Impact with Don Shafer talks about the BMO Vancouver Marathon and some of its greatest moments
Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society, runner and fundraiser Scott Kehoe, and Donna McLennan, regional director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, sat down with Impact’s Don Shafer to talk about the BMO Vancouver Marathon and some of their most inspirational memories from past years.
“We’ve had people be engaged at the Finish Line,” Charlene recalls. “Last year somebody dropped down on their knees and proposed to their girlfriend. Anything and everything is possible on race weekend. It’s really a celebration of accomplishment, of charity, of community, corporate support, city support. Everybody comes together that weekend to really celebrate this very special race.”
Scott Kehoe shared his favourite BMO Vancouver Marathon memory, a story that inspires commitment and teamwork. As a runner and fundraiser for Team in Training, a fundraising program for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Scott had his first experience with the marathon within a year and a half of treatment, and did so with the support of his friends and family.
“I had this amazing group of five other individuals and close friends who did it with me. Some of these people are very elite level runners, and they omitted their own personal goals that very day on the run itself and they ran by my side. When there was a period in the race where I struggled, and I had some issues, and I had to stop and walk. They said we’re all doing this together.”
“We all held hands as we crossed the Finish Line. And it really was that Finish Line as you’re coming across there and you come across together as one big group, and it’s a total group accomplishment. So I think the most amazing thing about this run is that it provides the opportunity for you to really challenge yourself in ways you’re not used to and surprise yourself … Just really being proud at the end…”
The BMO Vancouver Marathon has events for everyone. Donna McLennan, who claimed she is not a runner, will be walking the 8KM route. “My running days are done, but I’m still participating, I’m part of Team in Training and I’m doing the 8KM walk!”
As a community event in Vancouver, the race is about everyone, including spectators and volunteers.
“Part of being a great race is having great city hosts,” says Krepiakevich. “We’re encouraging all the people of Vancouver to come out and cheer. It’s really exciting, there’s lots of vantage points… So get out there and cheer, create a crazy sign… come out and raise some noise!”
The inspirational Scott Kehoe wrapped up the interview by saying, “I think if you’re ever curious about running, or willing to run, and you’re still uncertain about this one, this is the time to sign up. But if not, it’s well worth your time to come down and check out the event, because I guarantee if you come down and see how magical it is you’ll be out there next year.”
Listen to the full segment online with Roadhouse Radio.
Charlene was also on the air this week with Running Flat Radio, and you can listen to that full interview here.