News and Archives
- Jun 26/11: Kangogo, Perkins take Scotia Vancouver Half marathon titles with “canny” performances.
- Jun 23/11: Scotiabank Vancouver Half marathon, MEN'S Preview: Dylan Wykes & the road to Olympic glory starts this weekend, and runs through Scotia Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 16th) to London 2012 (posted on STWM Blog)
- Jun 16/11: The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K promises an inspiring experience with a competitive roster of elite athletes
- Jun 7/11: Join Team Dr. Peter in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge!
- Jun 2/11: Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k near capacity!
- Apr 26/11: Calling All Joes
- Apr 6/11: Special Olympics BC Newsletter
- Mar 15/11: Vancouver Canucks' Mason Raymond Laces Up for 40 Great Causes as Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K promises an inspiring experience with a competitive roster of elite athletes
Vancouver, June 16, 2011 — The 13th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K promises to be an inspiring celebration of athleticism as course records expect to be broken! At Canada's most scenic courses, runners can expect entertainment for the entire family to enjoy along the race route while they cheer for their favourite runner, or team of runners.
There are 40 great reasons to run this year… 40 official charities participating in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, chaired by Vancouver Canuck forward Mason Raymond!
Through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, charities vie to win one of three $5,000 prizes courtesy of Scotiabank. These prizes will be awarded to the charity with the most funds raised overall, the charity with the most funds raised per runner, and the charity with the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner). If you can't run, pledge your favourite runner or the charity of your choice to help them compete for the extra funding.
In the past thirteen years, the SVHM has raised more than $1.86 million for local charities through runner participation and spectator pledges.
Elites to Watch For:
Kip Kangogo (1): Kip is the back to back winner, 2009 & 2010, of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon; will need to work hard to defend his title and aim for a three-peat. Kip this year won the Scotiabank Calgary 10k and has had many top five finishes at major races across Canada.
Dylan Wykes (2): This first time that Dylan has raced the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon, relocating to Vancouver this year to focus on training. This past December at the California International Marathon he ran a 2:12:39 to win and this March with the world's best in New York ran a new PR of 1:02:14 in the half, and was the 2010 CRS Men's Champion.
Matt Loiselle (3) & Rejean Chiasson (4): Training partners under the direction of Athletics Toronto (former Brooks Marathon Project) with Coach Hugh Cameron, Matt and Rejean, placed 2nd & 3rd respectively at the Canadian Half-Marathon Championships in April, hosted by the Banque Scotia 21k de Montréal.
Josianne Aboungono: 2010 Canada Running Series champion, Josianne has recently won the Scotiabank Calgary Half-Marathon and the Sporting Life Toronto 10k.
Keddi-Anne Sherbino: In only her second marathon the 21 year old Vancouver native, attending school in Kelowna, bested her marathon time by ten minutes to win the Vancouver Marathon in a time of 2:43:38.
Jane Cullis: A Vancouver native, currently finishing her PHD at the University of Toronto, she recently won the spring Toronto Half-Marathon in a time of 1:16:43, setting a new PB.
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 6,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 26th starting at 7 a.m. at UBC for the Half and 9:15 a.m. in Stanley Park for the 5K. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 5 years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.
Join Team Dr. Peter in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge!
“We don't run — we walk!” says Chris Cross with a boisterous laugh. For Chris Cross and Margie Kennedy, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Half-Marathon & 5k is a chance to raise money for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation and to get out to Stanley Park for a little fresh air fitness.
“Last year I raised $1,200, this year I'm going to try to raise $1,500 — and walk faster!” For Margie, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is about a new way of giving. “Not everyone can write a big cheque, but we can all give a little bit. We both have a group of friends that support us in everything we do. You'd be surprised how eager people are to help — I think most people want to give to a good cause, but nobody's asking them.”
For Chris and Margie, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a fantastic way to support a cause they feel so passionately about. Both Chris and Margie are regular volunteers at the Dr. Peter Centre, the HIV/AIDS health care clinic operated by the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation.
For Chris, it is a cause that hits very close to home. “Dr. Peter was my cousin,” she explains. Dr. Peter Jepson-Young was a young gay physician who was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1986. When he became too sick to practice medicine, he worked to change the public's perception of HIV/AIDS through a weekly diary series on CBC-TV.
Weeks before he passed away in 1992, Dr. Peter established the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. Today, The Dr. Peter Centre provides support for over 350 Day Health program participants and 26 live-in residents with highly specialized needs. All of the Center's clients are HIV positive, and most also struggle with issues of homelessness, poverty, mental health and addiction.
“I suppose that's why I support the Dr. Peter Center,” explains Margie. “HIV affects the most vulnerable people in our society — and the Centre helps them get back on their feet. They have good meals, excellent nurses, counseling and art and music therapy — I help run the community garden plot that the Centre has. They have something for everyone.”
For Chris, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a chance to get out with like-minded people — people who are passionate about making a difference in the community. “Last year, there was such a feeling of camaraderie — so many people out running for a good cause. My goal this year is to get more people to do the walk with me.”
Help Chris and Margie realize their goal by joining Team Dr. Peter! If you can't run or walk on race day, you can still support Team Dr. Peter by pledging Chris, Margie or another team member and cheer us on in reaching our goal of $25,000!!
For more details on how you can get involved, email us at events@drpeter.org.
June 2, 2011
LACE UP!
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k near capacity!
Register NOW and run in support of local Charities
Vancouver, June 2nd, 2011 — With 25 days left of training, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon (SVHM) & 5K on Sunday, June 26th, is nearly sold out! Runners of all levels, walkers and fundraisers are encouraged to register now to be guaranteed a spot in this popular event!
Run for a Cause!
