News and Archives 2009-2010

Pre-2009 News Archives | Back to main news page

Top

ASICS becomes presenting sponsor of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k

VANCOUVER, BC, Canada. February 8th. Canada Running Series, Canada's premier running circuit, has announced a multiyear partnership with Asics, whereby the world's top running brand will become the presenting athletic sponsor of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K.

"We are excited to have this opportunity to work with a showcase run like the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon," said Yves Simard VP of Sales and Marketing AQP Asics Canadian Distributor. "The event is a fantastic opportunity for our brand to partner with leading retailer Forerunners to service the Vancouver running community."

The multi-year agreement with ASICS will build on the eleven years of growth the event has had, and is expected to attract almost 6,000 runners from across Canada and more than a dozen countries. ASICS and Scotiabank are proud to support the Charity Challenge, with over 25 Charity partners allowing runners to run for the charity of their choice. In 2010 the event is going to build on the $1.3 million it has raised for charities in the community.

"We're delighted to have ASICS join the Scotia Vancouver Half team. As a premiere running brand, their partnership will help Canada Running Series, Scotiabank and Forerunners grow the event to the next level and bring some fresh, exciting initiatives to the Vancouver running scene," said Alan Brookes, President Canada Running Series.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k runs this year Sunday on June 27th, 2010. The Half-Marathon route is one of the most-scenic in the world, as it runs downhill from UBC to a grand finish in Stanley Park. The run features multiple entertainment stations, bands and cheering groups to support the runners along the route. The 5K is staged entirely inside Stanley Park, including picturesque sections along the Seawall. Online registration, fundraising, and run details can be found at www.vancouverhalf.com.

Top

Decisive victories in men's and women's divisions at today's Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon

Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge raises record amount for 15 local charities

Kip Kangogo

VANCOUVER, June 28, 2009 — Kenyan Kip Kangogo cruised to a convincing win in 1:03:35 — more than a minute ahead of the second place finisher in the men's half-marathon division — leading a record field of more than 4,350 runners at the 11th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon (SVHM). Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Thornhill, ON had a similarly easy time of things, taking the women's half-marathon title in 1:16:10, almost two minutes ahead of Calgary's Lisa Harvey. Another 750 individuals participated in the event's 5K fun run/walk. The race attracted runners from eight provinces and 20 countries, including almost 200 American runners. The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge also broke this year's fundraising goal, raising an impressive $312,000 — and counting — for 15 local charities.

Lioudmila Kortchaguina

The 29-year-old Kangogo ran shoulder to shoulder with fellow Kenyan Willy Kimosop, who surged immediately after the 10K mark (29:22), before dropping off in the later stages to hang on for 4th (1:06:02). Kimosop, 22, who trains with Kangogo in Lethbridge, AB, won the 2009 Vancouver Sun Run and Times Colonist 10K. Kangogo made his decisive move on the rise from Jericho to 4th Avenue, opening up a 100 metre gap to drop both Kimosop and second place finisher Josephat Ongeri (1:04:53). Giitah Macharia of Oakville, ON, who has struggled of late, had to come in under 66 minutes to "prove fitness" to Athletics Canada and claim his place on the national marathon squad going to the world Championships in August. He ran a tactical race to finish third in 1:05:35 and should be on his way to Berlin. Women's half-marathon winner Lioudmila Kortchaguina led the women wire to wire, redeeming herself following poor performances in 2007 and '08 when she struggled with a hip injury.

Half-Marathon Male

1. Kip Kangogo, Kenya                     1:03:35
2. Josephat Ongeri, Burlington, ON        1:04:53					
3. Giitah Macharia, Oakville, ON          1:05:35
4. Willy Kimosop, Kenya                   1:06:02
5. Baghdad Rachem, Montreal, QC           1:06:35

Half-Marathon Female

1. Lioudmila Korthchaguina, Thornhill, ON 1:16:10				
2. Lisa Harvey, Calgary, AB               1:18:05
3. Josiane Aboungono, Toronto, ON         1:20:34
4. Katherine Moore, Vancouver, BC         1:21:12
5. Nathalie Goyer, Bruno, QC              1:22:20

Masters Male (40 +)

1. Terry Gehl, St. Charles QC             1:11:21
2. Keefer Whan, Mount Vernon, WA          1:16:38
3. Dave Stephens, North Vancouver, BC     1:16:52

Masters Female (40 +)

1. Nathalie Goyer, Bruno, QC              1:22:20
2. Janette Purdham, Vancouver, BC         1:25:56		
3. Rebecca Reid, Vancouver, BC            1:26:51

This year's event also saw the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge expand to 15 local charities:

Great vertical!

In its 11 year history, the SVHM has raised more than $1.2 million for local community charities. Scotiabank is again sponsoring three team prizes, each worth $5,000, for the charities that raise the most money, raise the most money per runner, and have the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner). The awards will be announced after July 15th, the deadline for all pledges to be handed in.

For complete race results, please visit www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K:

Launched in 1999, the event, which is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series, features one of the most scenic routes, starting at UBC Thunderbird Arena to Stanley Park, a 5K "fun run/walk" and the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, which offers a unique opportunity for runners and walks to raise funds for local community charities. Growing in popularity year by year, the half-marathon attracts elite runners and participants from across Canada, points in the U.S. and 20 countries.

About Scotiabank:

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, in 2008 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.

Top

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5k Charity Challenge expands to fifteen charities

Eleventh anniversary event aims to surpass $1.2 million mark in funds raised for local charities

fundraising goal 2009
Charity Challenge launch: click image to enlarge

VANCOUVER, April 23, 2009 — Representatives and clients from fifteen local charities joined Scotiabank today to unveil a fundraising goal of $300,000 for the 2009 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and mark the count down to the Eleventh Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM), which takes place Sunday, June 28, 2009.

In its ten year history, the SVHM has raised $950,000 for local charities and hopes to surpass the $1.2 million mark in cumulative funds raised this year. Due to the overwhelming success of the past ten years, the SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to fifteen charities for the upcoming 2009 event. Increasing the scope of this unique fundraising and awareness opportunity will boost event participation and fundraising dollars to support the following charities whose programs and services assist hundreds of thousands of clients across the province each year:

"Event participants have embraced the Charity Challenge because it enables them to fundraise for the charity of their choice. We're pleased to expand the number of participating charities to give participants and the community even more choice," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "To help surpass the $1.2 million dollar mark in cumulative funds raised, Scotiabank is pleased to offer reduced entry fees for all runners and walkers who fundraise for one of the fifteen charities."

The Bank will offer the early bird registration fee of $30 to 5k participants and $50 to half-marathoners who commit to fundraising, regardless of when they register for the event. Scotiabank is also sponsoring three team prizes, each worth $5,000. The charities that raise the most money, raise the most money per runner and have the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner) will each win $5,000.

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 4,500 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city. "Vancouver is always a popular runner's destination," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k. "As one of the most scenic half-marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the run attracts participants from all across Canada, the U.S. and around the world."

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. In 2008 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. To learn more about how Scotiabank supports the communities where its employees live and work please visit www.scotiabank.com.

On-line registration closes June 22, 2009. To register or to donate to one of the fifteen charitable recipients, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.

Top