BMO Vancouver Marathon pays tribute to those affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy
Marathon’s emergency response plan gets green light from City of Vancouver.
Vancouver, BC – April 18, 2013 – The BMO Vancouver Marathon will hold one minute of silence at the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8km and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run race starts to pay tribute to those affected by the bombings at the Boston Marathon – the victims, their families, participants, first responders and spectators.
In addition, the Vancouver International Marathon Society will give a yellow ribbon to every runner at package pick-up Participants will also be encouraged to sign a commemorative book at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo. Executive Director, Charlene Krepiakevich says, “This special coffee table book will be bound and presented to our colleagues at the Boston Athletic Association.”
Krepiakevich adds, “Runners and supporters are encouraged to wear the yellow ribbon on race day to show their support for the victims of this tragedy and to stand united against such violence.”
The Society will give a $10 donation to the One Fund Boston for every walk-up registration received at the Sports, Health & Lifestyle Expo for the 8km, half marathon and marathon events from May 2-4. The One Fund Boston was set up to raise money to help the families most affected by Monday’s bombings.
Saucony, the event apparel sponsor, will also donate 100% of the proceeds of their #BostonStrong t-shirts to the One Fund Boston. A limited supply will be available at the Expo.
Organizers of the BMO Vancouver Marathon met this week with senior officials from the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department, Ambulance Services, Emergency Services, medical providers and other stakeholders.
“After a thorough review of our Emergency Response Plan, we are pleased to announce that officials support our plan and agree it will provide the necessary levels of safety and security for runners, volunteers, spectators and other supporters”, announced Krepiakevich.
“Like everyone else, we were shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Boston this week. Our hearts, sympathies and prayers go out to the victims, families, spectators and supporters of the Boston Marathon, arguably one of the most iconic marathons in the world,” Krepiakevich added. “We have been moved by the overwhelming support received from our runners, volunteers, sponsors and our extended running community, locally and nationally. It is evident that the tragic events in Boston have not deterred the spirit behind these events, rather it has created a rallying-point for the community to come together to protect what we value and cherish.”
“Now with complete support from the City and other stakeholders, we will move on and look forward to welcoming runners from around the world on May 5that the BMO Vancouver Marathon.”
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:
- Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director, Vancouver International Marathon Society, Office: 604-872-2928, [email protected]
- Laurie Grant, BMO Media Relations, 604-665-7596, [email protected]
- Twitter: @bmovanmarathon, @runvancanada