VANCOUVER, BC - June 22, 2014 /CNW/ - Over 6,400 runners took to the scenic course in Stanley Park for the 16^thScotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K, raising $830,000 and counting for 78 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Canada's top marathoners, Dylan Wykes, from Vancouver, and Lanni Marchant took top honours by winning the men's and women's races with times of 1:03:51 and 1:13:41 respectively. This was Dylan's best effort since coming back from an injury in 2012. Lanni Marchant posted a great result in advance of her goal to win the Commonwealth Games next month in Glasgow, Scotland. Dylan was able to beat 4-time champion Kip Kangogo from Lethbridge, who posted a time of 1:05:14. Kate Bazely from Corner Brook was second for the women.

"Today was an incredible day for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k, with Dylan Wykes and Lanni Marchant once again showing they are top of their field, posting fantastic times," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. "Our event continues to grow bigger and better each year. I want to thank all of our runners, volunteers and the community for embracing the race and making it such a success."

Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Kirk McLean was on site to congratulate participants in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, who raised more than $830,000 for 78 charities as of press time. Scotiabank will award $5,000 each to the charity with the most runners, the charity with the highest amount of dollars raised per runner and to the charity with the highest overall amount fundraised. 

"Congratulations to all the runners, walkers, and supporters on an unforgettable race day. We want to particularly thank everyone who took part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge for making their run even more meaningful by giving back to such important causes," said Winnie Leong, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the BC and Yukon Region. "You raised an incredible amount that is going straight to the charities who work so tirelessly to make our communities even better places to live."

Race Day Results:

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Male:

1. Dylan Wykes (Vancouver) 1:03:52
2. Kip Kangogo (Lethbridge) 1:05:14
3. Rob Watson (Vancouver) 1:07:16

Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Female:

1. Lanni Marchant (Chattanooga) 1:13:41
2. Kate Bazeley (Corner Brook) 1:16:40
3. Marilyn Arsenault (Victoria) 1:16:52

Scotiabank Vancouver 5K Male:

1. Josh Kozelj (Coquitlam) 17:22

Scotiabank Vancouver 5K Female:

1. Ally Ginther (Surrey) 18:20

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 22^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 a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at scotiabank.com.

Media Inquiries: 

Diana Hart 
Scotiabank
diana.hart@scotiabank.com
647-821-3849

Randy Clegg
Canada Running Series
604-209-0611