Archived News: Pre-2012

Jun 16, 2011

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.

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June 7, 2011

Join Team Dr. Peter in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge!

Chris and Margie

?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.

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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:

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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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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

Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge launch 2011

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.

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June 27, 2010

Kangogo, Harvey coast to victory at Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

race start

VANCOUVER. June 27th. Defending champion Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge and Calgary veteran Lisa Harvey made it a good morning for Alberta as both earned comfortable victories in the 12th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, breaking the tape in 63:51 and 1:17:46, respectively. This was race #5 in the 2010 Canada Running Series. Another 963 participated in the accompanying 5K held entirely in the Park and on the world-famous Seawall. Combined, they also raised an impressive $524,000 for 29 charities in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. The record total 5,471 runners were drawn from 11 countries, 21 American states, and 8 Canadian provinces.

Kip Kangogo

Conditions were great for running — 14 degrees Celcius, a light rain and drizzle, just a slight breeze — as a record half-marathon field of 4,508 took off from UBC at 7am, heading for Stanley Park, in one of the world's most-scenic half marathons. Right away, a group of 7 formed, with Kangogo, his training partner Willy Kimosop, Burlington, Ontario's Josephat Ongeri, Montreal's Bagdad Rachem, Langley, BC's Steve Osadiuk, Victoria's Scott Simpson, and Nixon Kiprotich, a Kenyan currently staying in Victoria. They passed 1 km in 2:56 and 2km in 6:02, and the pack was down to three — Kangogo, Ongeri and Kimosop. The 4th kilometre was run in 2:53, and the 5th in a spritely 2:49 [14:47 at 5km] with Ongeri pushing the pace. That took care of Kimosop, and Ongeri and Kangogo ran shoulder to shoulder, down the steep exit from UBC on Marine Drive. They hit 10k on the flats of Spanish Banks in 29:38 with a picture-perfect Pacific NorthWest vista — a light drizzle, and mist over the ocean and the North Shore Mountains.

Shortly after they passed 11k in 32:35, Kangogo made the decisive move. He pulled away hard and Ongeri dropped like a stone. After that, it was a time-trial. 15k was passed in 44:49, Kangogo against the clock. The only issue in doubt was whether he could better his winning time of 63:35 from last year, or snatch the Course Record of 63:10, to earn a $1,000 bonus. Despite a tough solo run, it slipped away. A 3:15 18th kilometre over the Burrard Bridge into the breeze ended any hopes, and Kangogo coasted down Pacific to enter the park and cross the line in 63:51. "I'm happy with my race today," said the soft spoken native of Kabarnet who has made his home in Lethbridge. "I felt good today. I wish there was someone to push me." Nevertheless, Kangogo's performance added to a fine Spring season that has seen him notch victories at the Times Colonist 10K, the SunRun where he outkicked Eric Gillis, and the Vancouver International Half, establishing him as the #1 guy on Canadian roads this year. He will now turn his focus to the track and compete in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the National Championships in Toronto at the end of July.

Lisa Harvey

Lisa Harvey led the women's race from start to finish, to claim her second victory in the Scotia Vancouver Half, after finishing 2nd for the past three years in a row! [1:17:46]. She also turned the tables on last year's champion, Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Toronto who crossed the line as runner-up this morning in 1:18:19. "I'm really happy with my race, very happy" said Harvey. "It was perfect weather. The right temperature. The other girls were behind me the whole way, so I just kept focussing on how hard I'd trained and kept pushing. I felt sharp after running Freihofer's (5K for Women in Albany, NY), in such a strong field three weeks ago, so I just went a bit hard from the start." Despite her second-place finish, Kortchaguina was also much-pleased to be back racing and returning to form after a Springtime of injury challenges. Toronto's Josiane Aboungono was third in 1:20:47, after Kingston's Emily Tallen" who had had such a good Sun Run last month — failed to finish.

The next Canada Running Series event will be the ACURA Toronto Ten Miler on July 11th, the Official Tune Up race for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Places are still available for both events, with the prices going up on Wednesday [30th] at midnight. Full results and registration at www.canadarunningseries.com.

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June 23, 2010

Western Canada's #1 road racer, Kip Kangogo, set to defend title, as some good East-West battles loom at Sunday's 12th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon

29 local charities are also raising funds in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge

Kip Kangogo

VANCOUVER, June 23, 2010 — Lethbridge's star, resident-Kenyan, Kip Kangogo and Toronto's Lioudmila Kortchaguina — both champions in 2009 — are confirmed to toe the start line this Sunday in front of a record field of more than 4,300 for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon. The race will follow one of the world's most scenic routes from UBC Thunderbird Arena, along Marine Drive past Spanish Banks, Kits Beach, over the Burrard Bridge and down into Stanley Park. The event is the 5th in this year's prestigious Canada Running Series.

Another 1,000 participants, many of whom are running for their favourite charity, are expected in the accompanying 5K, which starts and finishes by The Fish House in Stanley Park. Combined, both events are hoping to set a fundraising record of $400,000 this year for 29 local charities participating in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.

Kip Kangogo is clearly the man to beat on Sunday. The 30 year old native of Kabarnet on the edge of Kenya's Rift Valley first came to Canada 9 years ago, when he received a partial athletics scholarship from tiny Lethbridge College in Alberta. The local Catholic Church, his family and the entire village community, all had to help to raise the rest of the money necessary to get Kip to Canada. In 2001 he won everything in sight while competing for the college, and was soon offered full scholarships, first to Brigham Young and then Texas Christian, where he was an All-American in 2003. After College he returned to Alberta: "I just love Canada," he says. "The people here are nice and it fits my lifestyle." After winning the Scotia Vancouver Half last year in a swift 63:35, Kip "Can-go-go" as he jokes about his name, has burned up the Western Canada roads. So far this year, his record is flawless — 1st at the Times Colonist 10K in Victoria in April in 29:35; 1st in the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon at the beginning of May in 66:33; then 1st the following week at the Sun Run in 29:02. On Sunday, Kangogo will be chasing the clock, gunning for a new Course Record — where he'll have to beat the 63:10 run by fellow-Kanyan Patrick Nthiwa in 2007 — as well as the $1,500 first place earnings.

