BMO Vancouver Marathon brings forth new runner deferral policy for 2015

New policy offers deferred discount rates to runners with an injury or medical condition

Vancouver, BC – February 20, 2014 – The BMO Vancouver Marathon is offering a new deferral policy to registered Marathon and Half Marathon runners who are unable to participate in their race due to an injury or medical condition. Those eligible will receive a 50% discount on their registration for 2015 when they volunteer on race day in a key, pre-determined role.

Alternatively, Marathon and Half Marathon runners who are eligible but are unable to volunteer on race day may apply to receive a 20% discount on their 2015 registration. All applications for the volunteer deferral option must be received by April 4, 2014 and all applications for the non-volunteer deferral option must be submitted by May 3, 2014. These discounts will apply to Tier 1 race entry fees only.

Unique to many other running events, the BMO Vancouver Marathon is providing an exclusive opportunity by allowing runners a discount for next year’s race with an increased discount in exchange for their volunteer efforts. With 17,000 runners, each year the event draws significant support from the local community including the assistance of 4,000 volunteers. Contributing approximately 16,000 hours over several months, volunteers play a pivotal role in the success of the BMO Vancouver Marathon.

“We’ve listened to runner feedback and are very excited to offer this alternative option to runners,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. “We recognize that we are asking for a commitment from runners earlier than previous years and that injuries are a realistic part of marathon and half marathon training. This is why we’re encouraging those who find themselves injured or affected by a medical condition to take advantage of our new policy by staying involved, supporting other runners and joining our volunteer crew this May 4th, 2014.”

Further details on the new deferral policy can be found at: www.bmovanmarathon.ca/policies/#deferralpolicy (Provide direct website link when available)

About The Vancouver International Marathon Society

The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. The event is one of Canada’s largest marathons and has a 43-year history within Vancouver and the running community internationally. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Half Marathon. The event will take place on May 4, 2014, featuring the three point-to-point courses, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks, shorelines and neighborhoods. The Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo will take place during Marathon weekend on May 1-3. The 2014 events remain capped at 5,000 for the Marathon, 10,000 for the Half-Marathon, 2,000 for the 8km, 500 for 8km Teen Challenge and 250 for the Kids 1-Mile Fun run participants.

For more information and how to register visit: www.bmovanmarathon.ca
For more information about the Vancouver International Marathon Society visit: www.van-run-wp.gssi.net

About BMO

BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to be in its ninth year as title sponsor of the BMO Vancouver Marathon. BMO supports the running community through sponsorship of marathon events throughout North America – in Vancouver, Kelowna, Charlottetown, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.  BMO’s long and proud history of supporting sports and fitness in Canada reflect some of our most deeply held corporate values, such as contributing positively to a healthy quality of life in the community and promoting the achievements of people, regardless of age or ability.

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High resolution BMO Vancouver Marathon images are available on bmovanmarathon.ca/media/photo

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