Canada’s fastest active marathoner, and the second fastest in Canadian history over 42.2K, is back for this fall’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
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The top men’s performer of the 2017 Canada Running Series drops a sub-2:19 performance at the 2018 Ottawa Marathon
Under Armour Eastside 10k is proud to be working with key charity partners that are working hard every day, supporting our community.
PHS Community Services Society
PHS Community Services Society (PHS) is an innovative and well-established non-profit organization located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) community. The organization has extensive property management experience in complex mixed-use projects and primary health care initiatives. PHS improves the lives of thousands of vulnerable individuals each year through housing programs, health care and support services. Clients served represent the most marginalized populations residing in Vancouver’s DTES and face multiple barriers due to their mental health and substance use. Through many successful partnerships, PHS contributes to developing and maintaining best practices in health care and harm reduction.
Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
The mission of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for women from all walks of life, who live and/or work in the Downtown Eastside. DEWC operates a low-barrier drop-in centre and emergency night shelter, offering safe, women-only space, meals and basic essentials, as well as a continuum of care that nurtures and empowers members towards long-term change. DEWC sees over 500 women every single day, providing refuge from conditions of poverty and violence, hot, nutritious meals, toiletries and clothing, phone and computer access, as well as specialized support including advocacy, victim services, HIV case management, and housing assistance. In a severely marginalized community, DEWC provides a place where women can come as they are, find resources, support, and sisterhood, and build personal capacity so as to bridge the gap fromsurvival to self-sufficiency.
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is a non-profit organization with a mission to create empowering environments that provide and promote access to healthy food, education and training. The GVFB provides assistance to over 27,000 people weekly through 13 food locations and more than 80 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore. The GVFB is committed to its vision of accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all and through community collaboration, is pro-actively working to help reduce food insecurity.
For every dollar donated allows the GVFB to purchase $3 of nutritious food.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Fundraising / pledging our 3 Eastside Charities:
- Make a Top-up Donation. You can donate directly to our partner charities during
- Start online fundraising with your registration for the event. Personalize your Pledge Page, select your preferred charity, and send it around to family and friends! Simply Sign in to your account, once registered, select Menu, edit your page, then share it via email, Facebook, and Twitter. Click here for assistance in setting up your page.
- Donate toa Participant or Team
- Click hereto search for participants to sponsor.
- Click hereto search for a team to sponsor.
Nuun will be our hydration partner for this year’s Toronto Waterfront 10k & Edmonton 10k. We will be serving Nuun Hydration products on the day of, and encourage all of our participants to train with what will be on course!
Who/What is Nuun Hydration?
Nuun stands for Nutrition Uncompromised. We have chosen to partner with them because their product is designed and formulated by athletes, for athletes. All Nuun products are vegan, gluten-free, and low calorie. This means that when you hydrate with Nuun, your body reaps all of the hydration benefits without consuming any extra junk and artificial ingredients.
Hydration is rad!
Hydration is important whether you’re running a marathon, or a marathon of errands! A consistent intake of water throughout the day is the easiest way to start living a healthier lifestyle. Hydrating correctly can lead to increased energy levels, support healthy body function, and ensures your body is absorbing all of the nutrients from the food you consume every day.
Water + Nuun = Hydration Bliss
Make your water count! Did you know that there is better way to hydrate than with just water alone? Nuun products have been designed based on the science of fluid absorption. The right blend of electrolytes facilitates optimal water absorption. Nuun Hydration’s propriety blend of electrolytes + water replenishes what your body craves after your workouts.
To learn more about Nuun Hydration, visit their website at nuunlife.com
Make this year’s Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k count with the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.
By Diana Hart
Time for Vancouverites to lace up their sneakers; runners of all ages are taking part in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on June 24.
At Scotiabank-supported marathons across Canada, people can make their runs count by taking the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and raising money for charities helping strengthen their communities. This year, we are highlighting Scotiabank Charity Challenge participants running for charities that help build a better future for young people in their communities.
Meet Jaylene
Jaylene Prime, 11, is taking the Scotiabank Charity Challenge alongside her sisters. They are raising money for Cassie and Friends Society, a not-for-profit, which supports children with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and their families.
Jaylene has a rare form of juvenile arthritis called systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). With the support of Cassie and Friends Society, Jaylene and her family were successful in their battle to gain accessto an expensive medication to treat her life-threatening illness. She was the first child in B.C. to be granted public coverage to the medication canakinumab.
Jaylene explains why she’s excited to run the Scotiabank Charity Challenge this year.
Link to original story HERE
Jaylene’s story is just one of many. Support Cassie and Friends or another Charity through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and run for a cause on June 24th.
Already registered to race? You can still fundraise, click HERE to log into your race account.