Doing their best to give Kangogo a run for his money will be a strong selection of the best that Eastern and Western Canada has to offer. Kip's training partner, Willy Kimosop [a student at Lethbridge College], Burlington Ontario's Josephat Ongeri, Toronto's Matt Loiselle, Langley's Steve Osadiuk, Coquitlam's Richard Mosely, Victoria's Scott Simpson and Matt Clout, plus Montreal's Bagdad Rachem are expected to all have a say in the final outcome. Ongeri is last year's Canada Running Series champ, and another Kenyan settled in Canada; Loiselle is the current Canadian Half Marathon champion [for both 2009 & 2010]; Osadiuk was 2nd to Kangogo at the BMO Half, while Simpson and Mosely were 4th and 7th in the SunRun, 31 and 52 seconds behind Can-go-go. Kimosop led his mentor through the first half of last year's Scotia Vancouver Half before fading to 3rd place; he already has two Canada Running Series victories this year, at Harry's 8K in Vancouver in March and in the Sporting Life Toronto 10K on May 2nd — but both occasions when the teacher was absent! When Kangogo showed up, student Willy was 2nd to him in the Times Colonist 10K, then 3rd behind him in the Sun Run. "But with so many good guys, it's anyone's race on Sunday and we really expect Kangogo to be pushed hard," said Race Director Clif Cunningham.

The women's race also promises a gripping East-West challenge, where Canadian Olympian Lisa Harvey of Calgary and Vancouver's Kristina Rody will do battle with Toronto's Lioudmila Kortchaguina, and Josiane Aboungono and Kingston's Emily Tallen. Harvey, who finished 2nd overall in the 2009, 2008 and 2007 editions of the race, will definitely be up against it as a returning-to-form Kortchaguina looks to do well. Lioudmila not only has pride on the line as defending champion, but she is also course record holder from the sparkling 1:10:46 she ran for victory in 2003. Aboungono is another experienced veteran who was third in last year's Scotia Vancouver Half behind Kortchaguina and Harvey. But this year's race could very well go to the younger athletes. Thirty-year old Tallen from Kingston may get the better of the veterans. Emily was 3rd in this year's SunRun in 34:11, just a place in front of Kristina Rody, and this past Sunday she hammered the field to win Emilie's Run 5K in Ottawa in 16:32, showing she still has some speed as she moves up to the longer distances.

There is still time to book your place on the start line for the 12th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K "fun run" and do some last-minute fundraising for one of the 29 participating charities in the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. Details, including the course map showing entertainment centres and the best locations for spectators, are at www.vancouverhalf.com.

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May 31, 2010

Competitors work together for Alzheimer's cause

Nicole and Sandy

It may just be in their nature, but over the eight years they've known each other, Nicole Bertrand and Sandy Riley have shared a friendly competition.

"Whether we're cross-country skiing, hiking, or even just going up stairs together, we're both very competitive," explained Nicole Bertrand. "So it made sense to get Sandy to do a half-marathon with me."

Nicole is celebrating her 60th birthday this year by running in the Scotiabank Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk on June 27, 2010. Sandy turns 64 just four days before the event.

They're hoping to help Team Alzheimer's reach this year's goal of raising $25,000 for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., which is being recognized as a featured charity among the select group of non-profit organizations chosen to benefit from the event.

Both women lost their mothers to the disease. This half-marathon is the first for Sandy, and is another example of how both women have been tireless in their commitment to the cause. Previously, both climbed and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa and climbed Aconcagua in Argentina at 6,962 metres as part of fundraising events. Nicole's aunt is now living with the disease.

"We're celebrating our personal milestones by raising awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.," explained Nicole. "We're doing this together and as a team because we know first hand what the dementia journey is like for families who are impacted by the disease and we want to help ensure that no one is on the dementia journey alone."

"No matter how tough it may feel doing our first half-marathon, it's nothing like the dementia journey; they don't get to quit so we don't get to quit," said Sandy.

As Sandy tells Nicole about her practice run the night before, Nicole responded with a playful smile, "your practice run needs to be longer and faster."

"You know, we're hikers, not distance runners," insisted Sandy, though any hint of momentary apprehension in Sandy's voice quickly dissipated at the excitement and laughter the two women share at the thought of a new challenge.

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May 7, 2010

Charity News: BCSPCA has a running coach

We've got a running coach! We will be holding running clinics every second week until race day June 27th with our first meeting taking place on Monday May 3rd. This clinic will be a brief introduction and a short training session. Featured information will be on training schedules. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from the best and have any of your questions answered. And the best news of all? It's FREE! Anyone signed up to run on behalf of the BC SPCA can come down and join us! 4:30pm Monday May 3rd here at our Vancouver Branch: 1205 E 7th Avenue.

Corrine Rothwell

Corrine Rothwell comes to us with a strong background in running with many years experience and several races under her belt. In 2008 due to her excellent race time she was eligible to be one of the start runners for the Vancouver Sun Run. She also won her age division at the Florida Half Marathon which qualified her to compete at a national level. Corrine is a regular at most of local races, The Vancouver Marathon and Half being one of her favourites.

After doing IronMan Canada in 2008 she took a break, tried something new and started doing fitness competitions. However Corrine still runs a few days a week, and has set the goal to complete both the Boston and New York marathons again this year. She is currently taking her personal training qualification and will be certified by the end of May. All the while looking after her three children aged 6, 8 and 12 and their beloved pug Meesha!

