Runners broke a sweat, and the bank, during yesterday’s annual Calgary Marathon.
Over $250,000 was raised for 19 local charities, event organizers said. More than 1,000 runners participated in the first Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.
Three team prizes of $2,500 earmarked for the charities that raised the most money, raised the most money per runner, and have the most runners participating will be announced after the June 16th deadline for pledges.
“It’s a model that works really well,” said Lynn Cox, marketing director. “We are definitely interested in bringing back the charity challenge next year.”
With so many runners, the Calgary marathon is a large event to organize and run. “We were putting out little fires here and there,” said Cox. “The day went smoothly and was very successful overall.”
Despite the rain and wind, more than 8,600 runners, including about 500 children competing in the Timbits Kids Marathon. And, despite the chilly weather, kids seemed to enjoy the fun.
According to Abbi Prost, 10, racing is an exciting way to spend the day, especially with her parents cheering her on. “I like that you get an adrenaline rush,” she said.
“It makes you confident.”
Winning the women’s division with a new marathon course record of 3:02:39 was Ellie Greenwood of Banff.
Graeme Wilson of Vancouver won the men’s marathon title with a time of 2:32:14.
