Improved transit services offered to runners and spectators

Improved transit services offered to runners and spectators

BMO Vancouver Marathon inks deal with TransLink to offer improved race-day transit service

Vancouver, BC – April 3, 2012 – Runners, spectators and supporters of the BMO Vancouver Marathon will “travelsmart” on race day, Sunday, May 6th, as the Metro Vancouver-based transit authority, TransLink, is now offering improved service on its rapid transit systems for the event.

“With our two new courses starting at Queen Elizabeth Park and ending downtown near Canada Place, runners, spectators, family and friends, can now be assured that our rapid transit systems will start early and get them to the race on time,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “TransLink will start train service earlier and increase the frequency of service to ensure our 15,000 runners and spectators arrive safely for the 7am half marathon and 8am marathon start.“

TransLink will offer:

• First train from King George on the Millennium Line at 5:08am, two hours earlier than usual, departing approximately every eight minutes (arriving Waterfront approx. 5:47am; transfer onto the Canada Line to King Edward station).
• First train from Lougheed on the Expo Line departs at 5:15am, approximately every eight minutes (westbound to Waterfront).
• First train from Waterfront to the King Edward Station near the start line: 5:50am, departing approximately every four minutes.
• Canada Line will begin service at its usual time – 5:02am fromRichmond-Brighouse and 5:07am from YVR-Airport. North bound running every six minutes,

“The new courses were designed around the use of Vancouver’s transit services,” Krepiakevich adds. “Not only will our runners be thrilled with improved transit services, but our community partners and neighborhoods will be equally happy that vehicle parking will be minimized during the race.”

The BMO Vancouver Marathon and Half Marathon is organized and operated by the Vancouver International Marathon Society, a non-profit organization. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 40 year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. On Sunday, May 6, 2012, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will feature two new point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighbourhoods. The 2012 events will be capped at 5,000 marathon participants and 10,000 half-marathon participants.

For more information on the volunteer program and how to register please visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca

About BMO

BMO has been serving British Columbians for 125 years with the first branch opening in Vancouver in August, 1887. Today, its 3,000 employees serve customers from 118 BMO Bank of Montreal branches, six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and six BMO Harris Private Banking locations. BMO is also committed to corporate and social responsibility and the principles of sustainable development; proudly supporting education, health and social services and arts and culture in communities across the province.

Media Contacts

Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director, Vancouver International Marathon Society, Office: 604-872-2928, Cell: 604-374-8999, [email protected]
Laurie Grant, BMO Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]

Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon Web: www.bmovanmarathon.ca