Massive investment in traffic management required for new marathon and half marathon courses
Event organizers for the BMO Vancouver Marathon implement the most significant traffic management plan in Vancouver since the 2010 winter Olympics
Vancouver, BC – April 20, 2012 – After 18 months of consultations, the scope of the 600 page traffic management plan, covering 63 kilometres of roads and parks in Vancouver, is now evident as event organizers for the May 6th BMO Vancouver Marathon issue traffic advisory notices to locals residents, businesses and neighbourhoods.
In late 2010, an extensive stakeholder engagement strategy was spearheaded by a Volunteer Race Committee on behalf of the Vancouver International Marathon Society to discuss the development of two new courses for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The Society is responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, now in its 41st year, and the course re-design was the first major change in over a decade following feedback from runners, supporters and sponsors.
“Stakeholders from over 30 groups were involved in the consultative process,” added Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “The Race Committee wanted to showcase some of the most iconic landmarks of Vancouver, plus ensure a safe experience for runners and enable some road access for neighbourhoods and businesses.”
After thousands of hours, and over $200,000 in new operational costs for the massive traffic management and implementation plan, the Society received consensus and support from dozens of groups in multiple jurisdictions including Vancouver community groups, business improvement associations, sports and tourism organizations, local and regional government departments, regional transit, neighbourhood groups, provincial transportation agencies, plus police and traffic personnel.
Traffic advisory notices will now be sent to 33,000 residents along the new race routes advising of traffic and road closures. Advertisements will be placed in local newspapers alerting locals of traffic pattern changes, plus an extensive e-mail campaign has been undertaken to ensure the message has been widely distributed. The Society has also set up a 24 hour call centre and chat line starting on April 23 through to May 11, to help answer questions or concerns.
“We are thrilled to have the commitment and support from so many groups from all levels of the community. We hope that through this consultative process that we will see more spectators on the course cheering on our runners and enjoying the experience. For others, including cyclists and drivers, we hope our extensive communication will help them get around the race courses and road closures.” Krepiakevich notes. “This is a prestigious international running event and we
thank Vancouverites for their help and support in making this event as safe as possible while our runners take to the streets on May 6th.
Vancouver residents should check the BMO Vancouver Marathon website (www.bmovanmarathon.ca) for more detailed road closure information. Transit users should check the translink website (www.translink.ca) for any bus route information. Cyclists, drivers and residents are advised that access to the course will be ONLY provided to the race participants, volunteers and accredited personnel during the event permit hours on race day, May 6th.
“Runners are eager to participate in the inaugural launch of our new courses. Building on the 40 year legacy of this event, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has now become a Canadian flagship event, is a Boston and NY qualifier and is now recognized as a Forbes top 10 destination marathon.”
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 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 is capped at 5,000 marathon participants and 10,000 half-marathon participants.
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 encourages families, friends and neighbours to support a charity of their choice by entering the BMO Cheer Challenge – for a chance to win cash prizes totaling $5,000!
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