New Marathon Relay race announced for 2015
New Marathon Relay event adds excitement for corporate and other teams to enjoy the 42.2 km distance at the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Vancouver, BC – May 16, 2014 – B.C.’s largest and oldest marathon event, the BMO Vancouver Marathon, introduces a new Marathon Relay for 2015. The Marathon Relay follows the Marathon course and takes place on May 3rd, 2015 in conjunction with other marathon weekend events.
“In the last several years, runners have repeatedly asked for a relay component,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “We are pleased to announce that plans are underway to make this an exciting addition to the 2015 marathon weekend. The Relay will add an exciting new element to the Marathon by welcoming runners of shorter distances who collectively, as a team, can potentially record very fast times.”
With elite runners in their sights, Marathon Relay runners will challenge themselves with this fun teambuilding activity. Like all runners of BMO Vancouver Marathon events, Marathon Relay participants will receive a medal, race bib, timing chip, and technical t-shirt—all while pushing for fast times and running the beautiful 42.2 km course.
“What a great idea – to form a relay team with friends, family or coworkers. I know this will be welcomed by many BMO employees as a way to participate in the full marathon, in manageable distances,” said Mike Bonner, Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal.
Teams have two, three, or four runners; each runner covers a different distance or “leg” to complete the total 42.2km. On race morning, first runners head to the Start Line while remaining runners gather at the shuttle pickup location. Shuttles transport second, third, and fourth runners to three different Exchange Zones along the course.
Exchange Zones offer views of Vancouver’s city skyline, oceanfront, and/or mountain ranges, and serve as hubs for team spirit and community celebration.
From Exchange Zones, runners are shuttled to the same downtown Finish Line as the Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8 KM. Prizes are awarded for the top male, female, and coed teams, inspiring a spirit of friendly competition in the months leading up to and on race day.
Limited Capacity for 2015
The Marathon Team Relay will be capped in its first year with total numbers yet to be confirmed and negotiated with City stakeholders. Teams should register their interest at bmovanmarathon.ca; interested teams will receive advance notification of Relay registration before it is publically available.
Please note: Event details are subject to final approvals by the City of Vancouver and other Stakeholders.
About The Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 43-year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. This year marks the 26th Half Marathon. The event will take place on May 3, 2015, featuring the three point-to-point courses that showcase the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines, and neighborhoods. The Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo will take place during Marathon weekend on April 30-May 2nd. The 2015 events are capped at 5,000 for the Marathon, 10,000 for the Half Marathon, 2,000 for the 8 KM, 500 for 8 KM Teen Challenge, and 250 for the Kids 1-Mile Fun Run.
For more information and how to register visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
For more information about the Vancouver International Marathon Society visit: www.runvan.org
About BMO
BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to enter its 10th year as title sponsor of the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon. BMO supports the running community through sponsorship of marathon events throughout North America – in Vancouver, Kelowna, Charlottetown, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. BMO’s long and proud history of supporting sports and fitness in Canada reflect some of our most deeply held corporate values, such as contributing positively to a healthy quality of life in the community and promoting the achievements of people, regardless of age or ability.
Media Contacts
Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director, Vancouver International Marathon Society
Office: 604-872-2928, [email protected]
Laurie Grant, BMO Bank of Montreal
Office: 604-665-7596, [email protected]
Event Facebook: BMO Vancouver Marathon
Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon
Society Facebook: Vancouver International Marathon Society
Register Your Interest