- New 8km race creates opportunity for more runners to experience Vancouver’s iconic event
- 8km Teen Challenge offers a discounted entry fee and charity component with the RUN4HOPE.
- Capped at 2,500 runners; 8km event will sell out quickly.
Vancouver, BC – February 21, 2013 – Responding to the demand, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will re-introduce the 8km event for Sunday, May 5th, 2013. After a year hiatus, the 8km event returns to the race weekend line-up at a new location, offering runners a fast, breathtaking tour through Stanley Park and ending at an exciting downtown Finish Line.
Capped at 2,500 runners, including 500 spots for an 8km Teen Challenge, the new 8km race will bring the total participant numbers of the BMO Vancouver Marathon up to 17,500, rivaling the other big marathon events in Canada. The BMO Vancouver Marathon is now the largest marathon in Canada.
Experiencing the same running boom as seen around the world, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is witnessing an increased interest in the event from participants, supporters, visitors and media internationally. Adding an 8km course allows for more types of runners to experience the thrill of a marathon weekend, running the same course on the same day as some of the fastest runners in the world. The 8km race will attract runners wanting to experience the excitement of marathon weekend but may not be ready for a half marathon (21.1km) or marathon (42.2km).
“I know that beginning runners, weekend runners and those just liking short distances, will jump at the chance to sign up for the 8km, just to be part of the whole experience,” said Joanne Gassman, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Division for BMO Bank of Montreal. “I’ve found that distance doesn’t matter as much as the commitment to keeping fit, training and finishing what you set out to do.”
Starting in Stanley Park, at Second Beach and finishing in downtown Vancouver near the Olympic Cauldron, the 8km course will mirror the last part of the Half Marathon’s scenic route. With views of the ocean, forest, North Shore mountains and the city’s downtown landmarks, the 8km race encapsulates all of Vancouver’s bountiful beauty.
Upon registering, runners will receive a Saucony short-sleeved technical shirt, coveted BMO runner gloves, on-course entertainment, gear check, a cool medal and a snack at the Finish Line. Runners will also receive a FREE chartered bus shuttle from the Finish Line to the Stanley Park Start Line. The 8km event will start at 6:30am and is capped at 2,000 participants. Runners must complete the 8km race within 1.5 hours, just in time to watch the Elite Half Marathon athletes cross the Finish Line.
The 8km Teen Challenge, open to 13-19 year old runners, offers a discounted entry at $25 CDN and introduces teen runners to the Run4Hope Charity running program. In addition, the 8km Teen Challenge offers cool prizes to teenage teams including best team costume. The 8km Teen Challenge follows the same 8km route through Stanley Park and teen runners receive same race experience including Saucony short-sleeved technical shirt, BMO gloves, gear check, medal and snack at the Finish Line.
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