Paul Kimugul breaks the Half Marathon course record for the second year in a row at the 2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon

 

• Record number of registered participants for 2014

• Thousands of spectators and community supporters lined the streets

• New and returning volunteers helped make the event safe and memorable

Vancouver, BC – May 4, 2014 – Nearly 16,500 runners from 50 countries registered to participate in the four events of the 2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon over race weekend. The Marathon, Half Marathon and 8KM runners braved wet conditions today while breaking a new course record.

Berhanu Mekonnen of Ethiopia won the 2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:21:08. Runner up in the men’s Marathon was Gilbert Kiptoo of Kenya who ran the event for the fourth time today in 2:27:20, participating previously in 2010, 2011, and 2013. Third place finisher, David Nilsson of Sweden ran the event for the first time, completing the Marathon in 2:27:46.

Canadian women finished strong with a new Marathon champion, Kimberley Doerksen of Gibsons, BC. Doerksen made her Marathon debut when she crossed the finish line in 2:37:00. Ellie Greenwood of Scotland, now living in North Vancouver, came in second with 2:43:04. Third place winner was Master’s runner, Bean Wrenn from the United States, finishing in a time of 2:51:15.

For the second year in a row, Paul Kimugul of Kenya has broken the Half Marathon course record. Kimugul beat his time last year by 1:42 with an official 2014 time of 1:02:36. Close behind him, Aissa Dghoughi of Morocco also broke last year’s record with a finishing time of 1:03:38. Kip Kangogo, originally from Kenya, but recently awarded Canadian citizenship, placed third in the men’s Half Marathon in 1:04:59.

Canadian runner, Kate Bazeley, was crowned as the new women’s Half Marathon champion, crossing the finish line with 1:15:18. Only three seconds behind her with 1:15:21, Allison Macsas of the United States placed second. Local Vancouver runner, Catherine Watkins, placed third with a time of 1:16:48, beating her third place time last year of 1:20:15.

Local and international supporters were not deterred by the rain as thousands showed their unbridled dedication and community spirit by dotting the three courses, equipped with rain gear, motivating signs and energetic applause. In addition, approximately 4,000 volunteers demonstrated enthusiasm and support to runners, spectators and the community, making the event safe and memorable.

2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon Final Results:

Full Marathon Male

1st – Berhanu Mekonnen, Ethiopia [2:21:08]
2nd – Gilbert Kiptoo, Kenya [2:27:20]
3rd  – David Nilsson, Sweden [2:27:46] 

Full Marathon Female

1st – Kimberley Doerksen, Gibsons, BC [2:37:00]
2nd – Ellie Greenwood, Scotland [2:43:04]
3rd – Bean Wrenn, Boulder, CO [2:51:16]

Half Marathon Male

1st – Paul Kimugul, Kenya [1:02:36]
2nd –Aissa Dghoughi, Morocco [1:03:38]
3rd – Kip Kangogo, Kenya [1:04:59]

Half Marathon Female

1st – Kate Bazeley, Corner Brook, NL  [1:15:18]
2nd – Allison Macsas, ON [1:15:21]
3rd – Catherine Watkins, Vancouver, BC [1:16:48]

Adding to the excitement of race day is the 25th anniversary of the Half Marathon. With the first Half Marathon taking place in 1990, the milestone brings with it a new Legacy Runners Club. A total of 33 legacy runners who have run the Vancouver International Marathon or Half Marathon numerous times participated today, donning specialized bibs recognizing their legacy in the event.

About The Vancouver International Marathon Society

The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 43-year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Half Marathon. The event will take place on May 4, 2014, featuring the three point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighborhoods. The Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo will take place during Marathon weekend on May 1-3. The 2014 events 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 250 for the Kids 1-Mile Fun run participants.

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

BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to be in its ninth year as title sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. BMO supports the running community through sponsorship of marathon events throughout North America – in Vancouver, Kelowna, Charlottetown, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.  BMO’s long and proud history of supporting sports and fitness in Canada 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, Cell: 604-374-8999, [email protected]

Laurie Grant, BMO Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]

Facebook: BMO Vancouver Marathon, Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon, Web: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
Facebook: Vancouver International Marathon Society

 

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