The BMO Vancouver Marathon recruits A-List Celebrity for 2014 event.
The #RyanChallenge aims to bring a famous Ryan to participate during race weekend.
Vancouver, BC – April 1, 2014 – In an effort to bring Canadian favorites back to British Columbia, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is extending an invitation to two of Hollywood’s finest Canadian actors: Ryan Reynolds, a Vancouver native and Ryan Gosling, from London, Ontario. With the BMO Vancouver Marathon weeks away, the invitation, named the “#RyanChallenge”, welcomes these celebrities to join the 8KM, Half or Marathon event in support of the RUN4HOPE charity program.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon weekend welcomes spring with the picturesque city at its most glorious – snowcapped mountains, flowers in bloom, and the verdant green of the trees make for a perfect time to take part in Canada’s most scenic running event. With Vancouver described by Forbes Magazine as “Hollywood North”, it only made total sense to race organizers to bring some of Hollywood’s finest to the city.
The scenic routes which run through 12 unique neighbourhoods, stunning shorelines and famous Stanley Park, are sure to give each Ryan a good reason to come. Reynolds, who grew up in Vancouver, will get a nostalgic glimpse of his hometown, and Gosling, coming from a flat and inland city, will appreciate the snow-capped mountains and shoreline views. Reynolds also completed the New York City Marathon in 2008, and may be hoping to achieve a faster time this year on home soil.
“We are excited to welcome both Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling to the 2014 BMO Vancouver Marathon,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit organization in charge of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. “Bringing these popular celebrity faces to the event is sure to help raise awareness and funds for our charities that are taking part in our RUN4HOPE program. We hope that despite their busy schedules, both Ryans are able to participate or attend on May 4th.”
About The Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 43-year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Half Marathon. The event will take place on May 4, 2014, featuring the three point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighborhoods. The Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo will take place during Marathon weekend on May 1-3. The 2014 events 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 250 for the Kids 1-Mile Fun run participants.
For more information and how to register visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
For more information about the Vancouver International Marathon Society visit: www.runvan.org
About BMO
BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to be in its ninth year as title sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. BMO supports the running community through sponsorship of marathon events throughout North America – in Vancouver, Kelowna, Charlottetown, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. BMO’s long and proud history of supporting sports and fitness in Canada 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.