Athletics: Runners from over 45 countries signed up for 45th Vancouver Marathon
BMO Vancouver Marathon continues to have international appeal
Vancouver, BC : January, 29, 2016 - Runners from over 45 countries have already signed up to run the 45th Vancouver Marathon on May 1, 2016, proving the event continues to have international appeal.
Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Mexico and the UK have registered the most runners thus far for the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon. Also represented are runners from Australia, Bermuda, Costa Rica, France, Ireland, Latvia, Russia and Sweden. The event hopes to match or better the 50 countries that comprised 2015 registrations.
"Vancouver is home to one of the best destination marathons in the world with the BMO Vancouver Marathon," agrees Ty Speer, President & CEO of Tourism Vancouver, noting sport tourism is an important part of Vancouver’s local economy, and the city recognizes the economic and social benefits it brings to residents.
The BMO Vancouver Marathon has received high-acclaim from leading publications, including USA Today, CNN Travel and Forbes Magazine.
"The half and the marathon take in the most spectacular of Vancouver’s running routes.. and, perhaps the most stunning final 10KM of any marathon, along Stanley Park’s Seawall," Canada Running Magazine writes in its latest December Destination Issue. The national publication ranked the BMO Vancouver Marathon as one Canada’s ‘Gold Label Races’ and a ‘perfect destination race vacation’.
"While Vancouver will welcome exciting new sporting events in 2016 with the World Rugby Seven Series, Americas Masters Games and Ironman 5150 Triathlon, Vancouver's only marathon event has consistently been a highlight event in the city and we are thrilled to be celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Vancouver Marathon this May," says Speer.
To help attract destination runners, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has partnered with beVancouver for a fourth consecutive year. Spectators can enjoy great hotel deals, and runners can save 50% off their race registration when they first book their downtown Vancouver hotel through the website Marathon.beVancouver.com.
Also attracting destination runners this year is the strong US currency in comparison to the Canadian dollar. International travelers can save big on the exchange rate when visiting beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
"We get about 50 per cent of our runners coming from outside the Lower Mainland," adds Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. "They stay in our hotels, they go to our restaurants, generating somewhere between 40 and 50 million dollars in economic impact."
"Our vision is to be the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver," concludes Krepiakevich, noting to accomplish that vision the non-profit Society relies heavily on 4,000 volunteers, raving fans, stakeholders, sponsors, community and those destination runners.
Click here for photos and videos of the BMO Vancouver Marathon
BMO Vancouver Marathon accolades:
Canada’s Gold Label Races ‘perfect destination race vacations’- Canadian Running Magazine (2015) "One of the top destination marathons anywhere in the world, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is famous for its beautiful course," writes Canadian Running Magazine. "The half and the marathon take in the most spectacular of Vancouver’s running routes.. and, perhaps the most stunning final 10KM of any marathon, along Stanley Park’s Seawall."
100% Race Rating - Impact Magazine (2015) Received a perfect 100% race rating from runners and named one of the Top 3 Races in BC. Impact Magazine adds "Superb support from the crowd and volunteers."
The World’s 10 Best Half Marathons - The Active Times (2015) The article writes "This 13.1-mile race landed a spot on our list thanks to the breathtaking natural scenery.."
Top 10 Marathons Worth Traveling For - Forbes Magazine (2014) The global media source acknowledged the diverse, scenic route of the BMO Vancouver Marathon which includes snow-capped mountain views, cherry blossom trees, and 70% course shoreline.
Best Marathon in Western Canada - Get Out There Magazine (2014) BMO Vancouver Marathon was recognized as the Best Marathon in Western Canada in Get Out There Magazine’s 10th annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
14 spring races all runners should try - USA Today (2014) "The epitome of a truly superb spring race, runners flock to Vancouver each May to run a perfectly picturesque course," shares the established publication, USA Today.
Run the world: Runner’s guide to the Most Exotic Marathons - CNN Travel (2013) Ranked one of the World’s Most Exotic Marathons, the publication states "It’s worth running simply to take in Vancouver’s scenery."
Top 10 Marathons Worth Traveling For - Forbes Magazine (2012) With the debut of a new course in 2012, Vancouver made the list alongside elite races including marathons in Boston, London and Paris.
About the BMO Vancouver Marathon
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2016, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is Vancouver’s only marathon, plus the event boasts a Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 8KM Race, Kids Run and new 2.5KM Walk. Recognized by Forbes, CNN, USA Today and others as one of the top destination marathons in the world, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. Join in at the free Expo: April 28 - 30, and on Race Day: May 1, 2016.
About the Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and the Fall Classic Run at UBC. The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and delivers running events with a mandate to promote healthy living, increase participation in the sport, and celebrate the value the sport delivers to our communities.
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