Marathon Runners Push Registration for the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Vancouver’s Only Marathon is in High Demand, with 50% Sold
Vancouver, BC – December 19, 2014 – With sell-outs each of the last three years, the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon has reached 50 percent capacity in the Marathon race and organizers are predicting an early sell-out once again in 2015. Continued improvements excite runners and attract early registrations.
“We are forecasting the marathon will sell-out for the fourth year in a row, and that sell-out is expected in the early new year,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “Now in its 44th year, the Vancouver Marathon is an established legacy event around the world attracting runners from nearly 50 countries. In addition, our race weekend improvements such as the Camosun Hill Challenge, Team Challenge, Media Challenge and School Challenge, has ignited interest from afar.”
Between Forbes and CNN, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has in fact been ranked as one of the Top 10 Destination Marathons in the World in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The event, will also feature Marathon Relay, Half Marathon and 8KM races on the same day. These races are equally as popular with overall demand ahead of last year.
“We are excited to bring runners to beautiful Vancouver so they can experience this world-class marathon,” says Thom Gilligan, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, the official travel agency for the Boston Marathon. Marathon Tours has joined the mix in 2015 as the event’s Official US Travel Partner. “The feedback we’ve received is great – many runners are keen to book their travel plans and commit to running in Vancouver this May.”
BMO Vancouver Marathon courses lead runners through 12 unique neighbourhoods, showcasing panoramic views with snow-capped mountains, cherry blossom trees, 70% course shoreline, and famous Stanley Park, with an exciting downtown finish shared by four races, all organized by the not-for-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society.
“As a spring event, runners have made some early choices and now will map out their training plans over the next five to six months. This early commitment recognizes the event as a top destination and hub of running,” adds Krepiakevich.
New for 2015, race organizers have also added a fun Marathon Relay event which splits the marathon course up into the approximate distances of 12KM, 12KM, 5KM and 13KM. Runners will enjoy designated relay exchange zones and timed splits of each leg. Every runner will also receive a technical tee, medal, and more. Organizers say it’s a great opportunity to run with co-workers, family and friends.
In 2015, the race will also feature more bands on course, additional water stations, and turn one of the most challenging aspects of the marathon course into a fun event by adding timing mats and prizing for a new Camosun Hill Challenge. The Expo has changed locations to Vancouver Convention Centre West, tripling in size. The Street Festival located on West Hastings will be bigger, too.
“We encourage runners to secure their race registration in Vancouver’s only marathon before it’s too late,” concludes Krepiakevich.
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