There are 40 great reasons to run this year… 40 official charities participating in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, chaired by Vancouver Canuck forward Mason Raymond!
Through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, charities vie to win one of three $5,000 prizes courtesy of Scotiabank. These prizes will be awarded to the charity with the most funds raised overall, the charity with the most funds raised per runner, and the charity with the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner). If you can't run, pledge your favourite runner or the charity of your choice to help them compete for the extra funding.
In the past thirteen years, the SVHM has raised more than $1.86 million for local charities through runner participation and spectator pledges.
Follow our Joe Runner contest winners!
Our Joe Runner contest winners are transforming from average runners to Half-Marathon finishers and are all running in support of a great cause:
- Sarah Reid — running for BC Adopt;
- Julie Topolnoski — running for Tapestry Foundation; and
- Erin Schwaiger — running for Special Olympics BC.
Our Joe Runners will be joined by celebrity runners, Crystal Darche (JR FM), James Sutton (The Peak FM), Dawn Chubai (Breakfast Television) and Greg Harper (Breakfast Television). The celebrity runners will motivate and participate with our Joe Runners while fundraising for the BC SPCA, Big Sisters and Big Brothers of BC. Follow their stories here.
“Our Joe Runners and celebrity athletes are helping us raise the profile of the charities involved in this year's SVHM,” said Clif Cunningham, Race Director. “This year's race will bring out new personal-best times for runners, and new fundraising totals for our community through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, I encourage runners to sign-up before the event sells out!”
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 6,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 26th starting at 7 a.m. for the Half and 9:15 a.m. for the 5K. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, 'Bright Future.' Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.
April 26, 2011
Calling All Joes
Put your best foot forward and run in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K in support of local Lower Mainland charities
Vancouver, April 21, 2011 — Do you love running and enjoy a challenge? The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k wants you to participate in the Asics Joe Runner selection contest.
From now until April 30th, it's your chance to become one of our featured Joe Runners! Together with Asics and Forerunners we will be selecting 3 runners who will receive a full Asics Kit (Shoes, Shirt, Shorts, Hat), $100 Forerunners Gift Certificate and personalized training help from our great coaches. The catch — together with our celebrity runners, you will be highlighted on our website where we will want you to facebook and blog about your training at least once a week until the event.
TO ENTER — email us at svhm@canadarunningseries.com with subject: JOE RUNNER and tell us the following:
- Why you should be chosen as Joe Runner?
- How you are training?
- Which charity in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge you are supporting?
The deadline for the Scotiabank Half Marathon and 5K Joe Runner contest is April 30th.
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 6,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.
See you on the starting line of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K on Sunday, June 26th. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.
April 6, 2011
Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge
Special Olympics BC Newsletter
After churning up the track to win three gold medals at the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, Stacey Kohler has earned the chance to run with an international field in the country that is home to the birthplace of the marathon. The Special Olympics BC (SOBC) athlete will be sporting the maple leaf in Athens, Greece, this summer as she races for Team Canada at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Stacey displays her gold medals from the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Games with a huge smile on her face, and she is currently training hard in anticipation of giving her best on the international stage.
If you're a fan of sports, if you respect determination and you admire athletes who are brave in their attempts, then you're already a fan of Special Olympics. Why not make it official by choosing to support Special Olympics BC when you register for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5K?
Your support will help give more athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to feel achievement, acceptance, empowerment and joy through positive sport experiences.
When you register for the race, you can choose to fundraise for Special Olympics BC as one of the official 2011 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5K charities. If you raise more than $100 for SOBC, we will enter your name in a draw to win a Vancouver Canucks 40th anniversary limited edition hockey stick signed by Mason Raymond!
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to providing individuals with intellectual disabilities opportunities to enrich their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences. In 55 communities around the province, we provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to more than 3,800 athletes of all ages and abilities, thanks to the dedication of over 2,600 volunteers. For more information, please visit specialolympics.bc.ca.
March 15, 2011
Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge
Vancouver Canucks' Mason Raymond Laces Up for 40 Great Causes as Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge
RICHMOND, March 15, 2011 — Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond teamed up with representatives from 40 local charities in a friendly skate at the Richmond Olympic Oval today, launching the 2011 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and marking the countdown to the 13th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K (SVHM) on Sunday, June 26, 2011. This is Raymond's second year as Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.
“I'm thrilled to be back for the second year as Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, and encourage everyone to ‘run for the sake of others' at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K in June,” said Mason Raymond. “There are 40 great causes to run for this year, and collectively we hope to raise more than $600,000 for these local charities.”
In its 12 year history, the SVHM has raised more than $1.7 million for local charities, and the 2011 event aims to raise more than $600,000 through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. To help encourage charities with their fundraising efforts, three team prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to the charity with the most funds raised overall, the charity with the most funds raised per runner, and the charity with the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner).
“Canadians have embraced the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge in cities across the country because it allows them to fundraise for the charity of their choice, while making a big impact on their community,” said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank District Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. “This is a great race for a great city, where everyone can participate by pledging, running or cheering for a runner or charity of their choice.”
The SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to 40 local charities for the upcoming 2011 event. Increasing the scope of this unique fundraising and awareness opportunity will boost event participation and fundraising dollars to support charities whose programs and services assist hundreds of thousands of people across the province each year. (For a full list of participating charities, see attached backgrounder).
“Vancouver is a great city for running, and as one of the most picturesque half-marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the run attracts participants from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world,” said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. “Registration is now open for runners and walkers of all ages!”
The SVHM will offer the early bird registration fee of $30 to 5K participants and $60 to half-marathoners who commit to fundraising, regardless of when they register for the event. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts approximately 5000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 5 years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.
On-line registration closes at midnight June 20, 2010. To register or to donate to one of the 40 charitable recipients, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.