"I enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve their fitness goals. As an passionate animal lover I am a strong supporter of the BC SPCA and the amazing work they do. I would love to help their running group with their training to complete this years 2010 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon/5km."

Haven't signed up to run yet? It's not too late, simply visit www.vancouverhalf.com and click register. Don't forget to click the BC SPCA as your charity of choice!

Have you read our blog? It's the trials and tribulations of us newbie runners which you can check out here. Don't miss next week's edition; we'll be sharing with you our fundraising tips and tricks.

Congratulations to Danielle Libonati who won the BC SPCA runner's cap and drink bottle! Keep up to date with our Facebook, Twitter and blog to find out how you can be in to win other great prizes!

If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail me at charitychallenge@spca.bc.ca.

I hope to see you down here next Monday!

Candace Noyes
Development Coordinator, Special Events
BCSPCA
1245 East 7th Avenue
Vancouver BC V5T 1R1
604.647.6401 / 1.800.665.1868

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May 29, 2010

Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond trades skates for sneakers as Honourary Chair of the 2010 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge

The 'puck drops' in the countdown to the 12th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K

WEST VANCOUVER, March 29, 2010 — Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond traded his skates for sneakers today in a ceremonial 'puck drop' as he faced off with representatives from 28 local charities to launch the 2010 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and mark the countdown to the 12th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K (SVHM) on June 27, 2010.

As Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, Raymond participated in a friendly game of road hockey with charity representatives and minor hockey players from the North Shore Winter Club and encouraged the public to 'run for the sake of others' at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to come on board as Honourary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and help increase awareness of an event that raises funds for so many local charities," said Mason Raymond. "I think this is a great opportunity for people to run in honour of someone they care about and raise money for one of the many worthy causes represented in the Charity Challenge".

In its 11 year history, the SVHM has raised $1.2 million for local charities, and the 2010 event is aiming to reach a fundraising goal of $400,000 and surpass the $1.5 million mark in cumulative funds raised.

The SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to 28 local charities for the upcoming 2010 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 Charity page).

"People have embraced the Charity Challenge because it allows them to fundraise for the charity of their choice," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "Scotiabank covers all of the costs associated with the Charity Challenge, including the on line pledging system, so the charities receive 100 per cent of the funds raised on their behalf."

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. 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 approximately 5000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.

"Vancouver is a great city for running," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. "As one of the most picturesque 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 2009 the Bank provided about $39 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 at midnight June 21, 2010. To register or to donate to one of the 28 charitable recipients, please visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com.

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February 8, 2010

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.

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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.

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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.

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Macharia and Jepkosgei cruise to victory at 10th Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

Scotiabank Half Marathon
Winner Moses Macharia

Moses Macharia cruised to a comfortable victory ahead of compatriot Josephat Ongeri, while 24-year old Florence Jepkosgei had an even easier time of things in taking the women's title more than 3 minutes ahead of Calgary's Lisa Harvey. Conditions were good for running, with overcast skies and a temperature of 12°C at the 07:00 start although some stiff breezes and humidity mitigated against really-fast times. A record 4,220 participants took part in this 10th Anniversary edition, from 7 Canadian provinces, 38 American states, and 24 different countries. Another 500 took part in the accompanying 5km fun run, helping to raise $200,000 for 10 local charities.

Macharia and Ongeri took charge from the start, going through the first kilometre in 3:04, with Toronto's Danny Kassap being the only Canadian to hang onto them. Ongeri made a move between 4-5km, and from there Macharia and Ongeri matched strides through 9k. Turning onto Marine Drive for the precipitous downhill to Spanish Banks, Ongeri threw in a 2:44 kilometre, to pass 10k in 30:24 at the bottom of the hill. Macharia stayed close, looking very comfortable, and then pressed his case on the short, sharp rise from Jericho Beach up to West 4th. Ongeri struggled on the incline, and by 12km he was 20m down — a gap he was never able to close. Macharia passed 15km in 45:51, taking the occasional glance back, as he cruised past Kits Beach, over the Burrard Bridge, and down Pacific Avenue to the finish line in Vancouver's world-famous Stanley Park. Ongeri finished 25 seconds back, and Danny Kassap held onto third, and first Canadian, in a disappointing 67:26 — well off the 64:03 he ran for second last year.

Scotiabank Half Marathon
Winner Florence Jepkosgei

Florence Jepkosgei was never challenged in the women's race, leading from start to finish. The second-youngest of 9 children from Eldoret, she was pleased to have an easy win for her 10th and final outing of her Spring season in North America, before returning home on Wednesday. The $1500 she takes with her from Vancouver, will go towards school fees for her sisters' children.

Behind Lisa Harvey in second, Ontario's Josiane Aboungono and Whistler's Kristina Rody had a great see-saw battle with Aboungono finally prevailing. British Columbia has always had a very strong Masters running scene. Coquitlam's Nancy Tinari, at 49 years of age, placed fifth overall while on the men's side Louis Philippe Garnier of Montreal, fought off a West coast pack for the victory in 1:13:08.

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Why run SVHM?

Here's a reminder of why the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is a yearly favourite of the community:

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International field expected to challenge course records at 10th Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

VANCOUVER. 5th June 2008. A strong international field that is expected to challenge for records was announced today for this year's 10th Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, to be run on its famous, scenic, downhill course from UBC to Stanley Park on Sunday June 22nd. In keeping with tradition, "we expect some really good battles up front," said Race Director Clif Cunningham. More than 5,000 participants are expected to toe the Start line, in what is also a major fundraiser—collecting more than $250,000 for 10 local charities.

