sir George Etienne Cartier Parkway

A full list of closures can be found on the city’s website.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to get to the event, O-Train Line 1 service will begin at 6 a.m. to help participants get to the start line. Service will run until 11 p.m.. Buses along the event route will be detoured.

This is the 18th year veterans, active military members and civilians will take to the streets of Ottawa to support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

The event offers a 5 km, 10 km and half marathon route that will take you through the city’s downtown and northeast end. The half marathon route takes runners through Beechwood Cemetery, Canada’s national cemetery.

“Whether you are taking on the 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, or one of our challenges, your dedication will make a real a difference in the lives of many,” Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright and Chief Warrant Officer J.C. Robin said in a statement.

The Canadian Army Run is “no ordinary race”. In lieu of a traditional race medal, participants will receive race-specific dog tags.

Following the race, participants and spectators can head on over to Cartier Square Drill Hall where there will be a variety of military displays, vehicles, and equipment, along with information booths and the BMO Kids’ Zone. The drill hall is located at 2 Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

A portion of registration for the event going to official charitable causes, Support Our Troops and Soldier On. Participants are also encouraged to set up their own fundraising page.

Temperatures are expected to be chilly Sunday morning, with a frost advisory in effect. By noon it is forecasted to be 15 C.