Runners support 31 charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge

MONTREAL, April 4, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 4,500 elite and recreational athletes from across Canada and beyond will be on the run through the scenic Parc Jean Drapeau on April 29, 2012 for the seventh anniversary of the Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal. Whether conquering a personal goal, vying for the Canadian Half Marathon Championship Title, or competing just for fun, runners are making their efforts even more meaningful by supporting 31 local charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. "The Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k gives participants the chance to meet and beat their personal goals while raising money for deserving charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge," said Carole Chapdelaine, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region. "At Scotiabank we work to give back to the communities where we live and do business. On April 29th we hope to raise more than $450,000 for the 31 charitable and community organizations."

This year marks the  3^rd year that Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k will host the prestigious 2012 Canadian Half Marathon Championships. Canada's best distance runners will compete to bring home the Canadian Championship title. This year's favourites include London Olympic marathon-bound Eric Gillis; two-time 21k champ Matt Loiselle; top Francophone Rejean Chiasson of Tracadie; plus Windsor's Dayna Pidhoresky and Newfoundland's Kate Bazely in the women's race.

"You don't have to be aiming for the Olympics to participate in the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k," said Francois Lecot, Race Director, Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k. "Whether you're running, cheering, or pledging, people of all fitness levels can participate in the race to support an exciting event that really helps support worthy causes in the community."

This year's featured charities include:

- Association Québécoise du Lymphodème

- Fondation Institut Nazareth et Louis Braille

- Société Huntington du Québec

There are many ways to be a part of the 2012 Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k:

Run: Join 4,500 runners from across the country by signing up for the half marathon or 5k.  Start times are 8:30 a.m. for the 5k race and 10:00 a.m. for 21k race. Both races start at the Complexe Aquatique, Parc Jean-Drapeau. To register for the race, go to: http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/index.htm.

Pledge: Walk or run to support and honour a loved one or give something back to your community through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. You can sponsor a team or an individual for the 5k and 21k races. All participating charities will have the chance to win cash prizes through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge Awards. For more information: http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/montCHARITY.htm

Cheer: Support your friends and family all along the race route and as they cross the finish line. For a course map: http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf_en/montDET.htm#course

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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Canada Running Series/Circuit du Canada.
Canada Running Series is the country's most-prestigious running circuit, with 8 major events hosted in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. In 2011, CRS attracted 60,000 participants who raised more than $6.5 million for 238 local charities in the three cities. Information at www.RunCRS.ca