Local runners race through UBC campus at the sold-out Fall Classic
Sold-out event successfully concludes new RUNVAN® race series for 2015
Vancouver, BC – November 16th – Over 1,800 runners joined in at one of Vancouver’s last great runs of the year, the Fall Classic, organized by the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society. All Fall Classic race distances – the Half Marathon, 10KM and 5KM, reached sell-out capacity well before the November 15th race day, and spirits were high as runners raced through one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses under clear and sunny skies.
Rob Watson was the first overall finisher of the Fall Classic Half Marathon with a time of 1:09:59 and Neasa Cole won the female category with a time of 1:21:43.
Kilometres ahead of the pack, Watson cheered on runners during the out and back section of the course. “We’re out there racing together, they cheer for me so I might as well give it back. It helps me, so I know it’ll help them,” said Watson, who also claimed the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon Half Marathon title last May.
Prizes for top finishers, best costume and largest team were also presented after the races at the brand new UBC AMS Nest building. Chris Taylor was the top overall finisher for the 10KM run and Evan Elder was the winner of the 5KM. Prize for the largest team went to the team “EngCanRun” with 15 runners. ‘The Minions’ claimed the title for best costume at the 2015 Fall Classic.
The Fall Classic, organized by the local non-profit volunteer-based Vancouver International Marathon Society, partnered with New Balance, Forerunners, and several other sponsors to add extra value to the race day experience. “Thanks to all of our sponsors and contributors, runners were given a unique experience with great benefits,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. “We are ecstatic about the turnout and enthusiasm from the running community.”
Many runners celebrated personal best times at this great year-end run. All runners received a free $20 gift card from Forerunners, free Stanley Park beer courtesy of Mahony and Sons, a $200 coupon from BikeHike Adventures, RUNVAN® gloves, free food, drinks, a chance to win free flights to Tokyo, medals and more!
Charity partners Movember Foundation, responsible for the infamous mustache trend of November and the global initiative MOVE, and Ronald McDonald House also participated in the Fall Classic and gave runners a platform to raise funds for men’s health and families in need.
The Fall Classic was the final chapter of the 2015 RUNVAN® race series, which included the BMO Vancouver Marathon last May, and the Granville Island Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving weekend. Runners who participated in all three events earned themselves a special ‘Hat-trick’ prize in the form of a long-sleeve technical shirt from the Vancouver International Marathon Society.
“The Fall Classic was a fantastic way to end the RUNVAN® race series for 2015. Thank you to all the great sponsors and volunteer who made this a memorable experience,” adds Krepiakevich. “We are now looking forward to staging an incredible 45th anniversary of the BMO Vancouver Marathon.”
The BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 1st, 2016, is Vancouver’s only marathon event and also features a Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 8KM race, 2.5KM Walk and Kids Run. Each year the event attracts thousands of local and international runners and is ranked as one of the top destination marathons in the world.
For more information about the Fall Classic, please visit FallClassicRun.ca
