BMO Vancouver Marathon named ‘Vancouver’s Best Running Race’ by Georgia Straight
City’s only 42.2KM race adds to award honours
Vancouver, BC – September 22, 2016 –
Georgia Straight readers again named the BMO Vancouver Marathon as Vancouver’s Best Running Race in its ‘Best of’ annual awards for 2016. The award was voted on by Vancouver locals and is the second-straight year Vancouver’s only marathon event was voted the top road running race by readers of the established publication.
“This significant award is a testament to the 4,000 volunteers and the great community spirit that comes together each May to help make Vancouver’s only marathon event a world-class experience and celebration of Vancouver,” says Graeme White, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, and Fall Classic.
“The RUNVAN® Society makes special effort to make the event inclusive to runners of all abilities and encourages spectators to come out on race day to either run, cheer, or volunteer,” adds White. “The Vancouver Marathon is a celebration of sport, and Vancouver.”
Marathon weekend comes alive with enthusiasm and the support of local neighbourhoods. Through its Community Challenge presented by Chevron initiative, the non-profit RUNVAN® Society gives fans the chance to win up to $1,500 each for best costumes, dance routines, decorations, and the community with the largest number of spectators.
“The BMO Vancouver Marathon is more than just a race,” adds White. “It is an event that embodies and applauds Vancouver’s healthy and active lifestyles. Volunteers and spectators can win prizing on race day. It is a must-do race for locals, and has become a bucket-list race for international runners.”
Loved both locally and internationally, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has been deemed a world-renowned event with consecutive wins in:
• ‘Top 10 Marathons Worth Travelling For’ – Forbes Magazine (2016)
• Canada’s Gold Label Races ‘perfect destination race vacations’ – Canadian Running Magazine (2015)
• ‘Best Marathon in Western Canada’ – Get Out There Magazine (2015)
• 14 spring races all runners should try – USA Today (2014)
Since 1972, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has grown from a single race with 32 finishers, into a world-class event that now offers races for everyone with six different race distances and nearly 16,500 registrants in the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8KM, Relay, Walk and Kids Run.
The RUNVAN® Society also organizes a free, three-day Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo with more than 100 exhibitors – open and free for the public to attend at the spectacular downtown waterfront Vancouver Convention Centre West, May 4-6, 2017.
The next race day is May 7, 2017, and registration is now open online at bmovanmarathon.ca. All event distances are expected to sell-out once again so secure your spot early to run with the world and runners from over 50 countries next Spring.
Learn more and register today at bmovanmarathon.ca #bmovm #runvan
