Elite and recreational runners will challenge themselves for 24 great local causes on Sunday, April 17^th

MONTREAL, April 4 /CNW/ - The ninth edition of the Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal et 5K promises to be the best one yet! More than 3,500 recreational and elite runners will lace up for a great cause on Sunday, April 17^th at Parc Jean Drapeau. In addition to supporting 24 charities this year, for the fourth consecutive year, the Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal will host the prestigious 2011 Canadian Half Marathon Championships, where Canada's best distance runners will challenge to bring home the Canadian Championship title.

"This year, the Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal hopes to raise more than $300,000, for the 24 charitable and community organizations our world-class event helps support," said François Camirand, Area Vice-President Commercial at Scotiabank. "Against the backdrop of the beautiful and scenic Parc Jean Drapeau, this year's exciting half marathon is a great way for Canadians to give back to our community while having fun in the process."

This year's Canadian Half Marathon Championships at Banque Scotia 21K de Montreal just became more exciting with the addition of the country's #1 and #4 ranked marathoners Reid Coolsaet and Rob Watson, defending champion Matt Loiselle and 2008 winner Andrew Smith at the starting line. For all of them, Montreal 21K is an important step on the road to London 2012. With elite female runners Dayna Pidhoresky, Megan Brown and Lanni Marchant also joining the field, this year's event will be a thrilling one. Recreational runners can still sign up to race or run from the same start line as these Canadian stars in what promises to be an exciting Canadian half marathon field.

"There are many ways for Canadians to get involved and support what is promising to be a great half marathon run in Canada, whether it's running, pledging or cheering!" said Canada Running Series Race Director Alan Brookes. "Whether you're a recreational or an elite runner, this year's Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal et 5K has so much energy and excitement, it will be an unforgettable day, as both a run AND a great cause."

Not a runner? There are several ways to get participate in this year's Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal et 5K.

Run, Pledge Today

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

Pledge - The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge - A great way to get involved this year is to participate in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. Make your Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal or 5k more meaningful by going the distance for one of our twenty-four official Charities. Run or walk in honour of a loved one or simply to 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

This year's featured charities:

• The Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre (CRCHUM)
• Women's Y Foundation
• The Lighthouse, Children and Families

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, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.