CALGARY, AB - March 14, 2014 /CNW/ -

Attention: Photo/Assignment/Sports/Community Editors

The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is pleased to announce Athletics Canada (AC) has awarded National 21.1K Road Race Championships to Calgary for for the years of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

"This honour should come as no surprise," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "I know Calgarians look forward to welcoming racers from across the country who will come here to compete in the championships."

Partnering with Athletics Canada to host a national Championship, in conjunction with the race weekend will help connect high performance athletes and recreational running communities, which elevates the sport and creates awareness of road racing achievements for Canadians.

Already the largest race on the prairies, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon has become a draw for elite athletes to compete with the best. To recognize the high performance athletes, organizers now offer the top prize purse west of Toronto with more than $52,000 up for grabs.

"As Canada's longest running marathon, we see our event being the logical host for convening the best in our sport," says Calgary Marathon Society (CMS) Chair, Dan Ouimet. "We're proud to partner with Athletics Canada to build this platform to support high performance in Canada."

Following the 50^th Anniversary of the Calgary Marathon on June 1, event organizers will work with Athletics Canada to bring the best in the country to compete in the Canadian 21.1 Championship race in Calgary on June 7, 2015.

"Athletics Canada is excited to begin work with the Calgary Marathon Society and their awesome team in developing a world class event. Athletics Canada is committed to being increasingly involved in the road running community, creating a great experience for runners of all abilities," said Rob Guy, Chief Executive Officer.

Organizers teamed up with the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority and Tourism Calgary for the successful bid, which will bring runners from coast to coast to experience the race weekend and Calgary's renowned western hospitality.

"The important connection between high performance and recreational sport has long been recognized and celebrated in Calgary," said Cindy Ady, Tourism Calgary CEO. "We are excited that Athletics Canada has recognized the strength of the supporting partnerships and organization behind Canada's longest running marathon, and entrusted Calgary with the National 21.1K Road Race Championship."

About the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

Voted the 2013, 2012, 2010 & 2009 Best Road Race in Alberta, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Race Weekend is a challenging, competitive and fun event with a race designed for runners and walkers of any level. This umbrella event includes the Scotiabank Marathon, Centaur Subaru 21.1K, Jugo Juice 10K, AstraZeneca 5K Walk and Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon. In 2013, 12,000 runners and walkers participated in the event and $1.1 million was raised for 76 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Registration for June 1, 2014 is open.

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 about the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, visit www.calgarymarathon.com.

Kirsten-Ellen Fleming
Executive Director
Calgary Marathon Society
Phone: 403-264-2996
Email: kirsten@calgarymarathon.com

Mathieu Gentes
Director, Public Relations & Corporate Services
Athletics Canada
613-260-5580 ext 3303
mgentes@athletics.ca