Torontonians invited to run, pledge and cheer on September 28th

    TORONTO, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - This year there are more reasons than ever to
participate in marathon 'mania' at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
(STWM). In its biggest race yet, the marathon will attract world class
athletes from all corners of the globe and will support over 60 charities
making a difference in our community. On September 28, all Torontonians are
invited to take part - either by running (full marathon, half marathon or 5K),
pledging or cheering!
    "This marathon is unique in that it goes beyond a sporting event and
truly gives back to our city," said John Doig, Senior Vice-President of
Marketing for Scotiabank. "This year we expect to improve the $920,000 raised
last year for important local organizations that make an impact in the
communities where we live and work. In some cases the funds raised at the
marathon give a charity its entire annual operating budget. In every sense,
the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Toronto's Run."
    This year's STWM expects to draw more than 13,000 runners - double the
size of the event five years ago. For the first time, the race was awarded an
IAAF Silver Label, making it one of only five marathons in North America with
this recognition, and putting it in an exclusive class with New York, Boston
and Chicago. "Our race is now on par with other top-flight marathons around
the world and we're inviting the whole city to take part," said Race Director
Alan Brookes. "Whether it's running, pledging or cheering, this is the year to
get involved, to be part of Toronto's biggest street party, and to help make
the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Toronto's best marathon ever. This
is a festival that just happens to be a run!"
    Among those running this year are Torontonians such as Toronto Argonaut
Andre Talbot, GTA MPP and Minister of Tourism Peter Fonseca and City Councilor
Karen Stintz, who will each be running for different causes close to their
hearts. Andre Talbot is running for Teresa's Group - an organization that
supports children affected by HIV and AIDS in Toronto. "I'm running to help
erase the stigma associated with this disease," said Talbot. "I'm running for
the hundreds of families that have needed The Teresa Groups' compassion. I'm
running for their future."
    For Torontonians who don't consider themselves runners - there are still
several ways to get involved with this year's 'marathon mania'.How to take part in 'Marathon Mania': Run, Pledge or Cheer
    ----------------------------------------------------------

    Run - Join runners from around the world by taking part in either the
    full marathon (42.195km), half marathon or 5K.
    Start times: Marathon/Half Marathon 7:30am; 5K 8.15am from
    Nathan Phillips Square

    Pledge - The Scotiabank Charity Challenge - A great way to get involved
    this year is to participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and
    pledge a runner in support of one of 60 different local charities.
    Scan the website and pledge a runner like 60 year old Alfred Carr,
    running the half marathon for the Alzheimer Toronto team in honour of his
    55 year-old wife Anne, diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2005. And why stop
    at pledging? Come on out, shout yourself hoarse and support the runners
    going the distance.

    Cheer - The Neighbourhood Challenge - Support your 'hood ! From the
    Humber Bay to the Beaches, eleven official Neighbourhood
    Cheering & Entertainment Centres will be stationed along the race route.
    Be thoroughly entertained as each neighbourhood welcomes spectators with
    an amazing show - from Little India's pulsating Bhangra beats to the
    energy-infusion of St. Lawrence's Samba Squad. Come out and cheer on the
    competitors or pledge a neighbourhood champion taking part in the race -
    someone like Beaches Champion, Keith Begley, who is raising money for the
    Beaches' own local hero - 11-year-old Justin Murphy who needs two new
    cochlear implants to help him hear once again. The most spirited
    Neighbourhood Cheering & Entertainment centre on the day will be awarded
    $6000 towards their cause, courtesy of Scotiabank.

    The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
    ------------------------------------------For the first time ever, this year's marathon was given Silver label
status by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) making
it only one of only five internationally recognized marathons in North
America, putting Toronto on the map in the international athletic community.
And while the race is certainly gaining international profile - it has also
gained profile within the city. Earlier this year Toronto Mayor David Miller
invited the race - for the first time ever - to move its Start/Finish line to
City Hall at Nathan Phillips Square. The marathon attracts participants from
over thirty-five countries and aims to raise $1 million for over sixty small
but significant neighbourhood charities. Visit
www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com for further event information.About Scotiabank
    ----------------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. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.

    Please see the attached backgrounder of charities benefiting from the
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.THE SCOTIABANK GROUP CHARITY CHALLENGE 2008

    - Team In Training - The Leukemia     - Lymphovenous Association
      & Lymphoma Society of Canada          of Ontario
    - Alzheimer Society of Toronto        - Matthew House
    - Invest in Kids                      - Metropolitan United Church,
    - Mon Sheong Foundation                 Community Services
    - A Run for Liane (Supporting         - Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation
      SickKids Foundation)                  of Toronto
    - A Run to Remember                   - Muscular Dystrophy Canada -
    - Abilities Centre                      Toronto Chapter
    - Amnesty International               - Muskoka Woods Foundation
    - The Arthritis Society               - New Visions Toronto
    - Aspergers Society of Ontario        - North York General Hospital
    - Assaulted Women's Helpline            Foundation
    - Autism Ontario - Durham Region      - North York Harvest Food Bank
    - Autism Ontario -                    - Ontario SPCA Wildlife
      Simcoe County Chapter                 Rehabilitation Centre
    - Bereaved Families of Ontario        - Osteoporosis Canada -
    - Breast Cancer Society of Canada       Toronto & Area Chapter
    - Canada Africa Partnership           - Philip Aziz Centre
      on AIDS (CAP AIDS)                  - Psychology Foundation of Canada
    - Canadian MPS Society                - Right To Play
    - The Canadian Safe School Network    - Rose of Sharon Services for
    - Careforce International               Young Mothers
    - Children's Aid Foundation           - Run for Jason in support of
    - The Children's Wish Foundation        b.r.a.i.n. child
      of Canada                           - Second Harvest
    - CNIB                                - Sheena's Place - Support for
    - Community Education Services          Eating Disorders
      (CES) Canada                        - Shelternet for Abused Women
    - Daily Bread Food Bank               - The Teresa Group
    - Epilepsy Toronto                    - Toronto City Mission
    - Fort York Food Bank                 - Toronto East General Hospital
    - Foundation Fighting Blindness         Foundation
    - The George Hull Centre for          - Toronto Rehab Foundation
      Children & Families                 - Toronto United Church
    - Giant Steps Toronto/York Region       Council Camping
    - Gilda's Club Greater Toronto        - Wellspring Cancer Support Network
    - Give Girls a Chance                 - Wildlife Preservation Canada
    - Hope for Children Foundation        - World Society for the Protection
    - Humewood House                        of Animals
    - KidsFest                            - Yee Hong Community Wellness
    - Literature for Life                   Foundation
    - Lung Cancer Canada