Vancouver, BC – April 21, 2015 – The 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon has now reached 95% capacity in the Marathon race and organizers are predicting a fourth straight sell-out in 2015. Continued improvements excite runners and have attracted registrations from over 50 countries. Celebrating its 44th year, Vancouver’s only Marathon remains a hallmark event for the city of Vancouver and Canada’s top destination race.
“Now in its 44th year, the Vancouver Marathon is an established legacy event around the world and continues to draw interest from near and afar,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit organization responsible for organizing the large running event annually on the first weekend of May.
Recognized by CNN and Forbes as a Top Destination Race, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. The event has also received outstanding race reviews including a recent 100% Race Rating as published in Impact Magazine and the honour of Western Canada’s Best Marathon in Get Out There Magazine’s 10th Annual Readers Choice Awards.
“While the 42.2KM race remains our marquee event, race weekend has grown to embody activities for the entire community,” adds Krepiakevich.
“Our Half Marathon is a favourite for its fast start and city skyline views. For new runners wanting to experience a mass participation event, our 8KM race takes runners on a stunning jog through Stanley Park and our new Marathon Relay is perfect for teams wanting to try a 5-13KM distance together. For kids, our new 2.5KM Kids Fun Run gives youngsters all the perks of the big race – including bibs, medals, shirts, food, corrals, and entertainment.”
With race day less than two weeks away, limited spots remain available for runners to take part. Sign up today at BMOVanMarathon.ca in order to participate in Vancouver's legacy event.
For non-runners, anticipation also continues to grow with several new, FREE and fun activities to enjoy on race weekend. An expanded three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo at the Convention Centre West will be brimming with energy featuring over 100 exhibitors, information, products, sampling and entertainment. Also each day, music, entertainment and prizes will keep the clouds away outside on the Terrace, free of charge.
On race day May 3rd, friends, family, visitors and locals can join the action by getting out to watch and cheer on runners. Through the new Neighbourhood Challenge program presented by Chevron, $7,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs for the best neighbourhood spirit! Check out one of 32 entertainment stations on-course – gather your friends and neighbours – bring your lawn chairs, pom poms, and red mitten spirit!
To keep runners’ enthusiasm high, this year the BMO Vancouver Marathon has also introduced more prizes for teams, schools, age category winners and elite athletes that has drawn an impressive local and international roster. Watch for potential event records this year at the Finish Line located at West Pender and Bute, and then experience the free Street Festival on West Hastings.
For more information and to secure one of the remaining BMO Vancouver Marathon race entries, please visit BMOVanMarathon.ca
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Marathon event images, 2013 and 2014 https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B2t8zuMvg4skfkY2cGdmTHBwX0xnWkRNN1dnNk13VDRhd3QwUWdBazZkMUFtWkJaNUc1a0E&usp=sharing
About The Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. With a 44-year history within Vancouver, the event is the city’s only marathon and one of Canada’s largest marathons. Recognized by CNN and Forbes as a Top Destination Race, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. Race weekend takes place April 30 – May 3, 2015 with all events capped at: 5,000 for the Marathon, 250 teams for the Marathon Relay, 10,000 for the Half Marathon, 2,000 for the 8KM, 500 for 8KM School Challenge and 500 for the Kids Fun Run. For more information and how to register visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca For more information about the Vancouver International Marathon Society visit: www.runvan.org