Adillo

The men's race promises a splendid battle between Ethiopian Kasime Adillo and Kenyans Moses Macharia and Josephat Ongeri. The 29 year old Adillo placed 3rd at last September's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in a PR of 2:10:20, before going onto take 5th place at the prestigious Boston Marathon in April, running 2:12:24 on the tougher Boston course. "I am happy to be back in Canada," said Adillo. "I'm fit, recovered from Boston, and ready to set a new course record in Vancouver." To do so, he'll have to run under 63:10, the mark set last year by Kenyan Patrick Nthiwa. Pushing him all the way are likely to be Kenyans Macharia and Ongeri. Macharia has been tearing up the roads in the Canada Running Series this Spring, winning Harry's Spring Run Off Toronto 8K in 23:37 on April 5th, placing 2nd at a windy Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal on April 20th in 63:57, before recording another win at Sporting Life Toronto 10K on May 4th in a sizzling 28:18 — more than a minute faster than the winning time at this year's Sun Run. Ongeri was 3rd at the Canadian Half Marathon Championships at Banque Scotia 21k in 64:47, and 3rd again at Sporting Life 10K in 29:26.

Macharia

A group of Canada's best distance runners will also provide for a thrilling race within the race, as the best of the West faces off against some strong talent from the East. Victoria's Jim Finlayson and Jon Brown are guaranteed to be in the thick of things. While Brown has been beset with injury problems this Spring, that have prevented him qualifying to represent his new country of Canada in the marathon in Beijing, his pedigree is renowned: 4th in the last two Olympic marathons, a PR of 2:09, and a victory at the 2004 Scotia Half in 63:53, as a training run before Athens. If he's ready, he'll be the class of the Canadians, and could readily challenge the African supremacy. One of BC's best, Jim Finlayson has been in the top 10 perennially at the Scotia Half, most recently placing 4th two years ago in 66:55.

As always, the popularity of the Canada Running Series circuit has also guaranteed that some of the best of the East will toe the Start line, led by defending Series champion, Danny Kassap of Toronto. Danny was the only Canadian to press the Kenyans last year, and the only runner to hang onto the record-setting Patrick Nthiwa—which he did until 16k before dropping back in the pouring rain to come home a very strong 2nd overall in 64:03. Since then, he's run 2:17 at last September's Scotia Toronto Waterfront Marathon, then 2:15 at London two months ago. Danny will be joined in the Eastern contingent by current Series' points leader, Paul Chafe of Toronto, and second-in-the-standings Dehbi Amor of Sherbrooke, QC.

Jepkoskei

While Kenyan Florence Jepkoskei looks to be in a class of her own in the women's race, behind her an absorbing contest looks set to unfold. Last year's Canada Running Series Champion, veteran Olympian Lisa Harvey of Calgary, [who was also 2nd at the 2007 Scotia Half in 1:15:45] will have her hands full if she's going to repeat in second place this year. Victoria's Kirsty Smith, Toronto's Josiane Aboungono and Kingston's Emily Tallen are three talented, young up-and-comers to watch. The 24 year old Smith won the First Half Half Marathon in February in an impressive solo effort of 1:16:44, more than two minutes ahead of Harvey in second. At the Sporting Life 10K on May 5th, Jepkoskei broke the tape in 32:11; Tallen was 3rd in 33:50; and Aboungono was 4th in 34:11. At this year's SunRun, Harvey trounced the contenders, finishing 2nd woman, to Tallen's 7th and Smith's 10th. So watch for the sparks to fly all the way along Spanish Banks, through Kits down to Stanley Park on the 22nd. The contest for second place is just too close to call; it could be anybody's race on the day!

Finally, defending Canada Running Series Men's Masters' champion will be out to strut their stuff and show why they're the best of the 40+ crowd—Montreal's Louis-Philippe Garneau will have to fight off a posse of BC's top vets led by Norm Tinkham, Richard Lee, Mark Bomba, Neil Holm and Art Boileau. Coquitlam's Nancy Tinari should have an easier time of things on the women's side.

See Elite Start List as of June 11/08 (PDF)

There's still time to book your place on the Start line and join the excitement in the 10th Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half and accompanying 5K fun run. Online registration, plus the course map showing entertainment centres and best places to be a spectator are at www.vancouverhalf.com.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia. June 24th, 2007.

Nthiwa and Mukunzi
Winners Nthiwa and Mukunzi (Denise Relke photo)

Nthiwa spots field a thirty-second start, then storms to new course record at Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon

On a remarkable, wet Vancouver summer morning, Kenyan Patrick Nthiwa missed the start of the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon, then stormed his way past a record field of over 4,000 to set a new course record of 63:10, eclipsing Moroccan Mustapha Bennacer's 2003 mark by a mere four seconds.

Magdalene Mukunzi
Magdalene Mukunzi
(Chris Relke photo)

Fellow Kenyan Magdalene Mukunzi had a less-dramatic come-from-behind win as she made it three-for-three in head-to-head competition over Toronto's Lioudmila Kortchaguina this year, blowing past Canada's #1 ranked women's marathoner and Calgary's Lisa Harvey around 12k, then cruising to a comfortable victory in 1:14:02. Harvey was delighted with her second place finish [1:15:45], almost a minute and a half ahead of Kortchaguina who had a miserable day in the rain [1:17:11], after the Calgarian had been an ignominious 17 minutes behind Kortchaguina at the Ottawa Marathon just 4 weeks ago.

The men started out with a fast, downhill 2:42 first kilometre on the University of British Columbia campus roads, before a group of 5 — Kenyan Joshua Kemei, Toronto's Danny Kassap and Giitah Macharia, Ottawa's Joseph Nsengiyumva and Nanaimo's Steve Osaduik — settled in to a steady pace around 3 minutes per kilometre. They passed 5km in 14:50, by which time Osaduik had slipped off the back. Nsengiyumva was next to drop, by 6km, as Kemei and Kassap maintained the pace. A 2:55 ninth kilometre put paid to Macharia; Kassap continued to push things along nicely passing 10k in 29:24 after a 2:38 on the big downhill to Spanish Banks, with Kemei tucked in behind.