Two-time Olympian Reid Coolsaet shares the details of his vast medal and memorabilia collection, dating back to his high school running days, which includes hardware from Marathon Majors and the legendary Fukuoka Marathon
TTC-inspired race medals for Toronto’s largest marathon and just one of five IAAF Gold Label races in North America
Trying to get under the two-hour mark? Looking for a running buddy to keep you motivated through your race? Pacers are a great resource for runners to help maintain pace, keep you motivated, and maybe push you towards that elusive new PB!
We had an incredibly strong group of applications for our pacer positions this year, and we’re very excited to announce your 2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon Pacers!
Pace Time: 2hr 30min
Name: Susan
A little about Susan:
“I started running with my first Learn-to-Run clinic in July 2012, and did my first half marathon in November 2013. Since then I’ve done 10 half marathons. I have attempted to do the Scotia Half a few times, but scheduling and injury derailed my plans. ”
“I paced my first half marathon last year and had a fantastic time, so I decided to do it again this year; and when Canada Running Series asked for pacing volunteers, I jumped at the chance. I am looking forward to bringing other racers across the finish line!”
Pace Time: 2hr 30min
Name: Amanda
A little about Amanda:
“My name is Amanda and I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. My passion for running started in high school and I’ve completed several races ranging from 10k to full marathons mainly in BC, but also in the US and Ireland. I’m excited to serve as a pacer for the 2018 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon because I can’t wait to help you crush your goals! Whether your goal is to just finish the race or get a new personal best, I’ll be there with you every step of the way!”
Pace Time: 2hr 15min
Name: Meaghan
A little about Meaghan:
Meaghan started running in 2013 when her brother bet her on who could out run who at a 10K race (this is now an annual tradition!). Since then, Meaghan has run countless 10KM events, 11 half marathons and is currently training for her first full marathon. She is very excited to pace the 2:15 Scotiabank Half Marathon group and to help fellow runners crush their goals. When not out running with her husband James and their chocolate labrador Gus, you can find Meaghan at the local coffee shops or craft breweries.
Pace Time: 2hr 15min
Name: Rose
A little about Rose:
“Hi there! My name is Rose and I am super excited to be a pacer for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon! I code most of my day away, so running is a welcome break for my brain and body. The Scotiabank Vancouver half marathon was my first half marathon and why I am so happy to be a pacer this year. Pacers have pushed me to PBs and finishes that I doubt I could have reached alone. I am very excited to help others reach their personal running goals.”
Pace Time: 2hr
Name: Paul
A little about Paul:
My name is Paul and I’m super excited to be the 2:00:00 pacer for the SVHM. I love setting HAGs (i.e. harry audacious goals) and working relentlessly to achieve them. In 2018, I’ll run the Boston, Berlin, and Chicago marathons. By achieving my HAGs, I aim to both role model and inspire my kids and others to set lofty goals and achieve them. As a SVHM pacer, I will encourage others by running alongside them and motivating them to achieve their own HAGs on what is one of the most stunningly beautiful courses.
Pace Time: 2hr
Name: Jaylene
A little about Jaylene:
“In the last five years I have developed a love and appreciation for running and created a lifestyle around it. With the help of mentors in the Running community that have challenged me and with my sense of determination I have completed my goal in running the Boston Marathon in 2017. ”
“Giving back to the running community has always been important to me. Helping fellow runners push themselves to meet new goals gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride as I give back to the community. ”
Pace Time: 1hr 45min
Name: Philip
A little about Philip:
“Hello! I am Phil Finlayson and I have the privilege of pacing the 1:45 group at the 2018 Scotiabank Half Marathon. This will be my fifth time running in this event. My favourite distances are 10K and Half Marathon, though I will have just finished my 3rdMarathon before we meet at the start line. You can find me sharing my love of running with the North Burnaby Runners, Phoenix Running Club, Sun Run Clinics and sometimes even with crews west of Boundary Rd.”
Pace Time: 1hr 45min
Name: Dan
A little about Dan:
Originally from the UK, Dan ran his first 10k in London back in 2001. He didn’t get back into it until 2013 when he joined a local run group (at Rackets & Runners) to improve his distance and find a supportive run community. You can find Dan at road races of many distances; he’s lost count of how many, but the half is still his favourite. He’s also competed in 12 triathlons of all distances except the full Ironman; that’s his main focus for this year, as he’ll be competing at Ironman Canada in July. He’s looking forward to working to help others meet their goals at this year’s race!
Come for the run, stay for the fun!
Join Natasha Wodak, Sasha Gollish and our Canada Running Series community at Run Barbados Marathon Weekend, December 7th – 9th 2018. We’ll be at the races, on the beach, for a few easy runs, and out on the town! It’s the ultimate CRS year-end reward!
Congratulations to this year’s contest winner, LISA EDWARDS!
