Marathon Legend, Best-Selling Author, Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist

CALGARY, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - Dick Beardsley, North American marathon legend, will inspire and motivate Calgary runners on Thursday, January 20^th during two Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Training season kick off events. In the early '80s Beardsley became the most famous runner in the world - by losing a race. In the 1982 Boston Marathon, Beardsley, foiled by a motorcycle, finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar the closest finish ever at the world's premier marathon, and often called one of the most memorable in marathon history. Both runners broke the course and the American records and this famous 1982 Boston Marathon has also been dubbed the "Duel in the Sun".

Dick's bestselling book Staying the Course recounts the stunning race that made Dick Beardsley a celebrity and the difficult years that followed, including his recovery from a near-fatal farm accident, his subsequent addiction to painkillers, and a very public arrest for forging prescriptions. His story of overcoming extreme obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.

The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is proud to present Dick Beardsley to Calgarians this Thursday to offer inspiration, motivation and the message of philanthropy as many embark on their training program for the 47^th Annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.

Photo and Interview Opportunities:

1. Lunch with Dick Beardsley at the Westin Hotel
   100 attendees join Beardsley for an intimate lunch and presentation.
   The Westin Calgary, 320 4th Avenue S.W.
   Thursday, January 20, 2011
   Doors Open: 11:30 a.m.
   Lunch & Presentation: 12 p.m.
   Media Opportunities: 11 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 2 p.m.
2. Presentation at Eau Claire Market, near the Running Room
   A free event for runners and enthusiasts/standing room only.
   Eau Claire Market, Unit A01, 200 Barclay Parade S.W.
   Thursday, January 20, 2011
   Presentation by Dick Beardsley: 6  p.m.
   Media Opportunities: 5: 30 - 6 p.m. & 6:30 - 7 p.m.

About the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon:
Canada's Oldest Marathon Turns 50 in 2014

Voted the 2010 & 2009 Best Road Race in Alberta, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is a challenging, competitive and fun event with a race designed for everyone of any level. Events include the Scotiabank Marathon, Centaur Subaru Half Marathon, Jugo Juice 10K, AstraZeneca 5K Walk and Run or Scotiabank Kids Marathon. In 2011 nearly 10,000 runners and walkers will take to the streets and more than $275,000 is expected to be raised for 30 official charities. Visit www.calgarymarathon.com

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 2010 the Bank provided about $50 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.