Register NOW and run in support of local Charities

VANCOUVER, June 2, 2011 /CNW/ - With 25 days left of training, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon (SVHM) & 5K on Sunday, June 26^th, is nearly sold out!  Runners of all levels, walkers and fundraisers are encouraged to register now to be guaranteed a spot in this popular event!

Run for a Cause!
There are 40 great reasons to run this year…40 official charities participating in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, chaired by Vancouver Canuck forward Mason Raymond!

Through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, charities vie to win one of three $5,000 prizes courtesy of Scotiabank.  These prizes will be awarded to the charity with the most funds raised overall, the charity with the most funds raised per runner, and the charity with the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner).  If you can't run, pledge your favourite runner or the charity of your choice to help them compete for the extra funding.

In the past thirteen years, the SVHM has raised more than $1.86 million for local charities through runner participation and spectator pledges.

Follow our Joe Runner contest winners!
Our Joe Runner contest winners are transforming from average runners to Half-Marathon finishers and are all running in support of a great cause:

• Sarah Reid - running for BC Adopt;
• Julie Topolnoski - running for Tapestry Foundation; and
• Erin Schwaiger - running for Special Olympics BC.

Our Joe Runners will be joined by celebrity runners, Crystal Darche (JR FM), James Sutton (The Peak FM), Dawn Chubai (Breakfast Television) and Greg Harper (Breakfast Television).  The celebrity runners will motivate and participate with our Joe Runners while fundraising for the BC SPCA, Big Sisters and Big Brothers of BC.  Follow their stories here.

"Our Joe Runners and celebrity athletes are helping us raise the profile of the charities involved in this year's SVHM," said Clif Cunningham, Race Director.  "This year's race will bring out new personal-best times for runners, and new fundraising totals for our community through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, I encourage runners to sign-up before the event sells out!"

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 6,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.  The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 26th starting at 7 a.m. for the Half and 9:15 a.m. for the 5K.  Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, 'Bright Future.' Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our 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.