Elite Runners return to the BMO Vancouver Marathon to defend titles.
Canadian Olympian, Dylan Wykes is set to attend the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon, adding another world-class runner to the event.
Vancouver, BC – February 14, 2013 – Top Canadian and international marathon, and half- marathon athletes are expected to return at the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday, May 5th. Canadian and 2012 Olympian, Dylan Wykes, has his sights on racing the half-marathon for the first time.
Wykes was selected as one of three athletes to represent Canada at the 2012 summer Olympics in London, England. This marked the first time Canadians entered the Olympic marathon event since 2000. Wykes also ran for Canada in the IAAF Marathon World Championships in 2009. With the current title of the second fastest Canadian marathoner of all time, Wykes stands as one of the top contenders for the race.
Sure to challenge Wykes is returning half-marathon runner and event record holder, Kip Kangogo from Kenya. One of Canada’s top 1,500 meter specialists,Geoff Martinson is also confirmed and looking forward to testing himself over this half-marathon distance.
In the men’s marathon division, Gezaghn Eshetu of Ethiopia, last year marathon winner, is looking forward to defending his title and beating his result. In 2012, Eshetu crossed the line in 2:21:51. Similarly, Thomas Omwenga of Kenya, who has won the Vancouver event a total of three times in previous years, is planning his return and will be an exciting challenge for Eshetu. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is also expecting 2011’s runner-up, Benard Onsare of Kenya, who is currently training well and confirmed to run.
In the women’s marathon division, returning champion, Ellie Greenwood of Britain is feeling strong and is determined to be in top form for the race.
Women’s half marathon champion, Natasha Wodak, will also return to this year’s event in an attempt to hold her title. Wodak achieved one of the top team Canada results at the recent NACAC Cross Country Championships held in Jamaica. Dayna Pidoresky, who was a top Canadian entry in 2012 but was forced to pull out due to an injury, is also looking forward to returning and running against Wodak.
Due to high demand and elite runner expectancy, elite runner applications will end this Friday, February 22nd, 2013. Professional runners who are interested in signing up are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot.
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