Canadian Olympian Lynn Kanuka leads recruiting efforts for top athletes at the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Vancouver, BC – February 9, 2012 – Top Canadian and international marathon, half- marathon and wheelchair athletes are expected to test the event record at the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon on Sunday, May 6th. With an improved prize package and new fast courses, Canadian Olympian Lynn Kanuka, the Elite Athlete Coordinator for the event, is set to lure elite athletes from around the world to Vancouver.
“Our goal is to create a world class marathon and foster Canadian runners,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director for the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “We have a new elite athlete program designed to attract top international and Canadian runners, now with an improved prize package and coordinated by local runner and Olympian, Lynn Kanuka.“
“With our beautiful, new fast courses, we expect elite athletes will want to give them a good test and add their name to our record book,” added Kanuka. “Cash prizes for the top male and female marathon, half marathon and wheelchair athletes will be provided, as well as a cash incentive for the top Canadians and BC residents.”
Former BMO Vancouver Marathon winners will also be offered a complimentary race entry and given an Elite Status on race day. A list of all prizes and incentives are available online at the BMO Vancouver Marathon website.
In addition, to inspire young people and attract more community support, Kanuka will also be hosting community, corporate and school visits for some of the elite athletes. “We want to share their inspiring stories and experiences with young people and the community.”
“Our event represents an opportunity for runners with experience seeking to better their times, as well as for first timers looking for a fantastic first time experience at these distances,” adds Krepiakevich. “We want to put BMO Vancouver Marathon on the world map as a top destination marathon event with both our fast courses featuring our stunning city, as well as provide an opportunity for runners to experience arguably one of the most beautiful springtime places to visit on the planet!”
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 detailed information about the Elite Program, go to www.bmovanmarathon.ca