Record number of runners show enthusiastic support of new course with only 400 spots remaining.
BMO Vancouver Marathon announces event numbers are tracking at 22 per cent increase over 2011.
Vancouver, BC – April 18, 2012 – Runners from 48 countries are in the final preparation for the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 6th 2012, and event organizers announced today that only 400 spots remain in the half-marathon event. The marathon event sold out in March 2012.
“Our two new point-to-point courses have not only ignited the local running community, but also attracted global attention,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “As of today, we only have just over 400 spots remaining in our half marathon event. With a capped event of 5,000 marathon runners and 10,000 half marathon runners, that means nearly 14,600 runners from around the world have selected the BMO Vancouver Marathon as their spring running event.“
Runners are travelling from Bosnia, Cambodia, China, Belguim, Costa Rica, South Africa, Venezuela, Korea, Peru, Brazil, Australia, Japan and the US. The Canadian contingent remains the largest group representing about 75 per cent of all runners.
The 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon has seen a 22 per cent growth in half marathon and marathon participants over the 2011 event, adds Krepiakevich. “We anticipate that the remaining spots will sell within the next few days and are encouraging runners to register quickly to avoid disappointment”.
Krepiakevich adds that the organization is receiving excellent coverage around the world. In January 2012, Forbes announced that the BMO Vancouver Marathon now ranked in the Top 10 destination marathons. And most recently, the organization participated in a global Twitterthon with 25 other international marathons promoting the sport and event in their cities, including organizations from Peru, China, South Africa, Australia and the US.
About the Vancouver International Marathon Society
The BMO Vancouver Marathon and Half Marathon is organized and operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society, a non-profit organization. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 40 year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. On Sunday, May 6, 2012, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will feature two new point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighbourhoods. The 2012 events will be capped at 5,000 marathon participants and 10,000 half-marathon participants.
For more information on the volunteer program and how to register please visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
About BMO
BMO has been serving British Columbians for 125 years with the first branch opening in Vancouver in August, 1887. Today, its 3,000 employees serve customers from 118 BMO Bank of Montreal branches, six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and six BMO Harris Private Banking locations. BMO encourages families, friends and neighbours to support a charity of their choice by entering the BMO Cheer Challenge – for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $5,000!
Media Contacts
Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director, Vancouver International Marathon Society, Office: 604-872-2928, Cell: 604-374-8999, [email protected]
Laurie Grant, BMO Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]
Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon Web: www.bmovanmarathon.ca