VANCOUVER, June 15, 2011 /CNW/ - Achieving a personal best, or reaching a new level of health and fitness are all common motivators to sign up for the half-marathon or 5k at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K (SVHM).

This year's event will support 40 local charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, giving participants or spectators 40 more meaningful reasons to run/walk for the sake of others, or pledge and cheer on your favourite participant.

The participating charities are:

"The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is unique because it goes beyond a sporting event and truly gives back to our community," said David Poole, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon Region. "The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K gives everyone the chance to participate through pledging for their favourite charity, whether they're running or cheering as a spectator!  This year we hope to raise more than $600,000 for 40 important local organizations that have a huge impact in our community, but aren't always in the spotlight."

Participants can make their half-marathon or 5K race more meaningful by running or walking on behalf of one of the 40 official charities.  Participants can visit www.vancouverhalf.com and register to fundraise for a charity or pledge a charity team by visiting the Charity section of the website.

"The 13^th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K is poised to be an outstanding event," commented Clif Cunningham, Race Director.  "With more than 6,000 participants and cheering stations along the race route to encourage our runners, everyone will be feeling the success of this year's SVHM."

Prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to the leading charities in each of three categories - the charity with the most runners; with the largest amount of pledges raised; and with the most pledges raised per runner.

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon &5K:

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 6000 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 26^th starting at 7 a.m. UBC for the Half and 9:15 a.m. in Stanley Park 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, Scotiabank 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 each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.