New times set and record-breaking $700,000 (and counting) raised for charity

CALGARY, May 27, 2012 /CNW/ - New race records were set in an exciting finish to the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon today, as elite marathoner Bernard Onsare tore across the finish line, handily taking down a 21-year race record with a finish time of 2:22:47.35.

Onsare, who was a last minute addition to the race, is originally from Kenya, but his big finish today took place on a day that also marks his four-year anniversary as a Calgarian.

While Onsare broke the race record, thousands of racers met him along the new course route throughout the morning. The 48^th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon brought out more than 11,000 runners to Stampede Park where thousands of spectators cheered their friends and family across the finish line and more than $700,000 has been raised for local charities so far.

Despite chilly weather conditions, Tanaya Gallagher of Phoenix, Arizona set a best time of 2:54:24.32 to take first place in the women's category, followed by Ronke Babatunder of Edmonton, Alberta and Stephanie Murphy of Calgary, Alberta.

"Today's race was an exciting one for Calgary's community with records broken in all categories - race times, participant numbers and charity dollars raised," said Dan Ouimet, board chair, Calgary Marathon Society. "All participants and supporters should be proud of their efforts not just in the sport of running, but for their overwhelming response to the call to give back to the community through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge."

The 51 charities registered through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge raised an incredible sum of over $700,000 as of press time, surpassing its $600,000 target goal. This remarkable achievement exceeds last year's total of nearly $500,000 raised for community charities.

"Once again, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon proved to be a fantastic success thanks to amazing support from the entire community, proving that the event gets bigger and better every year," said George Marlatte, Senior Vice-President, Prairie Region, Scotiabank. "Scotiabank is proud of the runners, volunteers and spectators who came together in celebration of community and athleticism."

Racers Brendan Kenny of Dundas, Ontario and Graeme Wilson of Vancouver, British Columbia were hot on Onsare's heels with times of 2:28:57.59 and 2:31:03.82 respectively.

The previous race record of 2:23:49 was held by Kelvin Broad and stood untouched for more than two decades.

Results are outlined below.

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit: www.calgarymarathon.com

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, click here.

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.

About Scotiabank:

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.

Image with caption: "Bernard Onsare of Calgary, Alberta wins the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon with a time of 2:22:47.35, breaking a 21-year-old race record. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120527_C3103_PHOTO_EN_14221.jpg

Image with caption: "Tanaya Gallagher of Phoenix, Arizona sets a best time of 2:54:24.32 at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, winning first place in the women's full marathon race. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120527_C3103_PHOTO_EN_14220.jpg