Scotiabank Calgary Marathon reaches out to the public to raise money for local charities

CALGARY, May 18 /CNW/ - With almost two weeks to go, thousands of runners and walkers are lacing up to participate in this year's Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, voted the 2009 Best Road Race in Alberta. For the first time, a new element has been added to the race - the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to support fundraising for local charities.

Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to take part in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge by pledging an individual or team in support of one of 19 local charities. This provides a chance to give something back to the organizations that create a positive influence in the community on a daily basis.

"The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is about more than just running, it's an event that is also committed to giving to the community," said George Marlatte, Senior Vice President, Prairie Region Scotiabank. "We're engaging the entire community to cheer on our participants and make pledges towards local charities that have a huge impact on our neighborhoods."

Scotiabank is also sponsoring three prizes, each worth $2,500 for the charities that raise the most money, raise the most money per runner and have the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner). Charities are only eligible to win one of the three prizes.

"The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is Canada's longest running marathon and a weekend celebration of road running, sportsmanship and health and wellness," explains Lynn Cox, Marketing Director, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. "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."

With close to 9,000 runners and walkers signed up for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, 2010 is set to break another record. The weekend festivities kick off with the Health and Wellness Expo and Race Package pickup on Friday, May 28 from 4 to 8 pm and Saturday, May 29 from 10 am to 5 pm. This year's marathon event weekend will attract runners and walkers of all fitness levels to participate in the 10k, 4 X 10k corporate challenge, 5k family walk/run and kids' marathon.

For a full list of charities and the schedule for the event weekend, please visit www.calgarymarathon.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 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.