Nthiwa
Patrick Nthiwa
(photo courtesy ASI)

Nthiwa then emerged on the radar screen, running hard along the long flat stretch of Spanish Banks, right alongside the Pacific Ocean with the snowcapped North Shore Mountains in the background, from 10k to 13k. Dramatically, he caught the two leaders at the end of this stretch on the stiff uphill slope to West 4th Avenue, just before 14k. Continuing his relentless pursuit-pace, he ran 2:59 and 2:58 for the next 2 kilometres as Kemei dropped fast; Kassap held on only until 16k. By this time, the drizzle had turned to light rain, and then to a deluge. Alone, in a pouring rain that only those familiar with the Pacific Northwest can appreciate, Nthiwa battled the elements and the clock, chasing the extra $1,000 course record bonus. Coming down off the majestic Burrard Bridge, he had to hammer out 2:56 and 2:54 kilometres from 19k to 21k, in order to cross the line in world-famous Stanley park with the barest of margins — four seconds — to spare. Kassap continued strong to record a new PR of 64:03 on his birthday, signalling a welcome return to form. A tired, rain-sodden Kemei jogged in a distant third.

Despite the quintessential British Columbia day with the rain, the mist and new snow on the peaks of the coastal mountains, there were lots of smiles: a record sized field, the new course record, and a new fundraising record in excess of a quarter of a million dollars for 6 local charities. The sun even appeared as astonishingly as the downpour, to brighten up the awards proceedings and the bedraggled volunteer crews.

Full results available at www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

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2006 SVHM Race Report

Macharia wins

June 25/06: Bright sunny skies, no wind and pleasant 14°C temperatures greeted the record field of 4,000 runners in the 2006 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon. Another 500 runners participated in the accompanying 5k in Stanley Park. Participants were drawn from nine different countries and eighteen American states.

The Half Marathon took off at 7 am from the University of British Columbia. At the gun, the lead pack of six took off including Giitah Macharia of St. Catharines, Danny Kassap of Toronto, Joseph Nsengyiumva of Ottawa, Nourrdinne Betchim of Montreal and local favourites Jim Finlayson of Victoria and Steve Osaduik.

At the 1k mark, the four easteners (Macharia, Kassap, Betchim and Nsengyiumva) split away to form a lead pack that would run comfortably together to 7k. Kassap and Macharia and Nsengyiumva continued to pace and dropped Betchim at 7k.

The three continued together running strongly through the rolling mid- section of the course, no-one making any moves until the 18.5k mark heading down a short steep hill onto Beach Road, where Macharia and Kassap surged and dropped Nsengyiumva.

Lisa Harvey

At 20k as Macharia and Kassap careened downhill to the seawall, Giitah made his decisive move, striding ahead, and continued his kick along the final stretch to win comfortably in 1:04:30. Danny followed closely in for second only eight seconds back in 1:04:38.

Joseph completed the Eastern sweep, finishing in 1:04:52. Jim Finlayson was the top BC/Westerner, grabbing fourth spot in 1:06:56.

In the women's race, the West swept the podium. Calgarian Lisa Harvey dominated from the start to finish running comfortably in for the win in 1:17:59. Local favourite Leah Pells of Coquitlam finished a strong second in 1:18:49. Rounding out the top three was Nancy Tinari of Vancouver in 1:22:10.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon was the fourth race in the 2006 Canada Running Series and raised more than 100,000 for the VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation.

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Macharia out-duels Rogers at Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

26 June 2005, Vancouver, BC - Defending Canada Running Series Champ Giitah Macharia of St.Catharine's got the better of Eugene, Oregon's Nick Rogers in a good battle at the 7th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon this morning.

Almost 3,500 toed the starting line at UBC for the dash down to Stanley Park, one of the world's most scenic half marathons alongside the Pacific shoreline. Another 600 participants did the accompanying 5K, all inside the park. The event grew 20% this year, and attracted runners from 20 countries and almost 30 US states. Conditions were good for running in late June—overcast skies and temperatures between 13 and 17° Celcius, though the morning was quite humid.

Rogers took things out hard from the start, "to hurt a little", as he said, with Macharia on his shoulder. This immediately spread the field, with Toronto's Danny Kassap on his own in third, and half a dozen others strung out behind. Rogers pushed through 10k in just under 30 minutes, having done all the work over the first half of the race. Between 10k and 15k, the two runners worked together, see-sawing back and forth, until the Canadian made the decisive break at 15k. The American hung on well to finish only 13 seconds adrift, 64:55 to 65:08.

Danny Kassap, winner of last autumn's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, was adrift most of the morning, running almost all the way on his own. So much so, that he was almost caught by Montreal's Bagdad Rachem and Nanaimo, BC's, Steve Osadiuk, who pushed each other forward in a royal battle for 4th. In the end, the Montrealer took it by a step [65:48 to 65:49], but Osaduik was all smiles.

The performance gave the soft-spoken Vancouver Islander the 2005 BC Half Marathon Championship crown, and two very big notches in his belt—those of Bruce Deacon, Canada's #1-ranked marathoner for more than a decade, and Jim Finlayson, who became this year's Canadian men's marathon champ with his 2:18 performance in Ottawa on May 30th. Deacon placed 6th today in 66:58, and Finlayson dropped out. All 3 being "Islanders", it should be a lively ride home on the ferry tonight!

