BMO Vancouver Marathon announces marathon event is sold out!
New course route lures 5,000 runners from 40 countries, representing a 25% increase in marathon participants over 2011.
Vancouver, BC – March 20, 2012 – 5,000 runners from 40 countries have now earned exclusive bragging rights to run the new marathon course in Vancouver at the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 6th. The lure of the stunning new point-to-point marathon course has sparked interest from local, national and international runners representing a 25 per cent increase in marathon participants over last year.
“This is the first marathon course re-design in Vancouver in a decade and obviously, runners are extremely excited about it,” reports Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director at the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “We have consulted with numerous local community, business and civic groups over the last 18 months to create this exciting new route, and now, have a course that rivals the iconic point-to-point marathon courses of the world, including Boston and New York,” Krepiakevich adds.
Runners are travelling from all corners of the globe to participate in the 2012 BMO Vancouver Marathon, including Brazil, Japan, Switzerland and Africa – 37% of all marathon participants are from outside British Columbia,
“The increased interest from marathon runners is great news for our event, our city and the sport!”, Krepiakevich notes. “Endurance events are growing around the world and we need to ensure our event rivals the worlds best,” she adds. “By showcasing some of Vancouver’s charming neighborhoods, landmarks and parks, including Stanley Park and the coveted Seawall, the event is now ranked as a Top 10 Destination Marathon by Forbes Magazine.”
The 42.1 km marathon journey starts at 8am on May 6 near Queen Elizabeth Park, travels south down the historical Cambie Boulevard, turns west through Kerrisdale in South Vancouver on West 49th avenue, takes a climb up Camosun Street in Dunbar and circles around Pacific Spirit Park before heading toward UBC on West 16th Avenue. Near Vancouver famous Wreck Beach, runners receive peak-a-boo views of the Burrard Inlet and Pacific Ocean, then run along Marine Drive at UBC and down the Jericho hill to finally view the stunning city skyline before them. Continuing through Kitsilano, the West End and through Stanley Park on the Seawall, runners then end their scenic run, downtown near the sails at Canada Place.
“BMO is proud to be the title sponsor of Vancouver’s only marathon, now a Forbes Top 10 Destination Marathon event. We are thrilled to support the event and will continue to work with the Society to build on the incredible success they have already achieved,” said Sandy Bourne, Vice President, Corporate Advertising and Sponsorship, BMO Financial Group. “My colleagues and I at BMO value and support the incredible commitment, passion and perseverance of long distance runners. We also strive to go the distance for our customers”
The half-marathon event also celebrates a new course design. The race leaves Queen Elizabeth Park at 7am on May 6 and travels north down the historic Cambie Boulevard, past City Hall, over the Cambie Bridge, looping through Chinatown, Yaletown, West End and Stanley Park to also end downtown near the sails at Canada Place. The half-marathon event is capped of 10,000 participants and is currently 80 per cent sold. Organizers expect the half marathon event to sell out in the next few weeks.
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 one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 40 year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. On Sunday, May 6, 2012, the BMO Vancouver Marathon will feature two new point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighbourhoods. The 2012 events will be capped at 5,000 marathon participants and 10,000 half-marathon participants.
For more information on the volunteer program and how to register please visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
About BMO
BMO has been serving British Columbians for 125 years with the first branch opening in Vancouver in August, 1887. Today, its 3,000 employees serve customers from 118 BMO Bank of Montreal branches, six BMO Nesbitt Burns offices and six BMO Harris Private Banking locations. BMO is also committed to corporate and social responsibility and the principles of sustainable development; proudly supporting education, health and social services and arts and culture in communities across the province.
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]
Twitter: @BMOVanMarathon Web: www.bmovanmarathon.ca