Key Insights on Militarism in the Canada Army Run (CAR)

Overview of the Canada Army Run (CAR)

• In September 2019, 19,000 amateur runners participated in the Canada Army Run, hosted by the Canadian Forces (CF).
• This event serves as a socialization site demonstrating a focus on military promotion over race results.
• The study indicates that military promotional strategies have evolved since the post 9/11 era, shifting towards depoliticization and idealization of the Canadian military.

Ethnographic Study Insights

• Participated in a 5K event as an observant participant to explore militarism within the race.
• Noteworthy elements include military symbols, continuous appeals to appreciate troops, and local community engagement in the event.
• Defined militarism as an approach where problems are solved through military means, prioritizing military pride.

Connection Between Sport and Militarism

• Literature shows a deep intertwining between sport, military, and state, especially in North America and Europe.
• Focus on how sport normalizes military culture and influences civilian perception and engagement with military operations.
• Categories of militarism:
  1. Respect for military through events like appreciation nights in sports.
  2. Injured military personnel participating as athletes (e.g., Invictus Games).
  3. Militarized sports uniforms.
  4. Sponsors in sports promoting military themes.

A New Paradigm of Military Promotion

• The CAR operates as a mechanism for promoting the CF while depersonalizing individual military actions.
• Contrast with past advertising efforts that connected local military actions with broader geopolitical agendas.
• Current approach seems more about generating a favorable image of the military without direct reference to their global actions or implications.

Symbolic Structure and Logistics of CAR

• Structured more as a military promotional event rather than a conventional road race.
• Organizers focus on maximizing participation with military symbols integrated throughout the event (e.g., cannon starting signals, dog tag medals).
• The CAR's organizational structure reflects a promotional agenda over logistical efficiency, affecting the dynamics of who participates (e.g., more joggers than serious competitors).

Notable Themes Identified in Analysis

a. Promoting Military at the Expense of Racing Efficiency

• Race organization favors military engagement: runs start with the short-distance races first to enhance participation.
• Distribution of race kits is split to force participants to navigate military-themed spaces.

b. Exceptionalism of Military Members

• Military perceived as superior, with a clear distinction drawn between soldiers and civilian participants.
• Announcements during the event reinforce military superiority, highlighting a special camaraderie between the military and civilians.