The women's race was dull in comparison. Canadian women's marathon champ and last year's winner, Lioudmila Kortchaguina of Toronto, had things all her own way after late scratches from Tina Connelly and Sandy Jacobson. In the end, Lioudmila cruised down the course in a respectable 74:32, almost 5 minutes clear of Seattle's Gwen Greiner [79:10], and Port Coquitlam master's runner Nancy Tinari [79:24]. Tinari also became the BC Half marathon women's champion.

General consensus gave "two thumbs up" to the new, modified course and the race charity, VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation, was all smiles as well, as the runners brought in $120,000 for them.

Full results and photos at www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

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Media Release June 27, 2004
Photos: Inge Johnson

Exciting half-marathon finish at today's Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk

Event also raises funds for local breast cancer charity

Photo by Inge JohnsonVANCOUVER, June 27, 2004 - More than 3,600 competitors, including a roster of elite half-marathon racers and running enthusiasts, helped make the Sixth Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon (SVHM) & 5K Run/Walk one of the most competitive and fastest road races of the season. Participants were also running to raise money for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in support of the Breast Reconstruction Program at UBC Hospital.

Jon Brown: Photo by Inge JohnsonIn the men's half-marathon, Victoria's Jon Brown, a British Olympian preparing for his marathon run in Athens this August, made his decisive break from the field at the 7 kilometre mark and by 9 k, had established a clear lead to win the race in 1:03:53. It was a tight race between St. Catherines' Gitaa Macharia and fellow Congolese runner, Toronto's Danny Kassap. In the final 100 metres, Macharia surged forward to take second place with a time of 1:05:22, with the 22 year-old Kassap a close third at 1:05:24.

Lioudmila Kortchaguina: Photo by Inge JohnsonLast year's SVHM top female half-marathoner, Toronto's Lioudmila Kortchaguina, led the women's race from the start line, finishing with a time of 1:15:19. Anastasia Ndereba of Kenya placed a solid second just behind her with 1:15:41. One of B.C.'s top runners, Tina Connelly, said she was "happy to be in the top three" and ran "her own race" to finish third in 1:18:52.

The 5K Run/Walk saw Irish teen, Henry Rowan, cross the finish line first with a time of 17:58, while Canada Running Series Western coordinator Teresa Nightingale of B.C. was the top female finisher, and second across the line with a time of 19:30.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. Growing annually in popularity, it is also a highly successful fundraising event. All pledges plus a portion of the team registration fees from both the Half-Marathon and 5K Run/Walk will fund fellowships to train more surgeons in breast reconstruction.

While donations are still being tallied, the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation hopes to exceed last year's fundraising total of $65,000. Scotiabank will match up to $15,000 raised by its employees, many of whom participated in today's events. There was an emotional moment at the awards ceremony when Scotiabank employee and top fundraiser Patty Scrase spoke of a colleague who lost her battle with cancer, and the continuing battle of another. Patty raised a total of $6,700.

For complete race results, please go to www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm or contact Race Director, Alan Brookes, at (416) 464-7437.

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Media Release June 24, 2004

Elite racers add competitive edge to this year's Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk

Runners will also raise money for local breast cancer cause

VANCOUVER, June 24, 2004 - A roster of international elite runners will lead the half-marathon field of 3,000 plus participants at the sixth annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk (SVHM) on Sunday, June 27. This Half-Marathon may well be the most competitive road race in B.C. this year. A purse of $9,000 is up for grabs as well as Canada Running Series Grand Prix points. An additional 1,000 participants are registered for the 5K Run/Walk, and organizers hope the combined events will raise $70,000 for the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in support of the Breast Reconstruction Program at UBC Hospital.

Watch for Victoria's Jon Brown, a British Olympian who placed fourth in Sydney and will also run the marathon in Athens this summer. Expect a close race between Brown and Mustafa Bennacer of Montreal, last year's SVHM winner. Bennacer made his marathon debut May 30, 2004 at the Ottawa marathon, delivering the fastest marathon run by a Canadian resident in a decade at 2:12:02. Other top-seeded men include Danny Kassap Tshindid (Toronto), and Moses Cheserek and David Njuguna of Kenya.

The fastest woman in last year's SVHM at 1:10:50, Toronto's Lioudmila Kortchaguina, (originally from Russia), has just won the Ottawa and Salt Lake City marathons, both in 2:30. Kortchaguina will face serious competition from Anastasia Ndereba, the younger sister of former world-record holder, Chicago and Boston marathon winner, Catherine Ndereba. Anastasia has completed two "2:29" marathons. Also running is B.C.'s best, Tina Connelly and Toronto's Lynn Kobayashi.

One of the fastest and most scenic half-marathon courses, the race begins at 7:30 a.m. at UBC's Osborne Centre. The start line is on Thunderbird Boulevard, immediately East of East Mall, in front of the Osborne Centre, with the finish line at Lumberman's Arch in Stanley Park.

Led once again by B.C. Lions' legend, Lui Passaglia, the 5K Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. at Lumberman's Arch. All pledges plus a portion of each individual and team registration fee from both the Half-Marathon and the 5K Run/Walk will fund fellowships to train more surgeons in breast reconstruction.

"We are proud to support the Breast Reconstruction Program at UBC Hospital through this event. Almost three-quarters of our employees are women, and some of them are battling this disease, so this is a particularly relevant cause for our organization. It's wonderful to see that the number of event participants and funds raised for the charity have been growing in leaps and bounds every year," said Bev Voice, Senior Vice-President, BC & Yukon Region, Scotiabank.

It's not too late to enter. Register at Forerunners June 24 at 1396 Marine Dr, North Vancouver or June 25 & 26 at 3504 West 4th, Vancouver. Note: No day-of race registration for the half-marathon. For more information please visit www.canadarunningseries/svhm, or call Forerunners at 604-732-4535. To make a donation or for more information about the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation phone 604-875-4676 or visit www.supportvgh.ca.

