Thomas Omwenga captures his 4th Men’s Marathon Title and new Women’s Champion Crowned at BMO Vancouver Marathon
Men’s Half Marathon record falls.
Vancouver, BC – May 5, 2013 – Today under brilliant sunny skies in its 42nd year, the BMO Vancouver Marathon welcomed runners from 43 countries with 16,390 runners registered to participate in four events. A record fell, new titles were awarded, spectators flocked in numbers to cheer in 12 Vancouver neighbourhoods, and thousands of volunteers contributed to the success of the event.
Thomas Omwenga of Kenya, now living in Hamilton, Ontario became the 4-time men’s Marathon champion when he crossed the line in a time of 2:24:09. “I knew I had a chance to win in the last kilometre, when the lead runner told me to push through, so I went for it.” The second place finisher, Benard Onsare of Kenya was leading a pack of four runners for much of the pace, through the Stanley Park leg, before dropping off.
On the women’s side, a new Marathon champion was awarded when Lucy Njeri of Kenya, now living in in Toronto, finished in a time of 2:40:33. “I’m excited to win my first BMO Vancouver Marathon today. I’ve been preparing to run this event for quite some time, and I was confident in winning it.” Adds Njeri, “I hope to be back next year to run it again.”
A new Half Marathon course record was set in the Half Marathon when Paul Kimugul of Kenya, who recently won the 2013 Vancouver Sun Run, broke the old record by 30 seconds in a time of 1:04:18. Local runner, Natasha Fraser from Port Moody, BC defended her title by taking the Women’s Half in 1:15:17.
Canadian runners finished well with Jason Loutitt of Vancouver placing seventh in the Marathon, while Catrin Jones once again placed third in the Marathon running a personal best time. “I came out and ran a smart race, it was a good run,” said the Victoria, BC resident.
The exuberant runners and walkers in the Full, Half, 8km and Kids 1-mile Fun Run races represented 43 countries including New Zealand, Australia, China, Fiji, Germany, Japan, and Bangladesh.
2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon Final Results:
Full Marathon Male
1st – Thomas Omwenga, Kenya [2:24:09]
2nd – Benard Onsare, Kenya [2:24:11]
3rd – Gezahgn Eshetu, Kenya [2:25:23]
4th – Gilbert Kiptoo, Kenya, BC [2:27:02]
Full Marathon Female
1st – Lucy Njeri, Kenya [2:40:34]
2nd – Alice Waruguru, Kenya [2:47:20]
3rd – Catrin Jones, Victoria, BC [2:48:19]
Half Marathon Male
1st – Paul Kimugul, Kenya [1:04:18]
2nd – Kip Kangogo, Kenya [1:04:52]
3rd – Willy Kimosop, Kenya [1:06:30]
Half Marathon Female
1st – Natasha Fraser, Port Moody, BC [1:15:17]
2nd – Dayna Pidhoresky, Tecumseh, ON [1:17:43]
3rd – Catherine Watkins, Vancouver, BC [1:20:15]
Vancouverites lined the streets and showed their community spirit with motivating signs and energetic applause. Volunteers came from many places across the pacific northwest to help make the event safe and memorable for runners and spectators alike.
Runners also wore yellow ribbons and observed a minute of silence to commemorate the events in Boston.
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:
- Deirdre Rowland, Media Relations, 778-888-9974, [email protected]
- Laurie Grant, BMO Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]