Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge raises  $300,000 and counting

MONTREAL, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k is just one week away and so far more than $300,000 has been raised by runners and supporters for 31 local charities. On April 29, 2012, more than 4,500 elite and recreational athletes from across Canada and beyond will be on the run through the scenic Parc Jean Drapeau for the 10^th anniversary of the Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal. This is the third year the Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k will host the 2012 Canadian Half Marathon Championships, where world-class athletes, such as 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 will compete.

Run, walk, pledge or cheer on April 29, 2012 for the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5K at Parc Jean-Drapeau and help raise money for worthy causes in your community.

For more information about the Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k visit:
http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf_en/index.htm

For more information about the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge:
http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/montCHARITY.htm

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