Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon 2010 to raise funds for more than 30 local charities

HALIFAX, May 3 /CNW/ - With just a few weeks to go, thousands of runners and walkers are lacing up to participate in this year's Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, the biggest marathon event east of Ottawa, all while raising funds for more than 30 local causes.

"The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is a special weekend-long celebration of healthy living and active lifestyles," explains Isabelle Naud, co-chair of the Race Operations Committee. "It's always been our goal to provide an extraordinary experience for all involved, no matter what your age or ability, or whether you're taking part as a runner, walker or volunteer."

For the second year, there's another way to get involved with the weekend event. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to take part in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge by pledging a runner in support of one of 33 local charities and helping to meet the fundraising goal of $250,000. Last year, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge raised close to $125,000 for 17 local charities.

"The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is about more than just running, it's an event that is also committed to giving back to the community," said Peter Bessey, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region. "We're engaging the entire community to cheer on our participants and make pledges towards local charities that have a huge impact on our neighbourhoods. What a great way to celebrate sportsmanship and enjoy Halifax and Dartmouth's fantastic scenery! That's why we say, Just Giv'er!"

With close to 1,000 more runners and walkers signed up for the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon compared to this time last year, 2010 is set to break another record. "With an event of this size, volunteers are a critical piece of the puzzle. We simply couldn't do it without them," said Naud.

The weekend festivities kick off with the Active Living Expo on Friday, May 21, followed by the Youth Run and Past Village carb-load on Saturday, May 22. This year's marathon event weekend expects to attract more than 9,000 runners and walkers of all fitness levels to participate in the Youth Run, 5K, 10K, Half and Full Marathon. For a full list of charities and the schedule for the event weekend, please visit www.bluenosemarathon.com.

About Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon

Established in 2004, the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is a community-based, volunteer-driven event that promotes health, fitness and active lifestyles through running and walking, and raises funds for local charities. Held each year on the Victoria Day weekend, it is the largest marathon event of its kind east of Ottawa. The Blue Nose has a variety of events to suit every fitness level, from the youth run (4.2K), to 5K and 10K runs, to the Half Marathon (21.1Kk) and the full marathon (42.2K).

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 2009 the Bank provided about $39 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of sports, healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.