More than 5,000 runners support 39 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge

MONTRÉAL, April 2, 2013 /CNW/ - More than 5,000 elite and recreational athletes from across Canada and beyond will be on the run through the scenic Parc Jean Drapeau on April 28, 2013 for the eighth anniversary of the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k. Whether running to achieve a personal best or participating just for fun, participants can make their run or walk more meaningful by supporting one of the 39 charities registered through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. 

"The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a unique part of this sporting event as it goes beyond the race and raises much-needed funds for local charities," said Carole Chapdelaine, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region. "The Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k gives participants the chance to meet and beat their personal goals while raising money for deserving charities; our goal is to raise $600,000 for organizations that make a difference in our local community every day."

This year marks the fourth year that Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k will host the prestigious Canadian Half Marathon Championships. Canada's best distance runners will compete to bring home the Canadian Championship title. Elites to watch include: defending Champion & Canadian Olympian Eric Gillis from Guelph and last year's third place finisher in the Canadian Championship, Rejean Chiasson of New Brunswick. Both Gills and Chiasson have just returned from training in Africa. In the women's category, expect a good battle between Krista DuChene of Brantford, Ontario and Dayna Pidhoresky of Tecumseh, Ontario. DuChene will be running the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal as an important part of her build up to World Championships Marathon in Moscow this summer.

"Whether you're running, cheering, or pledging, this year's Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal et 5K promises to be an exciting one," said Francois Lecot, the event Race Director. "One of the great things about this race is that people of all fitness levels can participate in a healthy physical event that provides support for worthy causes in the community, through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. We have a record no. of runners this year and we're looking forward to a record breaking fundraising achievement as well."

Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised as Scotiabank covers all of the transaction costs associated with the fundraising event.

This year's featured charities include:

• Pinel Foundation
• The Armand-Frappier Fondation of INRS University
• JOVIA

Charities also have an opportunity to win additional prizing through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Awards, including:

• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that has the most runners
• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that raises the most fundraising dollars
• A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the Official Charity that raises the most fundraising dollars per fundraising runner
• A prize of $2,000 will be awarded to the individual fundraiser who raises the most fundraising dollars (to be donated to their charity)

The Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k is currently sold out but there are many ways to be a part of this exciting race:

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

Pledge: Support and honour a loved one or give something back to your community through the Scotiabank 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 Charity Challenge Awards. For more information go to:
http://canadarunningseries.com/monthalf_en/montCHARITY.htm

Twitter Hashtag: #SCOTIA21KMTL

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, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About Canada Running Series

CRS is Canada's premier running circuit with 9 events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. It provides a top quality "running experience" for participants of all levels and abilities, from Canadian Olympians and international stars, to weekend warriors and first-time fitness folks. It annually attracts 60,000 participants and raises over $6 million a year for some 250 mostly-local charities. Information and registration: www.RunCRS.ca

SOURCE: Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations