With less than one month to go, more than 3,500 Montrealers are lacing up to support local causes on Sunday April 18th

MONTRÉAL, March 25 /CNW/ - In less than one month from now, Parc Jean Drapeau will be buzzing with runners and spectators as the eighth annual Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal et 5K kicks off. From elite competitors to recreational runners and walkers, participants will cross the finish line in support of 26 local charities.

"The Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k is so unique because it's not just an athletic competition, but an event that gives back to our wonderful city," said Diane Giard, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec/Eastern Ontario Region. "While the 21k brings in some serious competition, there are thousands of runners and walkers participating in community activism and helping to raise money for many important charities. This year, we expect to raise more than $250,000 for important local causes."

This year's race is expected to attract a record number of over 3,500 runners. For the third consecutive year, the Canadian Half Marathon Championships will be held in conjunction with the Banque Scotia 21k to kick of the 2010 Canadian Championship series. Canadian athletes finishing in the top three positions at the 2010 Canadian Half Marathon Championships will be eligible for selection for 2010 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships to take place October 16th in Nanning, China. Last year, Matt Loiselle and Tara Quinn-Smith captured the Canadian Half-Marathon Championships titles with times of 1:04:10 and 1:12:09, respectively.

"This year's Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal promises to be very exhilarating," said Race Director Francois Lecot. "Cheering fans will support runners from across Canada and around the world as they race towards the finish line. A friendly athletic competition is an exciting and wonderful way to support important local causes."

Whether a runner or a spectator, here are some event highlights to be on the lookout for!

Runners: Join runners from around the country by taking part in either the half marathon (21K) or 5K. Start times: 8:30 am for 5K and 10:00 am for half marathon - from the Complexe aquatique, Parc Jean-Drapeau. To register: http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/index.htm

Elite Athletes: Some of Canada's very best distance runners as well as top elite runners from several other countries will be competing for Banque Scotia21K prizes (1st: $500; 2nd: $400; 3rd: $250) or for Canadian Half Marathon Championship prizes (1st: $2,000; 2nd: $1,200; 3rd: $1,000).

Pledge: Watching and cheering for your favourite runners is one way to participate in the event, but another is to get involved in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. Make your Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal or 5k more meaningful by going the distance for one of 26 charities involved in the event! Run or walk to honour a loved one or simply give something back to your community. No matter which distance you participate in, your fundraising makes a difference! For more info: http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/montCHARITY.htm

Cheer - Come out and cheer on the competitors or pledge a runner taking part in the race for a good cause!

About Scotiabank
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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 2009 the Bank provided about $39 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.