BMO Vancouver Marathon Secures BMW i as New Official Automotive Sponsor for 2015
High performance brand gears up to support Vancouver’s only marathon
Vancouver, BC – January 6, 2015 –The new BMW i3, the first all-electric BMW and World Green Car of the Year, will lead the pack at the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon as a result of a new sponsorship agreement for the event. The innovative automotive company will supply emission-free, pure-electric lead and medial vehicles for race day, plus showcase BMW i the vehicles at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, and host a special event series January through April, 2015.
“With the BMO Vancouver Marathon recognized as one of the world’s leading marathons, we feel it’s a great fit with the BMW brand,” adds Marc Belcourt, National Manager of BMW i. “This partnership reflects our belief that commitment and dynamism of the sport of running parallels the qualities of our automotive philosophy.”
As the official automotive sponsor of the event, BMW will provide three BMW i car models on race day – two lead vehicles and one media vehicle. These key vehicles lead the race, providing direct updates and feedback to the event organizers. BMW i cars will also be showcased at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo, April 30 – May 2 at Vancouver Convention Centre West.
The automotive company will also provide four dealership locations throughout the lower mainland for a special event series for runners and sports enthusiasts. Beginning in January 2015, these informative sessions will occur once a month leading up to marathon weekend.
“We are thrilled to add BMW to our list of sponsors,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “As a sponsor of other world-class marathons, BMW is a valued supporter of endurance running and represents performance, efficiency and sustainability – key factors to athletic and organizational success.”
The BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 3, 2015, features four separate race distances with the Marathon, new Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 8KM race routes, in addition to a Kids Fun Run.
About The Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. With a 44-year history within Vancouver, the event is the city’s only marathon and one of Canada’s largest marathons. Recognized by CNN and Forbes as a Top Destination Race, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. Race weekend takes place April 30 – May 3, 2015 with all events capped at: 5,000 for the Marathon, 250 teams for the Marathon Relay, 10,000 for the Half Marathon, 2,000 for the 8KM, 500 for 8KM School Challenge and 500 for the Kids 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 Donations
For more than 195 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2013, BMO contributed more than $56 million in community donations to charitable, not-for-profit and community based institutions and organizations that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.
Media Contacts:
Alexandra Forward, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Vancouver International Marathon Society, Office: 604-872-2928, [email protected]
Facebook: BMO Vancouver Marathon, Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon, Web: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
Facebook: Vancouver International Marathon Society