Returning winners and new hopefuls to set the bar for the new race routes

CALGARY, May 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's longest-running marathon promises to be an exciting one this year with a roster of talented elite athletes lacing up to participate in the 48^th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. On May 27, 2012 some 11,000 runners and walkers will lace up and be hot on the heels of elite athletes in the marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K. Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, runners are making their races more meaningful by raising money for 51 local charities.

Elites to Watch For:

Jason Loutitt, Squamish, BC: Three-time Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Winner Jason Loutitt placed first in the 2011 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon and finished second in the 2011 World Ultra Trail.

Brendan Kenny, Dundas, ON: The 26-year-old placed second in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, won the 2011 GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon with a time of 2:27:20 and finished first in the Niagara Falls International Marathon in 2011 with a time of 2:28:47. Brendan aims to establish a new course record at the 2012 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.

Kip Kangogo, Lethbridge, AB: Recently featured on the cover of IMPACT Magazine's running issue, Kangago is a fan favourite and first place finisher in the 2011 men's 10k race with a time of 30:07.66, Kip will compete in the Centaur Subaru Half Marathon this year and with a personal best of 1:03:22 in the 2011 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, Kip is the favourite in this event.

Adela Salt, Calgary, AB: Hailing from the UK, this will be Adela's first Canadian marathon. She has represented Great Britain in Ultra Distance Running over 100km on the roads and on the trail and won several marathons in the UK including Blackpool, Lochaber and Snowdonia Marathons. In 2007 and 2008 Adela was the British 100km champion and the 50km champion and is currently the silver medalist over 55km on the trails in the UK. Adela is hoping to run close to 2.50 - 2.55 in Calgary, and to lay her mark on her new home marathon.

Tanaya Gallager, Phoenix, AZ, USA: Tanaya placed second with a time of 2:51:24 in the 2012 PF Chang's Marathon. She began running in high school and competed at Pima Community College.  Tanaya began marathoning in her early 20s and her current Personal Record is almost an hour faster than her first marathon. Tanya is aiming for a sub-three hour time on the new Scotiabank Calgary Marathon course.

Other strong race contenders include Ronke Babatunde from Edmonton, AB running the Scotiabank Full Marathon; and Nadyia Fry from Invermere, BC competing in the Centaur Subaru Half Marathon.

For a complete list of elites registered for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, please visit: http://calgarymarathon.com/news__resources/elite_athletes.html

Elite athletes will be available for telephone interviews prior to race day or at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon event on Sunday, May 27, 2012 following completion of their event. 

Race Day Media Access Information:

• The Start and Finish area for all Scotiabank Calgary Marathon events are located at the Grandstand, Stampede Park.
• Media Access area: A VIP Tent will be set up near the Finish Line in the Grandstand.
• Parking for media will be available in Lot 5 at Stampede Park (northwest of the Grandstand entrance).
• Please email lynn@calgarymarathon.com for media credentials.
• Please identify yourself as media upon arrival in order to access the VIP tent.
• Please visit www.calgarymarathon.com for important road closure information and allow ample time to arrive on site.

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 runners and walkers of any level. This umbrella event includes the Scotiabank Marathon, Centaur Subaru Half-Marathon, Jugo Juice 10K, AstraZeneca 5K Walk and Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon. In 2012, over 11,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the event and $600,000 is expected to be raised through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, supporting 51 local charities.

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

For more information about the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, visit www.calgarymarathon.com.