HALIFAX, May 7 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today strengthened its commitment to
the Blue Nose International Marathon by unveiling the Scotiabank Full Marathon
and Red Lace initiative, which will help raise funds for the YMCA Strong Kids
Program.
    The Marathon will begin its three-day festivities on Friday May 16th,
with the Scotiabank Full Marathon beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday May 18th.
    "This marathon brings people from around the world to our city and it
provides a wonderful opportunity for runners, spectators and communities to
come together - not simply for the pure enjoyment of running, but to give back
to the communities where we live and work," said Helen Quinlan-Hainse,
Scotiabank District Vice-President, South-West Nova Scotia District.
"Scotiabank is very proud to be a sponsor of the Blue Nose Marathon, and
especially proud of the contribution that so many dedicated Scotiabank
volunteers make by giving their time to help make a difference."
    The Bank's Red Lace fundraising program encourages participants to pick
up their red shoelaces for a two dollar donation at the D250 Active Living
Expo where runners will be picking up their race kits or at the YMCA in
Halifax and Dartmouth starting on May 13th. Scotiabank will match donations
for every pair to cross the finish line on race day, with all proceeds going
to the YMCA Strong Kids Program.
    This year, the Blue Nose Marathon race returns to the World Trade &
Convention Centre. The race route showcases Halifax and Dartmouth, its land
marks and some of the city's most breathtaking scenery.
    "This new partnership with Scotiabank is a great way to celebrate our
fifth anniversary and the continued growth our event has seen," said Rod
McCulloch, Co-founder of the Blue Nose Marathon. "Scotiabank's commitment to
giving back to our community through programs like Red Laces complements our
efforts to create an annual celebration of our community and healthy
lifestyles."
    In the five years since its inception, the Blue Nose Marathon has become
the largest event of its kind east of Ottawa. Offering something for runners
and walkers of all ages and skill levels, the three day event includes six
unique distance categories: Scotiabank Full Marathon, Volkswagen Half
Marathon, The Chronicle Herald 10k Race, Dempster's 5k Run-Walk, McDonald's
YMCA Team Relay, and Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run.
    The Blue Nose International Marathon is the most recent of Scotiabank's
sponsorship initiatives supporting events that encourage people of all ages to
come together in support of their communities and important local causes.
Other running events include the Banque Scotia 21K Montreal in April; the
Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon in June and the Scotiabank Toronto
Waterfront Marathon in September.

    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, social services and arts and culture. Please visit
us at www.scotiabank.com.