Canada's Oldest Marathon to unite Calgarians setting records on the course and in the community with over 9,000 participants and 30 community causes!

CALGARY, May 24, 2011 /CNW/ - In the countdown to the 47^th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, more than 9,000 runners and walkers are preparing to lace-up for an event that brings the community together.  This year, a record-setting 30 community charities will participate in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge with a goal to raise over  $275,000, while 18,000 pairs of running shoes of every size prepare to cross the finish line.

"This year showcases the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon as a great race for Calgary, where participants and spectators can Run, Pledge or Cheer!" said George Marlatte, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Prairie Region. "Canada's oldest marathon is one that is accessible to the entire province but also competitive to athletes as it raises funds for local charities."

"The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is continues to grow and will be a city-wide festival in 2014 when we celebrate our 50^th anniversary," said Lynn Cox, Marketing Director, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.  "We are thrilled to see the rapid growth of the event and community involvement. Charity fundraising has doubled in two years, our participation numbers of grown by 50 per cent (%) since 2008 - Calgarians are getting behind this event in a significant way."

RUN!
Elite runners and surprise celebrity athletes can be spotted along the race route!

The elite athlete pool will inspire spectators with anticipated course record-breaking finishes. Some elites to watch out for include Brendan Kenny, who recently won the 2011 GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon.  Josiane Aboungono promises an exciting finish with a goal to beat Hamilton's first place finishing time from 2010. Chantell Widney, will return to defend her 10K win in 2010 along with Kip Kangogo, the 2010 10K winner.

Not to be missed on the race course are the 500 students between the ages of 6 -12 who have been running one km per day since April 18. On race day, they will reach the goal of running a total 42.2 km, the distance of a full marathon, when they complete the final 1.2 km course through the Scotiabank MarathonKIDS program.

PLEDGE!
Through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, participants are encouraged to run for one of 30 local Calgary-based charities who can win up to $5,000 beyond what has been pledged to them from the run.  Spectators can pledge for their favourite runner, or the charity of their choice to help them compete for the extra funding.  The additional three $5,000 prizes will be awarded to the charity with the most runners, the charity that raises the most amount of funding overall, and the charity with the most number of pledges (greater than $10) per runner. Cash prizes will also be awarded for second and third place charities.

CHEER!
Runners and walkers of all ages aren't the only participants in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.  Spectators are needed to help encourage runners towards the finish line and they won't be alone! The Calgary Flames Street Crew will be cheering participants on along the race route.

Spectators can watch the excitement of the race from the Neighbourhood Spirit Hubs in Inglewood, Bridgeland and Victoria Park and enjoy some great entertainment all along the race route and in Murdoch Park at the start/finish area.

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. This umbrella event includes the Scotiabank Marathon, Centaur Subaru Half Marathon, Jugo Juice 10K, AstraZeneca 5K Walk and Run or Scotiabank Kids Marathon. Race festivities kick-off with the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Expo at the MaxBell Centre on Friday, May 27^th at 4 p.m.

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 5 years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com. For more information about the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, visit www.calgarymarathon.com.