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Why are YOU running the 2004 Scotiabank Half Marathon or 5K? Participants tell all!

Next Sunday, June 27th, there will be close to 4,000 of you running the 6th Annual Scotiabank Half and 5K.
Why?
What motivated you to sign up?
Race director, Alan Brookes, shares his top 10 reasons, from your answers...

Top 10 reasons for doing the Scotiabank Half or 5K.

10. My cat Bubba told me to do it
  9. To get in better shape for sex
  8. To meet a wife
  7. For fun
  6. Get into shape after having 3 kids; a personal challenge
  5. My BIG ass
  4. My wife signed me up
  3. Because this is a fantastic, beautiful course
  2. For the cause, I lost a sister to breast cancer
  1. I love to run...

Whatever motivates you, we'll see you all next Sunday. Good luck in following your dreams!

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Olympian Jonathan Brown confirmed for 2004 Scotiabank Vancouver Half: Interview by Alan Brookes (Canada Running Series)

Jonathan BrownBritish Olympian Jon Brown, who currently lives and trains in Victoria, BC, is now confirmed for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half. He's preparing for the Olympic Marathon in Athens, and gave the following interview with Alan Brookes of the Canada Running Series (CRS). See Jon's bio in the CRS News section.

CRS: When did you come to Canada, and why?

JB: My wife and I came to Canada for the 1994 Commonwealth Games and we really liked the B.C. lifestyle and environment. The following year we applied to become permanent residents. We moved here in 1996 after the Atlanta Olympics.

CRS: Can you tell us a few words about your family and home in Victoria?

JB: My wife Martina is from Germany and we have 2 children; Dylan aged 6 and Rosa aged 3. We live in the Broadmead area of Saanich which is noted for its trees and trails. It is great for running.

CRS: Is it home now / what do you do in Victoria?

JB: We have been in Victoria for 3 years now after moving here from Vancouver. Victoria is a great place to live and we plan on staying especially as the kids are now in school. Right now I'm lucky to be able to earn enough income from running to train full-time.

CRS: Do you think you will eventually become a Canadian citizen?

JB: I've already applied. My citizenship should be processed by the end of the summer.

CRS: You were an amazing 4th in the Sydney Olympics marathon....what do you remember most about the race and the overall experience?

JB: What I remember most about the race is the noise from the spectators and also that it was a very windy day. The volume from the spectators was incredible; it physically hurt it was so loud. At around 30 km into the race we passed over a famous suspension type bridge; at the crest of the bridge the lead pack came to a dead stop due to the strength of the wind. I remember thinking 'I can't stop this is the Olympics!' We staggered through it for 100m then descended off.

CRS: How are your preparations coming along for Athens?

JB: Right now really well. I've completed the first part of my preparations without injury problems. My speed is good and I'm doing lots of volume for strength.

CRS: When I saw you last at the London Marathon, you were embroiled in a controversy with Dave Bedford. How has that affected your preparations and your feelings on running for Great Britain?

JB: The problem I had with London is now finally resolved. That issue was basically a problem between Dave and myself and nothing to do with the UK federation. The British have given me good support for the last 8 years and have always believed in me. Even though I will be a Canadian by the end of this year the thought of having to work with Athletics Canada is not appealing right now. The Canadian federation does a terrible job for its athletes and has no long term strategy or quality leadership. I'd love to run for Canada after this year but unless the federation sorts itself out I can't see that happening.

CRS: How does the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon fit into your Athens schedule?

JB: The race lies in the second phase of my Athens build-up so I'll be running the race during a 120 mile training week. It will be a good long hard run for me at a pace just slightly quicker than my marathon pace. It will tell how my marathon strength is going.

CRS: What are your hopes and dreams, and reality for Athens?

JB: If my training goes well and according to plan I feel that I am capable of a top 8 finish in Athens. It will be a very difficult and technical course which will be to my advantage.

CRS: Can you tell us what a typical week of training looks like for an Olympic-bound marathoner looks like right now?

JB: For 6 days a week I aim to get in between 18-23 miles. Twice a week I'll run fast quality workouts either on the track or road. My long run of the week is 2½ hours on a hilly course.

CRS: What is your favourite workout?

JB: My 1 hour easy day on Saturday! My favourite quality workout is 6 X 5 minutes with 1 minute rest between each.

CRS: What is your best training tip for recreational and club runners?

JB: Train with a heart-rate monitor as most runners run too hard on their easy days and not hard enough on their quality days.

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Kristie Congram
First-time half-marathoner wins big!
Kristie Congram wins trip for 2 to Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Pictured with race director, Alan Brookes. Read Kristie's story here.

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Records Fall Along With The Rain In Vancouver!

by Alan Brookes

June 2003, Vancouver - The 5th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon continued the torrid pace of Canada Running Series 2003, with records galore, set in ideal running conditions on Sunday. A record field of 3,426 [2,777 in the Half and 649 in the 5K Fun Run], up a remarkable 43% from 2002 [2,389], set off under overcast skies and a temperature of 13 Celsius at start time.

Before everyone was done, the weather blossomed into a perfect Vancouver running morning with mist over the mountains, a light rain, and then a steady downpour. Undaunted, the fun-runners had fun on a beautiful loop over the trails and seawall of Stanley Park with Lui Passaglia and the Felions, and the Half marathoners ran fast on "the world's most scenic and fastest half marathon" from UBC down to the park.

Records fell like the rain. Montreal's Mustapha Bennacer led the charge with an impressive men's course record of 63:14, after a good duel with Kenyan David Njuguna. These two set the pace from the start, testing the competition in the charge down NW Marine Drive to Spanish Banks. By the time they hit the flats [6K] after the 2km drop from UBC, Bennacer and Njuguna were comfortably clear of Kenyan Samuel Karanja, Djamel Boukhari, Bruce Deacon, Scott McClennan, Jim Finlayson, Danny Tshindid and Todd Howard, who were already strung out behind. Some, most noticeably Boukhari, were already looking the worse for wear.

