Updated: Fri Sep. 17 2010 4:50:00 PM
ctvottawa.ca

It's the fastest growing run in Canada. A record 14,000 people are ready to run, roll or walk in this year's Army Run on Sunday.

And the head of the army, Lieut.-Gen. Peter Devlin, says there's a reason for that.

"Canadians are fiercely proud of what we on behalf of them accomplish around the world and Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate that," Devlin says.

All of the Armed Forces

It's not just the army. The whole Canadian Armed Forces are the backbone and beneficiaries of this run.

The money raised goes to the Military Families Fun, which supports families while soldiers are away, and another program called Soldier On, which helps those who are ill or injured.

Dave Desjardins served 15 years, and this Sunday he'll be rolling his support.

"Both Soldier On and the Military Family Fund, they're two resources that are close to my heart and they support the troops and families. Can't go wrong."

Almost as popular as National Capital Marathon

People come from all over Canada to take part in the Army Run, which has just about equalled the National Capital Marathon in popularity.

Mast. Corp. Tim Keith has come from Aldershot, N.S. for the half marathon.

"It's a fun distance to run," Keith says, "and it's a great event and it really helps support our Soldier On Program."

'I'm running the 5K, or rolling'

"I'm running the 5K, or rolling the 5K," jokes Mayor Larry O'Brien. "Or maybe walking the 5K."

There's still room for about 300 more people to take part in this year's run. If you'd like to be one of them, you can register at this big white tent on the grounds of Ottawa City Hall until 4:00 Saturday.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley