Nearly $600,000 raised as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge

CALGARY, May 27, 2018 /CNW/ - The 54^th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon saw 8,500 racers hitting the city streets, with nearly $600,000 raised in support of 68 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Taking place over one day, race enthusiasts had the opportunity to choose their distance by participating in the: 50km Ultra, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, Centaur Subaru 21.1km, Jugo Juice 10km, GoodLife Fitness 5km Walk & Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon, for those 12 years of age and under.

"We congratulate all participants for their determination and dedication to their races at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon and thank those who fundraised for local charities as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge," said Rod Wendt, District Vice-President, Calgary Central.  "This year nearly $600,000 was raised by participants who dedicated their races to their favourite charities. The 54^th edition of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon was another great success thanks to the organizers, volunteers and racers who make the event a popular one each year."

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for racers to support the charity of their choice and make a significant impact locally. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all transaction and credit card fees. Donations to all participating charities will be accepted until June 25, 2018.

At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for over 185 years. Our commitment is to help make a measurable and lasting impact on our global communities. Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their infinite potential, and many organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on our local youth. Young people are our future leaders, and it's crucial to provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

The official course record was broken this year by a newcomer to the Calgary race, Feyera Dadi who lives and trains in Etobicoke, Ontario and is an Ethiopian citizen. He crossed the line with a time of 2:16:37, which beats the previous course record, set on the new course in 2015 by just 35 seconds.

The female Full Marathon winner was Caroline Kiptoo of Kenya, who trains in Mexico, with a time of 2:42:37.

Canadian runners, and in particular Calgarians made a much stronger showing than in previous years with many top three finishes. A total of 10 of 18, Top 3 finishers live and train in Calgary, while 14 of the 18, Top 3 finishers are Canadian citizens.

Calgary's own Trevor Hofbauer collapsed emotionally at the finish line smacking the ground and raising his hands to the sky as he won the Men's Division of the Centaur Subaru 21.1K National Championships with a time of 1:08:25. Sasha Gollish of Toronto was more reserved as she sprinted to the finish with a time of 1:14:19. These performances mean Hofbauer and Gollish have been added to the selection pool for the Canadian team at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships next spring. 

"After a particularly difficult, cold winter, it feels as if our city came out of hibernation today to celebrate all things Calgary," said Kirsten Fleming, Executive Director, Run Calgary.  "A remarkable number of people gathered on city streets cheering on their participating friends, family, neighbours and colleagues; 10,000 strong. What an incredible day to be alive and to share an experience rooted in community building and wellness with the 20,000 spectators, volunteers and participants."

SCOTIABANK CALGARY MARATHON RACE WEEKEND RESULTS

* Citizenship represented in ()

Marathon Results

Full Marathon Male                        

Full Marathon Female                     

National Half-Marathon Championships Results

Half Marathon Male                       

Half Marathon Female       

50K Results

50K Male

50K Female

To see a list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit: http://www.calgarymarathon.com/charity-challenge.html?lang=EN

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

Twitter Hashtag: #RunCalgary  #runScotia #InfinitePotential

About Scotiabank

At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their infinite potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2017, Scotiabank contributed more than $80 million to help our communities around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 24 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 89,000 employees and assets of over $923 billion (as at January 31, 2018), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @Scotiabank.                           

About the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

A race for every age and ability, Alberta's Best Road Race 4 years in a row includes the 50K Ultra, Scotiabank 42.2K, Centaur Subaru 21.1K, the Jugo Juice 10K, the Goodlife Fitness 5K Family Walk & Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon. The largest race on the prairies has the largest high performance purse west of Toronto and attracts elite athletes from coast to coast as well as internationally. The event brings in $7 million annually to the local economy and gives back through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, scholarship programming and the Neighbourhood Spirit Challenge.

SOURCE Scotiabank