Vancouver, BC - September 16, 2016 - Vancouver’s only marathon is back on May 7, 2017, and excitement is especially high as the world-class event is coming off a sell-out 2016 year. This past May, the event welcomed its most registrants ever in its rich 45 year history, with runners from more than 50 countries.
"After a record-setting 2016, we’re extremely excited to launch registration for our 2017 event and expect it to be another sell-out," says Graeme White, new Executive Director of the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN®, organizers of the event.
"Our mission remains to deliver the World’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver," adds White, whose team will draw on nearly 4,000 volunteers to stage six different race distances that first weekend of May with a Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM race, Relay, 2.5KM Walk and Kids Run.
There are races for everyone at the BMO Vancouver Marathon, plus a free three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo at the waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre West, May 4-6.
The local non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society will further expand on its Community Challenge presented by Chevron initiative to help ignite excitement for sport by rewarding communities and fans who come out on race day to cheer and show off their Vancouver spirit.
The event positions itself as one of the premier races in Canada, let alone the world.
"For locals, it’s a must," says White.
Forbes, CNN, USA Today, and other leading publications have ranked the event as one of the top destination marathons anywhere in the world thanks in part to the surrounding scenery. Race courses feature beautiful shoreline views and snow-capped mountain ranges. The Half Marathon – which accommodates double the participation numbers of the 42.2KM race – also features an epic downhill start into the City.
View video highlights here: Facebook.
All six races run through world-famous Stanley Park, voted Top Park in the Word by TripAdvisor, and the marquee marathon features 70% shoreline views while covering large sections of the Seawall – the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The point-to-point Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM race and Relay then all link up to share an energized Finish Line.
"The BMO Vancouver Marathon has welcomed runners from over 50 countries each of the last few years, and that global interest is only be growing," concludes White. For those wanting a hotel downtown, visit marathon.beVancouver.com to save 50% on race entry.
Race registration is now open online at bmovanmarathon.ca. Runners are encouraged to register early to secure their spot at the Start Line.
Learn more on social @bmovanmarathon #bmovm #runvan.
About the BMO Vancouver Marathon
The BMO Vancouver Marathon features races for everyone with Vancouver’s only marathon, a fast Half Marathon, 8KM race, Relay, 2.5KM Walk and Kids Run. Recognized by Forbes, CNN, USA Today and others as one of the world’s top destination marathons, 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: May 4-6, and on Race Day: May 7, 2017.
About the Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and 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.
About the title sponsor, BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $699 billion as of January 31, 2016, and close to 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
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