Media Advisory - Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Off to a Running Start

Weekend-long festivities kick off on Thursday, May 24, 2012

CALGARY, May 24, 2012 /CNW/ - The 48^th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon race weekend kicks off on Thursday, May 24, 2012 with the opening of the annual Health and Wellness Expo and Race Package Pickup at The Big Four in Stampede Park. On Sunday, May 27, 2012 over 11,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K while raising money for local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

WHAT:	HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO AND RACE PACKAGE PICKUP This is the last chance to register for the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or Kids' Marathon. Visit over 40 exhibitors featuring sponsors, souvenirs, running apparel and accessories, nutritional and fitness products, samples, interactive displays, and much more while runners pick up race packages. Free and open to the public.
WHEN:	Thursday, May 24, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 25, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE:	The Big Four, Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB T2G 2W1
WHO:	Keynote speakers include Grant Burwash, professional triathlete and coach and Frank Shorter, Olympic gold medalist.
WHAT:	FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST The Stampede Caravan committee is serving up pancakes and sausage for participants and spectators. Breakfast will be free for participants with a bib and friends and family can purchase for $5.00 cash onsite.
WHEN:	Sunday, May 27, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:	The Big Four, Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
WHAT:	SCOTIABANK CALGARY MARATHON
WHEN:	Start time 7:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
WHO:	Elite Athletes: Jason Loutitt, Brendan Kenny, Ronke Babatunde, Tanaya Gallager, Adela Salt
WHAT:	CENTAUR SUBARU HALF MARATHON
WHEN:	Start time 7:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
WHO:	Elite Athletes: Kip Kangango, Nadyia Fry, Lindsay Manning, Jeremy Deere
WHAT:	JUGO JUICE 10K
WHEN:	Start time 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:	Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
WHO:	Elite Athletes: Claire Morgan, David Guss
WHAT:	SCOTIABANK MARATHON KIDS
WHEN:	Start time 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
WHAT:	ASTRAZENECA 5K WALK & RUN
WHEN:	Start time 11 a.m.
WHERE:	Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE

MEDIA ACCESS INFO:

• The Start and Finish area for all Scotiabank Calgary Marathon events is located at the Grandstand, Stampede Park.
• Media Access area: A VIP Tent will be set up near the Finish Line in the Grandstand.
• Parking for media will be available in Lot 5 at Stampede Park (northwest of the Grandstand entrance).
• Please email [email protected] for media credentials.
• Please identify yourself as media upon arrival in order to access the VIP tent.
• Please visit www.calgarymarathon.com for important road closure information and allow ample time to arrive on site.

About the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon:
Canada's Oldest Marathon Turns 50 in 2014

Voted the 2010 & 2009 Best Road Race in Alberta, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is a challenging, competitive and fun event with a race designed for runners and walkers of any level. This umbrella event includes the Scotiabank Marathon, Centaur Subaru Half-Marathon, Jugo Juice 10K, AstraZeneca 5K Walk and Run and the Scotiabank Kids Marathon. In 2012, over 11,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the event and $600,000 is expected to be raised through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, supporting 51 local charities.

About Scotiabank:

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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For more information about the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, visit www.calgarymarathon.com

Lynn Cox, Marketing Director
Calgary Marathon
403-863-8927
[email protected] 

Sheena Findlay
Scotiabank
647-628-3501
[email protected]