Vancouver Marathon

The Vancouver International Marathon is an annual race held on the first Sunday of May each year in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada . As the largest international marathon event in Canada [ [http://www2.bmo.com/bmo/files/news%20release/4/1/bmo_vanmar_may0706_en.htm 14,395 Participate in BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon, Canada’s Largest Marathon] ] , it has a certified running distance of 26 miles and 385 yards long. The most recent marathon saw over 12,000 people participated on May 4, 2008. [ [http://www.ctvbc.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080504/BC_Vancouver_Marathon_080504/20080504/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome Thousands run in Vancouver Marathon ] ] This marathon is certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations & Association of International Marathons and Distance Races as a qualifying marathon race.

The race started in 1972 when a small group of 72 runners ran five loops of Stanley Park to complete the first Vancouver International Marathon (known as Lions Gate Road Runners International Marathon) [http://arrs.net/HP_VanMa.htm Association of Road Racing Statisticians] Accessed May 5, 2008] . The marathon grew over the next few years to 300 participants in 1977. However the event suffered a major setback in 1976 when a participant, Dr. Leslie Truelove, collapsed mid-race and died due to aneurysm. In Truelove's memory, the Dr. Leslie Truelove Memorial Trophy has been awarded ever since to the first male finisher in the 50+ age category.

The 1983 race became known as the "Long Marathon" after runners were misdirected during its running — adding an extra 561 yards to the race.

Currently, several different options are available for participants [ [http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/hm/inside.php?id=12&sid=4 General Info] ] :
* Full Marathon (a Boston Marathon qualifying event) - 42K
* Full Marathon Team Relay - 42K by 5 people
* Marathon walkers - 42K
* Wheelchair full marathon - 42K
* Nordic Pole Walkers - 42K
* Half Marathon - 21K
* 8K Course
* Kids Marafun - 1K

Its current title sponsor is the BMO Bank of Montreal thus the marathon is known as BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon. Previous title sponsor was Adidas in 2001-2005, known as the Adidas Vancouver International Marathon.

Organization

The event is put together by the Vancouver International Marathon Society (VIMS), a non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors, assisted by a small number of paid staffs when the race is in planning stage.

Each year, VIMS recruit volunteers to help with pre-race preparations and race day operation. In total, about 1800 volunteers help to run the marathon smoothly. Volunteers help in areas such as water stations, medical stations, set-up/take down, food services, given out shirts & medals to runners.

Event details

A free Friendship Run is held during the race week for those who wish to participate. However, they must register separately with race official in order to take part in this event.

Expo

The Marathon is kicked off by an Expo (DVBIA Urban Lifestyle Expo), currently held at Westin Bayshore Hotel for 3 days for runners to pick up their information packages and to receive promotional materials from various sponsors and athletic associations.

Race Day

All participants start off at BC Place Stadium using a staggered time system to ensure timing accuracy. Along the race course, various safety officials are on course, including paramedics and amateur radio operators from Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization (VECTOR). Details can be found at the 2008 Race Kit, available here: [http://bmovanmarathon.ca/hm/download.php?id=221&client_id=26] .

The Award ceremony will be held in BC Place around 3:00 on race day. Cash prizes will be presented to the top three male and female full and half marathon runners while merchandise will be awarded to the fastest relay team.

=Past winners- Full marathon [http://arrs.net/HP_VanMa.htm Association of Road Racing Statisticians] Accessed April 20, 2008] =

* Note: Bold face text denotes current course record holder.

World Record

BJ (Betty Jean) McHugh (Single age record for Women aged 80 years old, 2:03:54 Half Marathon) [ [http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=a17cd3cb-80e0-4519-a86b-38404ae350c2 Women's winner back on track] ]

Race Dates

The race is held on the first Sunday of May each year.
*May 6, 2007 (36th)
*May 4, 2008 (37th)
*May 3, 2009 (38th)
*May 2, 2010 (39th)
*May 1, 2011 (40th)

References

External links

* [http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/hm/ BMO Vancouver International Marathon]
* [http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/listing.details.php?category=1882&id=2795 Tourism Vancouver listing]
* [http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_Donations/vancouver-marathon.asp Canadian Diabetes Association- Vancouver Marathon]
* [http://www.raceheadquarters.com/results/run_2008.htm Race Headquarters - Official results listing]
* [http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=21070506 Marathon Guide - Vancouver Marathon]