HALIFAX, NS - May 18, 2014 /CNW -

• Kenyans Philip Biwott and Sarah Jebet break two marathon records
• Thousands of runners raise $530,000 and counting for 75 local charities

More than 13,000 people took part in the 11^th annual Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon this Victoria Day weekend, raising more than $530,000 for 75 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

For the first time, the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon welcomed three runners from Kenya. Philip Biwott broke the marathon record clocking in at 2:27:11, while Sarah Jebet came in second place and set the record as the fastest female with a time of 2:36:55. Fellow Kenyan John Ewoi came in second in the Half Marathon after Graydon Snider of Halifax.

"This year's Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has been a truly special event," said Gerry Walsh, Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon co-founder and event Chair. "Because of the incredible support of the community, we not only had a great turnout, but have also raised much needed funds for 75 local charities. I also want to thank all the volunteers who worked tirelessly through the weekend to make it such a success."

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge raised $530,000 and counting as of press time, surpassing last year's race day total of $520,000, and well on the way to reaching the $600,000 goal set for this year's event. Since the introduction of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in 2009, more than $2.4 million dollars have been raised for local charities.

"This year's Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon was a fantastic event and all of the runners, walkers and supporters cheering along the route in Halifax and Dartmouth should be really proud of what they accomplished," said Craig Thompson, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Region. "The Scotiabank Blue Nose weekend brings our community together and it was inspiring to see the dedication of the athletes, while they also raised money for worthy causes. We want to thank everyone who took part in this year's Scotiabank Charity Challenge, raising a record breaking $530,000 for 75 local charities, and fundraising is still open."

Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon Results

Full-Marathon Male 

Full-Marathon Female

Half-Marathon Results

Half-Marathon Male

Half-Marathon Female

10K Results

10K Male

10K Female

For more highlights and complete race results, please visit: http://bluenosemarathon.com/

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

About the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon
The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is one of the largest two-day sport participation events in Atlantic Canada. The race has grown every year since it started in 2004, and has welcomed over 80,000 participants to date. Blue Nose weekend kicked off on Saturday May 17, 2014 with the Doctors' Nova Scotia Youth Run at 11 a.m., followed by the Johnson Insurance 5K race at 3:00 p.m. All other race events, including the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K race took place on Sunday May 18, 2014. For more information, please visit www.bluenosemarathon.com. 

Run with us online at:
Facebook: Facebook.com/BlueNoseMarathon
Twitter: @BNMarathon and #BlueNose2014

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 www.scotiabank.com.

For more information please contact: 

Denise Corra
Co-Chair, Public Affairs
(902) 491-8102
Denise.corra@wcb.gov.ns.ca

Holly Dunn
(902) 266-3866
holly.dunn@dunnassociates.ca

Patty Stathokostas
Scotiabank
(416) 464-3752
patty.stathokostas@scotiabank.com