New 8km Teen Challenge is a team-based event designed to engage teens and encourage healthy living
Costumes, Prizes and Fun-filled Event Launched to Attract Teenage Runners
Vancouver, BC – March 11, 2013 – Appealing to a younger generation, the BMO Vancouver Marathon introduces the first-ever, “Teen Challenge” as a part of the 8km Run on May 5th.
The Teen Challenge is open to 13-19 year old runners and is geared towards promoting a healthy lifestyle for adolescents and encouraging young runners to experience the thrill of a mass participation event. As a part of the event, the Teen Challenge will expand the range of marathon participants further by enabling teams of teenagers to participate in the world-class event.
The event also introduces teen runners to the Run4Hope Charity program by allowing participants the option to donate to local and national charities. In addition, teens can register in groups for the chance to win cool prizes. With the event capped at 500, prizes for teams will include varying amounts of cash donations to a team-selected Run4Hope charity as well as cool running gear items.
The 8km Teen Challenge follows the same 8km route through Stanley Park and teen runners receive the same race experience including a Saucony short-sleeved technical shirt, BMO gloves, gear check, medal and snack at the Finish Line.
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