More than just runners of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, RUNVAN Community Ambassadors are leaders in the community who embody the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s mission, vision and values. These superstars find joy in motivating and inspiring others through the sport of running and make for great human interest stories.
Here are a few stories that may motivate you on your journey to the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 3, 2015.
Nikki Scott – Beat the odds to start her running journey. In 2005, Nikki was seriously injured in a car accident and told she would not be able to run again. After years of therapy, she was ready to start getting her life back and joined a local clinic to give running a try. She has since completed more than 20 half marathons, 3 full marathons and 2 ultra marathons.
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Justin Bonzo – Avid runner, PhD candidate, and marathon instructor who changed his life with running. Justin began running 5 years ago after losing 100lbs. In October 2011, Justin ran his first race, which also happened to be his first marathon. Now a clinic leader at The Running Room, always smiling and inspiring others to be active, the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon will be Justin’s 12th marathon.
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Neil Wakelin – Former Running Room Area Manager and Events Coordinator, set to run his 150th marathon. Neil ran his first Vancouver Marathon back in 1975. Now a Legacy Runners Club member for completing over 20 BMO Vancouver Marathon events, Neil will be running the BMO Vancouver Marathon again this year for his 150th marathon with a goal time of 3 hours 30 minutes.
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Michelle Ford – Personal Trainer and proud member of the Fraser Street Run Club. Michelle is a personal trainer and organizer of the Fraser Street Run Club. Her first marathon was the BMO Vancouver Marathon in 2013 and she has since finished 3 other marathons. When she is not working with clients or organizing community runs, she’s busy training for her next 100KM.
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Ryan Chilibeck – Restaurant owner and founder/organizer of the East Van Run Crew. Ryan was never a runner growing up but found his passion for the sport a few years ago. Founder of the East Van Run Crew, which has been recognized as one of Canada’s top running clubs by Canadian Running Magazine, this will be Ryan’s first time running in the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
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These are just a few of the RunVan Community Ambassadors. For more, visit bmovanmarathon.ca/community/ambassadors/
Follow the journeys of these athletes and share your own stories on social media using the Hashtags #RunVan #bmvom
We love hearing your stories on why you love to run!
“Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days we don’t have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up” – Amby Burfoot