Over 70 local charities join Mayor and Members of Council in 'warm-up'
    and 'opening lap' in Nathan Phillips SquareTORONTO, May 27 /CNW/ - On your marks, get training, start pledging ...
go! Today, Mayor David Miller, Members of Council and Scotiabank welcomed
representatives from over 70 local charities to mark the official four-month
training countdown to the 20th anniversary Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront
Marathon (STWM). A ceremonial warm-up and opening lap was led in Nathan
Phillips Square by Mayor Miller, who will be the city's first mayor to run in
the event when he runs the Half Marathon on September 27th.
    "The City of Toronto recognizes the importance of supporting important
community initiatives like the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and we
are pleased to host the launch in Nathan Phillips Square today," said The
Honorable Mayor David Miller. "The Marathon brings runners from all over the
world to our beautiful waterfront and I am proud to mark the 20th Anniversary
as the first Toronto Mayor to run in the event."
    The STWM (42km, 21km, 5km) takes place on September 27, 2009 and is one
of only five officially recognized IAAF Label marathons across North America,
alongside New York, Boston, Chicago and Ottawa. In 2009, the internationally
recognized sporting event will mark its 20th Anniversary as one of the city's
oldest running events and will attract more than 18,000 runners from over 40
countries.
    "In addition to being an internationally recognized sporting event, the
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is an incredibly successful fundraising
program," said Robin Hibberd, Executive Vice-President of Scotiabank and
participant in the 2009 Half Marathon. "Over the past 20 years, the STWM has
raised millions for many deserving charities and Scotiabank is extremely proud
to continue supporting an event that will enrich the lives of many Canadian
families."
    Hoping to celebrate its biggest year yet, the event aims to raise $1.5
million for the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, benefiting over 70
charities across the city. These charities include this year's national
charity partner, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada's 'Team in
Training' and featured charities The Aspergers Society of Ontario, Children's
Aid Foundation and Humewood House. Torontonians not running in the event can
still get involved by pledging individual runners and their chosen charity.
    "On par with other top marathons around the world, our race has a newly
improved running route, as well as exciting new bonuses for our 20th
Anniversary year," said Race Director, Alan Brookes. "Whether it's running,
pledging or cheering, this is the year to get involved in Toronto's premier
running event and biggest street party."
    In 2009, the STWM features an improved race route, now taking runners
through The Beach, Leslieville and St. Lawrence Market neighbourhoods instead
of the Leslie Street 'Spit'. There are also increased prize money incentives
for time bonuses including the introduction of $25,000 each for new Canadian
Men's or Women's marathon record.How to get involved:
    -   Run - Join runners from around the world by taking part in either the
        full marathon (42.195km), half marathon or 5K, all starting in Nathan
        Phillips Square on Sunday, September 27th 2009.
    -   Pledge - The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge - Participate in the
        Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and pledge a runner in support of
        one of 70 different local charities.
    -   Cheer - The Neighbourhood Challenge - Support your 'hood! Eleven
        official Neighbourhood Cheering & Entertainment Centres will be
        stationed along the race route. The most spirited neighbourhood will
        be awarded $6000 towards their cause, courtesy of Scotiabank.

    About Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
    --------------------------------------------In 2009, The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon celebrates its 20th
Anniversary, making it one of Toronto's oldest running events. For the second
consecutive year, the marathon has been given Silver label status by the
International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) making it one of only
five internationally recognized marathons in North America, putting Toronto on
the map in the international athletic community. The event attracts
participants from over 40 countries and aims to raise $1.5 million for more
than 70 charities.
    For more information, please visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.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 2008 the Bank provided about $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./NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
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