VANCOUVER, BC - June 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Over 7,000 runners are expected to take over Stanley Park at the finish line for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on Sunday, June 22. They will be raising money for 78 worthy local causes through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Kirk McLean will be onsite to encourage last minute donations to charities and to cheer on runners as they cross the finish line.

Now in its 16^th year, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon starts at UBC's Thunderbird Arena and heads onto Marine Drive, along the shores of the Burrard Inlet to the finish line in Stanley Park near the lawn of the Stanley Park Fish House.

WHAT: 
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k
Scotiabank Charity Challenge 

WHERE: 
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon Race: starts on East Mall, west of UBC's Thunderbird Arena
5k Race: starts on Lagoon Drive, at Stanley Park Fish House

WHEN: 
Sunday, June 22, 2014 
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon - 7:30 a.m.

• Start line at UBC Thunderbird Arena

 5k race - 9:30 a.m.

•  Start line at Stanley Park Fish House

WHO: 
More than 7,000 runners and walkers lace up for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k
Vancouver Canuck Alumnus, Kirk McLean - Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge will be on site

MEDIA ACCESS: 

The Brockton media tent is located near the finish area on the South Lawn of the Stanley Park Fish House. Please check-in to arrange interviews and photo opportunities.

Photo Opportunities:

• Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon start line on East Mall, west of the Thunderbird Arena, UBC 7:30 a.m. start time.
• Elite finishing time at Second Beach, Stanley Park. Elite men's expected time: 8:30 a.m.; elite Women's expected finishing time: 8:40 a.m.
• 5k run and walk starts and ends Lagoon Drive, at Stanley Park Fish House, 9:30 a.m.
• Kirk McLean on-site in the Charity Village at the Fish House, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• Awards Ceremony on stage at finish area, Ceperley Park, 10:30 a.m.

Half-Marathon Photo Opportunity Times & Locations

Run, walk or pledge to participate!

There are 78 great reasons to run this year with 78 official charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, chaired by Vancouver Canuck alumnus Kirk McLean. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge hopes to raise $850,000 this year with 100 per cent of the proceeds raised going to the official participating charities. Online fundraising is open until July 7, 2014. 

Since the introduction of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in 2007 the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k has raised almost $3.4 million for local charities. This year, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge has expanded to include 78 community charities, up from 71 charities in 2013.

For more information about the Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k and the Scotiabank Charity Challenge visit: www.vancouverhalf.com

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 takes place on Sunday, June 22^nd 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.

For more information, interviews and on-site media inquiries please contact:

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

Randy Clegg
Canada Running Series
604-209-0611