VANCOUVER – SPORTS – The BMO Vancouver Marathon event that kicks off with B.C.’s largest Health, Sports and Lifestyle Expo at the Vancouver Convention West, now features a Marathon Relay with four race legs spanning 5KM to 13KM. The event includes race distances of 42.2KM, 21.1KM, 13KM, 12KM, 8KM and 5KM, plus a Kids Fun Run.
“The Marathon Relay adds an exciting new element by welcoming runners of shorter distances who collectively, as a team, can potentially record very fast times on the Marathon course,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, the non-profit responsible for organizing the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
The first ‘leg’ of the Marathon Relay runs 12KM through Cambie, Kerrisdale and Dunbar, then exchanges with Leg 2 for another 12KM route through Pacific Spirit Park and out to Point Grey, Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach. Leg 3 then runs the stunning 5KM along Kitsilano Beach. The final Leg 4 is 13KM, across Burrard Bridge, by English Bay and around beautiful Stanley Park’s Seawall through to an exciting downtown finish.
“I have done both the 8KM and the Half Marathon – never the full,” says Louise, a confirmed relay runner captain. “Four of us from work (at YWCA Health and Fitness) decided to do it as a team, as we wanted more than 8KM and less than the half, and none of us could do the full.”
The team building aspect makes it a perfect opportunity for those corporate groups, charity fundraisers, friends, families, and others to experience the stunning BMO Vancouver Marathon course, which has also been ranked by Forbes and CNN as one of the Top 10 Destination Marathons in the World.
“This is my first time entering a Vancouver Marathon, or any marathon event,” adds Eugene, another confirmed BMO Vancouver Marathon Relay runner. “My teammates and I have all reached the stage in our lives when fitness takes a conscious effort. We are also co-workers who have fallen into the trap of the work/life balance illusion and doing this is a bit of a personal stand.”
On race morning, team members will gather at the Relay Shuttle Start Zone, just off the Canada Line skytrain line at Oakridge-41st Station. Leg 1 runners will head to the Start Line in Queen Elizabeth Park, while private shuttle buses will transport the other Relay runners to their designated Relay Exchange Zones.
Each leg will be timed, with the ‘baton’: a timing chip worn on runners’ waists, passed between team members in designated exchange zones. After completing their portion of the famous Marathon course, Relay runners will be shuttled to the Finish Line.
Prizing will go to the top Marathon Relay team. Like all runners of BMO Vancouver Marathon events, Marathon Relay participants will also receive a finisher’s medal, race bib, timing chip, and technical t-shirt, plus free shuttle service, gear check, food, refreshments and live on course entertainment.
“The Marathon Relay is a great team building experience, and makes the distance achievable for runners of different abilities,” concludes Krepiakevich.
The Marathon Relay will be capped to 250 teams on a first-come, first-save basis.
Runners may register this month of November for the lowest available pricing at bmovanmarathon.ca.
About The Vancouver International Marathon Society
The Vancouver International Marathon Society is the non-profit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon. With a 44-year history within Vancouver, the event is the city’s only marathon and one of Canada’s largest marathons. Recognized by CNN and Forbes as a Top Destination Race, the event is renowned for its unique scenic views including snow-capped mountain ranges, cherry blossom trees, and 70% shoreline views. Race weekend takes place April 30 – May 3, 2015 with all events capped at: 5,000 for the Marathon, 250 teams for the Marathon Relay, 10,000 for the Half Marathon, 2,000 for the 8KM, 500 for 8KM School Challenge and 500 for the Kids Fun Run.
