Convincing wins and record fundraising at Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal

More than 5,000 runners raise more than $625,000 and counting for 39 local charities

MONTREAL, April 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Strong performances on a beautiful sunny day marked the 2013 Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k today and Athletics Canada National Half-Marathon Championships. A record 5,200 runners took to the scenic streets of Parc Jean-Drapeau today, raising more than $625,000 for 39 local charities.

Canadian Olympian and defending champion Eric Gillis from Guelph, ON cruised to a comfortable win and took the Athletics Canada National Half-Marathon Championships title with an impressive victory in 1:05:57. He broke away from Toronto's Rejean Chiasson at 3km and never looked back. Chiasson took second place with a finish time of 1:08:04.

Krista Duchene from Brantford, ON had an even more impressive solo performance and took the female title at 1:12:28, just 19 seconds shy of the national record. She was trailed by Dayna Pidhoresky from Tecumseh, ON, who had a strong performance at 1:16:39 as she returned from injury. Lisa Avery was a surprise bronze medalist at 1:17:08.

"Today's race was not only an inspiring one for the athletes and supporters, but also for Montreal's community," said Francois Lecot, Race Director, Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k. " Runners and spectators alike came together today both through the sport of running and for raising funds for causes in the community."

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raised more than $625,000 as of press time. This remarkable achievement exceeds last year's total of $565,000.

"The 2013 Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal et 5k was a huge success and we want to thank runners and supporters who should be extremely proud of their achievements today," said Carole Chapdelaine, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region. "Today's race demonstrated enthusiastic competition and community spirit and through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, we surpassed our goal and reached $625,000 which is truly a remarkable success."

Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal Results:

Half-Marathon Male

1. Eric Gillis (Guelph)  1:05:57
2. Rejean Chiasson (Toronto) 1:08:04
3. Patrice Hamelin (Quebec) 1:09:02
     

Half-Marathon Female

1. Krista Duchene (Brantford) 1:12:28
2. Dayna Pidhoresky (Tecumseh) 1:16:39
3. Lisa Avery (Orillia) 1:17:08
     

5k Results

5k Male

1. Charles Philibert-Thiboutot (Quebec) 14:29
2. Charles Cooper (Montreal) 15:20
3. Philippe Gravel (Magog) 15:26

5k Female

1. Beatrice Ouellet (Montreal) 18:45
2. Linda Henry (Montreal) 19:01
3. Mandoline Royer (Montreal) 21:22
     

Now in its eleventh year, the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal serves as the Athletics Canada National Half-Marathon Championships and helps kick off the 2013 Canadian Championship Series.

Athletics Canada National Half-Marathon Championships Results:

Canadian Championship Male

1. Eric Gillis (Guelph) 1:05:57
2. Rejean Chiasson (Toronto) 1:08:04
3. Patrice Hamelin (Quebec City) 1:09:02
     

Canadian Championship Female

1. Krista Duchene (Brantford) 1:12:28
2. Dayna Pidhoresky (Tecumseh) 1:16:39
3. Lisa Avery (Orillia) 1:17:08
     

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf_en/montCHARITY.htm

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit http://www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf_en/index.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

For further information:

Sheena Findlay 
Scotiabank 
Sheena.findlay@scotiabank.com 
416-866-6806

Katherine Vanda 
High Road Communications 
Katherine.vanda@highroad.com 
514 908-0110 poste 315