HALIFAX, NS - March 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon marks its 11th year running in downtown Halifax May 16 to 18, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. As many as 16,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in this year's Blue Nose, up from 14,000 last year. To accommodate increased registration, event races will take place on both Saturday and Sunday. 

"Holding the event over two days will allow more people to enjoy the Scotiabank Blue Nose experience. It means runners can register for multiple events, or even run in one event and volunteer with another," said Blue Nose co-chair Rod McCulloch. "Expanding the event over the weekend also promises to address traffic and parking congestion and benefits businesses in the downtown area."

"We are proud to support the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon weekend, which continues to grow even better each year," said Gordon Brost, District Vice President, Southwest Nova Scotia. "This is such a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the city to get involved, from the runners to their supporters to the different neighbourhoods along the marathon route. We'd like to encourage everyone to take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to help make their runs over the weekend even more meaningful by giving back to local charities."

The following are key changes and highlights of the 2014 Blue Nose:

Johnson Insurance 5K race moving to Saturday
With more than 3,000 participants expected in 2014, the Johnson Insurance 5K will move to Saturday, May 17 at 3 p.m., with a new scenic route through the south end.

Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run now offering 2K and 4K distances 
To accommodate different fitness levels and age groups, the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run will now offer a 2K as well as the usual 4K distance. The Youth Run for both distances is Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m.

Giv'er back to the community
This year, there is an opportunity to support more charities than ever before through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Participants can run, walk or donate to one of more than 60 charities registered as part of the Challenge.

Free buses and ferries
Metro Transit will offer free bus and ferry service to Blue Nose race participants and volunteers on Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. 

Downtown Halifax businesses will be able to use a special Blue Nose promotional kit that includes suggestions for window displays and special race weekend promotions. 

"The Blue Nose is more than a marathon. It's a community event that celebrates active living, social connectivity and a vibrant downtown," said McCulloch.

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 11a.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. 

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, as well as a full schedule of events, please visit www.bluenosemarathon.com. 

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

For more information, please contact:

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

Diana Hart
Scotiabank Media Communications
416 866 7238
diana.hart@scotiabank.com