World-Class Marathon named recipient of IAAF Silver Label

    TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - Organizers today announced new course changes to
this year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, including the Start and
Finish venue, which will change to Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City
Hall. This world-class marathon, recently awarded the International
Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Silver Label, will take place on
Sunday, September 28, 2008.
    "Scotiabank is especially proud to be able to support and enrich our
community through an event that continues to grow on an international scale as
it becomes recognized by organizations like the IAAF," said Jim Tobin,
Director and Head Sponsorships, Scotiabank. "With every year that passes and
as we continue to build upon previous years' successes, we are seeing more
runners, more spectators and greater community involvement and more money for
the local charities associated with this event."
    The City of Toronto, with strong support from Mayor David Miller, has
recently confirmed that the ninth edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront
Marathon will start and finish at Nathan Phillips Square - Toronto City Hall.
    "With its rapid growth in size, its major contributions to local
charities and the city, plus its international-class times, the Scotiabank
Toronto Waterfront Marathon has become a signature event for our city," said
Mayor David Miller. "We are delighted to see the race take its place in the
heart of Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square."
    The 2008 marathon will start and finish on Bay Street at Albert Street
and will continue southbound on Bay Street before joining the original running
route turning East on Wellington and Front Streets. The move will change the
first and final 600 metres of the flattest and fastest course along Lakeshore
Boulevard.
    "We're absolutely thrilled with this year's changes to the marathon - the
new location and the recent IAAF recognition," said Race Director Alan
Brookes. "This label recognizes the efforts of our sponsors, City staff,
volunteers and the organizing team to help put the event together. The Silver
Label helps put Toronto and the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on the
map."
    The IAAF is the world governing body for athletics and road racing, based
in Monaco. The organisation governs and helps execute the technical aspects of
athletics at the Olympics and World Championships, and are the global
authority on the sport of running. Both Gold and Silver marathon/road race
labels for 2008 were announced by the IAAF prior to the holidays.
    The Gold and Silver Label system is a new initiative, designed to
recognize and promote excellence in marathons, road races and athletics. This
year only 40 Silver and 12 Gold Labels have been awarded globally, recognizing
52 international road running events. In Canada, both Scotiabank Toronto
Waterfront Marathon and the Ottawa Marathon and 10K are the only label
recipients.
    Last year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon marathon saw a record
of 12,311 participants and raised more than $900,000 for 50 local charities.
Kenyan John Kelai broke a 31-year-old record of the fastest marathon ever run
on Canadian soil with a time of 2:09:30. The event was also televised live on
CBC Country Canada television and broadband internet. For more information and
registration, please visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.
    The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has become one of the premier
sporting events in Toronto and across North America. It is recognized as an
international celebration of athletics and a community celebration of healthy
living and of a great city. Over the past five years, the Scotiabank Group
Charity Challenge has raised more than $2.85 million for local charities
across the GTA. Each year, more money is raised, bringing more runners and
their families from all over the world to Toronto.
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide
Web at www.scotiabank.com.