Elite and recreational runners to raise money to benefit 60 local charities

VANCOUVER, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - More than 7,000 runners are expected to participate in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K on Sunday, June 24, and will raise money for 60 community causes through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Elite Canadian Runners Eric Gillis and Reid Coolsaet will take their marks at this weekend's half- marathon in their final race before the 2012 Olympics in London.

Now in its 14^th year, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K starts at UBC's Thunderbird Arena and heads onto Marine Drive, along the shores of the Burrard Inlet to the finish line in Stanley Park on the lawn of the Stanley Park Fish House.

MEDIA ACCESS: 

The media tent is located near the finish area on the South Lawn of the Stanley Park Fish House.  Please check-in to arrange interviews and photo opportunities.

Photo Opportunities:

• Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon start line at the Thunderbird Arena, UBC 7:30 a.m. start time.
• Elite finishing time at Second Beach, Stanley Park.  Elite men's expected time: 8:30 a.m.; elite Women's expected finishing time: 8:40 a.m.
• 5K run and walk begins and ends in Stanley Park, Fish House South Lawn, 9:30 a.m.
• Mason Raymond on-site in the Charity Village at the Fish House, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony on stage at finish area, Ceperley Park, 10:30 a.m.

Half-Marathon Photo Opportunity Times & Locations

Run, walk or pledge to participate!

There are 60 great reasons to run this year with 60 official charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, chaired by Vancouver Canuck forward Mason Raymond.  The Scotiabank Charity Challenge hopes to raise $650,000 this year with 100 per cent of the proceeds raised going to the official participating charities.

In its 14-year history, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K has raised over $2.5 million for local charities. This year, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge has expanded to include 60 community charities, up from 40 charities in 2011.

For more information about the Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k and the Scotiabank Charity Challenge visit: www.vancouverhalf.com

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 7,000 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 24^th starting at 7:30 a.m. for the Half-Marathon and 9:30 a.m. for the 5K.  For more information, please visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com

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 5 years. Visit us at  www.scotiabank.com.