HALIFAX, NS - May 05, 2014 /CNW -

What:
The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon will kick off its 11th year running at a launch on May 8. This year's launch theme is Youth: the key to a healthy future in Nova Scotia. Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine will join 40 Grade 2 runners to celebrate the role of events like the Blue Nose to motivate young people to stay active.

At the launch, Blue Nose organizers and supporters will highlight details of this year's event, which has expanded race offerings for Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, with three races taking place on each day. Speakers will also speak to the significance of this event to the health of Nova Scotians and announce new elements of the Blue Nose, including a new 2K distance as part of the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run.

Who:
Speakers will include:
• Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness
• Craig Thompson, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the Atlantic Region
• Darren Fisher, Deputy Mayor of Halifax
• Dr. John Finley, Pediatric Cardiologist and past president of Doctors Nova Scotia
• Rod McCulloch and Gerald Walsh, Co-Chairs, Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon

Grade 2 students from Sir Charles Tupper School who participate in a weekly school running club will take part in a short race with Blue Nose mascot Myles outside City Hall.

When: 
Thursday, May 8
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where:  
Halifax City Hall
Halifax Room

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 kicks 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 take place on Sunday May 18, 2013. 

For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Holly Dunn
902-266-3866
holly.dunn@dunnassociates.ca