Vancouver International Marathon Society Executive Director, Charlene Krepiakevich, spoke on CTV Morning Live and TSN 1040 Radio this morning to provide some last minute marathon tips and race day essentials.
CTV Morning Live
“The key message for runners now is to make sure you get enough fluids, eat well, don’t introduce anything new into your diet and then just to sort of mentally prepare for what it’s going to be like to get across that Finish Line and get one of your medals,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, noting the event offers 28 water stations on-course. “It’s looking great! Perfect running day – great day to get out there and cheer.”
The weekend kicks off with the free, three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo at the downtown waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre West, April 28-30.
“It’s free for runners, of course, and for anyone to come down and take a look at running gear, apparel, souvenirs, health and wellness information – we have a jammed packed expo lined up the year,” Charlene says of the Expo.
“We are going to have runners from 60 countries,” adds Krepiakevich. “This might be our biggest year yet! We’re tracking very close to our biggest year in terms of total participation, so we really want the city of Vancouver and citizens of Vancouver to get out and cheer.”
TSN 1040
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon is coming this Sunday, I have been part of it here, for the last three years,” adds Bro Jake. “I’ve been on stage, getting people motivated and it is THE marathon… it’s got it all! It blows my mind the amount of people come out and as a spectator sport, just being around and lining the streets – it really is cool, it’s one of the staple things we do here.”
“Based on our numbers yesterday we may have the highest number of participants in our history, which is 45 years long,” reiterates Krepiakevich. “That’s crazy – what heritage,” says Bro Jake.
“It’s quite a legacy, that the founders established many decades ago and how the race has changed: from 1972, 32 runners finished that year and this year we’re tracking to have over 16,000 runners in six different races.”
“It’s really become a hallmark for the city of Vancouver. It’s recognized internationally as a destination marathon, we’re known for our beauty, it’s spring time. Flowers are blooming. It’s just such a spectacular time of year to run.
“It brings out runners, which brings out spectators, and really that’s part of being a world class event – really having full community support and engagement.”
Hear more with TSN Radio (Interview starts at 17:06)