Over $725,000 raised for charity through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge

VANCOUVER, June 23, 2013 /CNW/ - A record 7,000 participants ran today in the 15^th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K which raised a record $725,000 as of press time for 71 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Under sunny skies elite runner and previous three time half marathon champion Kip Kangogo from Lethbridge, Alberta won the men's half marathon division with a time of 1:03:33.  On Kip's heels until the 18 kilometer mark was second place finisher Robin Watson from Vancouver, BC who finished with a time of 1:04:28. Third place finisher was Kenyan Paul Kimugul with a time of 1:04:58.

Elite runner Krista Duchene from Brantford Ontario finished ahead of strong competition and won the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K in the women's half marathon division with an impressive time of 1:10:52.  Krista finished in front of London Ontario's Lanni Marchant, who took second place with a time of 1:11:38 and Port Moody BC's Natasha Wodak who finished in third place with a time of 1:14:59.

"This was a remarkable day for Canadian runners with a record number of participants in both the half-marathon and five kilometer category," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. "We're thrilled and so proud of not only our elite athletes, but also the some 7,000 participants that collectively raised a record-breaking amount for charity."

Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Mason Raymond and forward for the Vancouver Canucks was on site to congratulate participants of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, who raised more than $725,000 for 71 charities as of press time. This total exceeds last year's total of $675,000. Scotiabank will award $5,000 each to the charity with the most runners, the charity that raises the highest dollar total and the charity with the highest amount of dollars raised per runner.  Scotiabank will also donate $2,000 to the charity of the top individual fundraiser for a total of $17,000 in charity prizing.

"Participants should be proud of their efforts that raised $725,000 through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge - a sum that breaks last year's total and exceeds this year's goal of $700,000," said Rob Wilkins, Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver/Northern B.C. District. "The Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Marathon & 5K is about more than just running, it's an event that is also committed to giving back to the community, and today success shows that this race just keeps getting bigger and better every year."

Race Day Results:

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Male:

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Female:

Scotiabank Vancouver 5K Male:

Scotiabank Vancouver 5K Female:

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

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

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 took place on Sunday, June 23^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 $47 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 5 years. Visit us at  www.scotiabank.com.

Image with caption: "Winners of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Kip Kangogo (left) from Lethbridge Alberta and Krista Duchene (right) from Brantford Ontario celebrate with Mason Raymond, Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, Sunday, June 23, 2013. The event raised $725,000 for 71 participating charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130623_C2735_PHOTO_EN_28408.jpg

Image with caption: "Kip Kangogo from Lethbridge, Alberta surges through the finish line Sunday, June 23 to win the 2013 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K with a time of 1:03:33. The event raised $725,000 for 71 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130623_C2735_PHOTO_EN_28409.jpg

Image with caption: "Krista Duchene from Brantford Ontario is the first female to cross the finish line Sunday, June 23 at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K in a time of 1:10:52. The event raised $725,000 for 71 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130623_C2735_PHOTO_EN_28410.jpg

Image with caption: "Elite runners at the 2013 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K react to the start as they begin the 21 kilometre race Sunday in Vancouver, B.C., June 23, 2013. The event raised $725,000 for 71 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130623_C2735_PHOTO_EN_28411.jpg

Image with caption: "Simon Moore dresses up as the Stanley Cup as he and other spirited hockey fans show their enthusiasm for the Stanley Cup playoffs as they participate in the 5 kilometre race of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Sunday, June 23 in Stanley Park. Vancouver, B.C., June 23, 2013. The event raised $725,000 for 71 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. (CNW Group/Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130623_C2735_PHOTO_EN_28412.jpg

SOURCE: Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations