Winners of the Community and Volunteer Awards
May 24, 2018 — Vancouver, BC —
This year’s BMO Vancouver Marathon brought in a record number of runners, breaking the 17,000 mark for the first time in history. Over 90,000 spectators and 4,000 volunteers lined the course on the first Sunday in May to cheer on runners conquering the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM and Relay.
The event recognizes spectator and volunteer groups through two award programs: the Community Challenge presented by Chevron and Volunteer Awards presented by BMO.
Community Challenge Awards presented by Chevron
The Community Challenge presented by Chevron gave spectators and fans the opportunity to show their spirit through a fun and creative challenge. With a total prize amount of $7,000, groups were encouraged to come out and support all the runners on course.
“They help to fuel the athletes across the Finish Line,” shares Kristina Bradley, Brand Manager, Chevron. “At Chevron, we endeavour to support community events like the BMO Vancouver Marathon that bring together not just athletes, but also supporters and cheer squads from across the community.”
Winners were presented with awards at Community Celebration night, hosted by RUNVAN®, the non-profit organizers of the Marathon.
[twocol_one] Best Neighbourhood
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Best Creativity or Decoration
Goodenough Family
Barry and Joan Jung
Best Group or Team Costume
Bloco Energia
Carnival Band[/twocol_one]
[twocol_one_last]Best Singing
Freedom 95
Dalia’s Cheer Team
Best Dance
Iconic Tribute
Best Volunteer Cheer Group
Killarney Secondary Group
Eric Hamber Eternal Dragon[/twocol_one_last] “It was so much fun seeing all the energy, all the people cheering,” says Rick Maharaj, Goodenough Family. “We were at the 7KM mark and also at the Finish Line and the energy was incredible. The runners were so upbeat.”
Volunteer Awards presented by BMO
The BMO Vancouver Marathon is supported by nearly 4,000 volunteers annually. To acknowledge the special role volunteer groups play in making the event a success, 20 volunteer groups were recognized and awarded cash prizes from the event’s title sponsor, BMO Bank of Montreal.
Volunteer Award Winners
[twocol_one]BC Lupus Society
Bodwell High School
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Mental Health Association
Collingwood Community Policing Centre
Down Syndrome Research Foundation
Empower Club Killarney Secondary
False Creek Runners Walkers Club
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
Immigration Services Society of BC[/twocol_one]
[twocol_one_last]Johnston Heights Secondary – JH Leadership
Killarney Torpedos Turtles Club
LA Power Running Club
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Pacific Road Runners Club
Race Force Athletics and Volunteering Club
Ride2Survive
Surrey BC Chinese Community
VanRun Vancouver Running and Jogging Club
WestEnd Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre[/twocol_one_last]“I would be remiss if I did not say a personal thanks to all the volunteers that made this event a resounding success,” writes Michael Bonner, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, BMO Bank of Montreal.
“We are so grateful to the almost 4,000 volunteers that so generously provided their time, supports and energy to make this event what it is,” says David Lee Fay, Board Member, RUNVAN®. “Not only do they start showing up during the wee hours on race day, but many of them are providing their support on many occasions well in advance.”
Congratulations to all the winners!
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