Stride for stride, the current Canada Running Series leader in his burgundy McGill vest and the Kenyan ran together, down through Point Grey and Kits Beach, up the slope to the Burrard Bridge. Then, on the sharp downhill from the bridge and on Thurlow, between 14K and 15K, Bennacer struck. This was exactly the same point when last year's winner, Enos Ketter [Kenya] had made his decisive move. By English Bay Beach House [15K], Bennacer was 50 metres clear, and he continued to press his advantage for a 47 second margin of victory by the time they hit the finish at Lumberman's Arch.

Karanja ran a steady third, while British Columbians Deacon, McClennan and Finlayson swept by a suffering Boukhari to claim 4th, 5th and 6th. Deacon and McClennan, along with first master Richard Lee, also claimed the top 3 spots in the BC Athletics Half Marathon Championships.

Even more impressive was Lioudmila Kortchaguina's victory in the women's race. After personal best runs in the LA [2nd] and Pittsburgh [1st in 2:29] Marathons this spring, the Toronto runner came to Vancouver not only to defend her win from last year, but openly in search of a fast time for her bio, to go with the marathon mark from Pittsburgh. She looked very strong and full of purpose from the gun, and her 70:50 victory destroyed the competition with a time that ranks her in the top 35 in the world this year.

It put in the shade otherwise impressive runs from Nicole Stevenson [1:12:54] and Tina Connelly [1:13:15] who had a grand, see-saw battle down the course. For Toronto's Stevenson, it was a big confidence-restorer after a disappointing marathon in Ottawa; and Connelly continued to demonstrate that she is rebounding very strongly after childbirth last year, as she claimed the women's BC Half Marathon Championship crown.

Our spirits undampened by the steady downpour at this stage, we were warmed by the thought that Canadian women's marathoning has not looked this promising in a long while, as we move towards Athens [especially if Kortchaguina transfers her Landed Immigrant status to citizenship!].

As the mid-packers poured in, many exuberant with new PRs, VGH/UBC Hospital volunteers counted the money the runners had raised for the charity, and were similarly ebullient to announce another record at the awards ceremony—over $54,000 collected for Breast Cancer Equipment and a much-needed Zeiss microscope for the hospitals [up from $45,000 last year].

Everywhere, there was a sense of excitement, and a buzz that SVHM had "arrived" on the Vancouver scene. Jamie Pitblado, Director for the Sun Run came out to run, and Derek Hodge, Director of the Vancouver International Marathon and some of his crew came out to lend a hand. The number of American participants more than doubled, and included a group of 35 who combined the run with an Alaska cruise vacation. With its 43% growth, it has become BC's 6th or 7th largest run, the 2nd largest in the Sun Run Series [after the Sun Run], and the 3rd largest in the Canada Running Series. As one respected local running observer put it, "there are over 600 hundred running events a year in BC right now. They happen on Saturdays and Sundays. They're forgotten by Monday. This one, they'll be talking about till at least Wednesday."

THANKS to everyone who came out and made it happen. If you missed it, make sure you mark 27th June 27, 2004, now!

For full results and photos, see www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

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For Immediate Release June 22, 2003

'New Canadian', Mustapha Bennacer of Montreal beats Kenyans at this Sunday's Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon

Vancouver, BC—The results are in for the 5th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk. Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of these runners, a record breaking 3,426 participants combined competed in today's event and over $54,000 was raised in support of UBC Hospital's Breast Cancer Surgical Unit.

In the Half-Marathon, 'New Canadian', Mustapha Bennacer (Montreal) proved to be too much competition for Kenyans, David Njuguna and Samuel Karanja. A strong contender from the start, Mustapha Bennacer ran an incredibly solid race and defeated the favoured Kenyans, with a time of 63 minutes and 14 seconds. In the women's division last year's winner Lioudmila Kortchaguina (Toronto) ran her own strong race to retain her title and cross the finish line with a time of 70 minutes and 50 seconds.

Other race highlights:

Open Men & Women ? Half-Marathon

Men
1st ? Mustapha Bennacer, Montreal 1:03:14
2nd ? David Njuguna, Kenya 1:04:01
3rd ? Samuel Karanja, Kenya 1:04:32
4th ? Bruce Deacon, Victoria 1:05:02

Women
1st ? Lioudmila Kortchaguina, Toronto 1:10:50
2nd ? Nicole Stevenson, Toronto 1:12:54
3rd ? Tina Connelly, Coquitlam 1:13:15
4th ? Isabelle Ledroit, Montreal 1:15:14

BC Athletics Champions Men & Women ? Half-Marathon

Men
1st ? Bruce Deacon, Victoria 1:05:02
2nd ? Scott McClellan, Vancouver 1:05:25
3rd ? Richard Lee, Coquitlam 1:10:46

Women
1st ? Tina Connelly, Coquitlam 1:13:15
2nd ? Alison Rendell, Vancouver 1:17:40
3rd ? Janine Moffett, North Vancouver 1:19:41

The official race results and photos can be viewed on www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

Thanks to the commitment and efforts of runners and their supporters, a record $54,000 was raised in support of VGH and UBC Hospital Foundations. Funds raised will used to purchase a Zeiss Microscope, an essential piece of equipment for improved care of patients undergoing complex breast reconstruction procedure.

The top three pledge collectors for 2003 are:
Patty Scrase $3,683
Jim Lawrence $2,016
Raymond Li $1,502

The Scotiabank Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk is a part of the prestigious Canada Running Series/Circuit du Canada, and is also a part of the Sun Run Series. For further information on both the Half-Marathon and 5K Run/Walk please visit www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm or call 604.732.4535.

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