You’re invited to join Lisa and our Canada Running Series community in Barbados this year – just follow these 3 Easy Steps:
1. Go to runbarbados.org to register for you event(s).
2. Book your stay at one of the Official Hotels offering great rates.
3. Contact Marge at Marville Travel to get the best deals on airfare.
There’s a race for everyone: 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Half-marathon, and Marathon, spread through Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Race details: www.runbarbados.org
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon is proud to support local charities as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, with the goal of raising over $1,000,000 annually for local charities. Each year, charities such as the Alzheimer Society of BC build fundraising teams to support their causes, with runners participating in both the half-marathon and the 5k races.
Here’s a look at some team members raising money for the Alzheimer Society of BC:
Participant Name: Bark Kong
Goal Time: Under two hours for the half-marathon
Running wisdom: “Take the first step and be patient with yourself… it’s more about the process than the finish. Don’t go out too hard. It’s not a sprint; it’s like running a marathon, well…except it’s half. There is a lot of training information available on the internet, so find a program that works for you and decide to do it!”
Why he runs: “It’s both the challenge of doing something hard and the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve done it.”
What’s special about the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k: “Not only is this event a way for me to use my love for running to raise funds, it lets me get to know my friends and colleagues in a new and fun way. For example, I learned that Emily (Pridham, Manager, Regional Services for Vancouver Island) is really competitive – almost as much as I am.”
Bark is the veteran runner on the team. With six full marathons and eight half-marathons under his hydration belt, he’s more than ready to take on the mental challenge of 21.1 kilometres alone with his thoughts – with the help of a healthy cheering section on race day. This is the third consecutive Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k that he’ll tackle with the help of high-altitude, trail and road training and some intense metal in his headphones. Still smarting from a devastating loss last year to his worthy competitor, Emily Pridham, he has a new training program that is driven by the raw desire to come out ahead of his much younger colleagues. To show Bark your support, visit his fundraising page.
Participant Name: Emily Pridham
Goal Time: Under two hours for the half-marathon… and to beat Bark!
Message to other new runners: “Don’t be scared to try something uncomfortable. Ease in gently and set goals.”
What she learned about herself at her first Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k in 2017: “I was surprised by how into the fundraising I got. I got competitive because I saw [my teammates’] totals going up and I didn’t want to be left in the dust!” (Emily started her fundraising with tentative social media posts and ended up enthusiastically knocking on her neighbours’ doors.)
Emily is an avid cyclist, but until last year, she had never run more than 10k. A month before the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k, she was inspired by Bark and Theresa Frazao – who was also planning to run her first half-marathon for the Society – and she joined the team. The combination of her love for physical and leadership challenges, the healthy competition with her colleagues and the opportunity to embody the philanthropic spirit of the Society was enough to drive Emily to the finish line with little preparation. At the end of her dramatic debut, Emily beat Bark to the finish line by a minute. Complicating her win, however, shortly after the race, Bark learned he had been running with appendicitis. Now he’s back to full strength and ready for his re-match. Emily, with a year of running behind her, isn’t about to hand the top spot over to Bark – or the latest contender to join the office road race. To show your support for Emily, visit her fundraising page.
Participant Name: Allison Baker (aka, The Mystery Runner)
Goal Time: 1:45 for the half-marathon
Where she runs: Along the beach in Tsawwassen.
Why join the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k? “To be a part of a team. Running can be a very lonely sport. I’m excited to do it with a team because I’m extra competitive and I’m usually just competing with myself.”
Message to her teammates: “Bring it on!”
Earlier this year, when the Society team began to take shape at the provincial office, Allison threw her hat in the ring for the half-marathon – without revealing her identity to her teammates. At first, The Mystery Runner in the office sparked intrigue. Now that the secret’s out, so is the truth about Allison’s running resume. She has completed two full marathons and is now training for her third. Allison initially took up running at the age of 14 to impress her hockey coach and later fell in love with the endorphins she found pounding the pavement to her pop favourites. Will the ‘90s nostalgia of the Spice Girls and ‘N Sync propel her to the finish line before her colleagues? That part’s still a mystery. To show your support for Allison, visit her fundraising page.
Participant Name: Theresa Frazao
Goal: “To run a strong 5k in June and use these beautiful spring months to get outside and run again.”
Why she runs: “I love the endorphins and doing what I can to be fit and strong. I also love how meditative it is. It’s really hard to think about your problems when you are running.”
Run tunes: Fast, energetic pop songs to keep up her pace.
Last year Theresa completed her first half-marathon on the Society team. This year, she’ll be returning to the 5k distance and joining thousands of other runners and walkers on the shorter course. To all the less-competitive runners out there, Theresa has this to say: “5k is the perfect distance to participate in an event like this because you can run, you can walk or you can do a combination of the two. And you can recruit some friends to come out for the morning and walk or run with you! The crowds, the entertainment, the cheerleaders and the charity village all add to a great festival environment and you’ll have a blast while doing some good for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.” To show Theresa your support, visit her fundraising page.
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