Dear friends,
It has been a sad and heartfelt week for all of us. We’ve watched the tragic events in Boston and send our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, runners, race organizers, supporters, first responders, and others affected by this tragedy.
With the BMO Vancouver Marathon just over two weeks away, we wanted to reach out to reassure each of our runners and our extended running community, including family, friends and sponsors, that safety is our top priority.
We have met with senior officials from the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department, Ambulance Services, Emergency Services, medical providers and other stakeholders to review our Emergency Response Plan and are pleased to announce that it has been supported by Officials and offers the necessary levels of safety and security for runners, volunteers, spectators and other supporters.
To pay tribute to those affected by the Boston tragedy, we will hold a minute of silence at the start of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8km, and Kids 1-mile Fun Run events. In addition, we will give runners a yellow ribbon at Package Pick-up to wear on race day. Participants and supporters can also sign a commemorative book at the Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo that will be presented to the Boston Athletic Commission.
We will also donate $10 from every walk-up registration, received at the Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo for the 8km, Half Marathon and Marathon events from May 2 – 4, to the One Fund Boston charity.
As runners, we know that our sport is not only about running; it is about overcoming challenges, about camaraderie, about passion and about community. Let’s unite on May 5th to protect what we value and stand up against such senseless acts.
Again, we want to reassure you of our commitment to safety and look forward to seeing you on race weekend. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask – email [email protected], call (604) 872-2928 or Tweet us @BmoVanMarathon.
Sincerely,
David Diebolt, Board Chair, Vancouver International Marathon Society
Charlene Krepiakevich. Executive Director, Vancouver International Marathon Society
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 Canada’s largest marathon and has a 41-year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. The event will take place on May 5, 2013, featuring the three point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighbourhoods. The 2013 events will remain capped at 5,000 for the Marathon, 10,000 for the Half-Marathon, 2,000 for the 8km, 500 for 8km Teen Challenge and 500 for the Kids 1-Mile Fun run participants.
About BMO
BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to be in its eighth year as title sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. BMO supports the running community through sponsorship of marathon events in Vancouver, Kelowna, Charlottetown, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. BMO has a long and proud history of supporting sports in Canada. We believe our ties with sports 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 Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]
- Twitter: @bmovanmarathon, @runvancanada