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TORONTO, Sep. 22, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- An exciting lineup of community activities and sporting events was announced today at the official launch of the 2006 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Toronto's premier running event and charity challenge is expected to attract more than 10,000 runners from over 30 countries and most U.S. states, while also raising about $750,000 through a series of community-based events.
"This is a terrific event for a great city," said Scotiabank President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Waugh. "Scotiabank is proud of its long-standing commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work."
Five Marathon Kids were on hand at the launch to present running bibs to elite athletes competing Sunday on Canada's flattest, fastest waterfront course. The Marathon Kids represent the 500 students in grades 4-to-8 who have been jogging in daily intervals since the start of the school year and will be completing the last five kilometers of a full marathon this weekend.
"We're very excited and proud to be part of such an important community event," added Mr. Waugh. "Our employees are also very enthusiastic about the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and in addition to those employees who are volunteering their time we also have Scotiabankers from as far away as Mexico running on Sunday."
George Smitherman, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long Term Care, joined the athletes and spoke about his commitment to running the full 42 kilometres of the marathon to raise $100,000 as part of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.
The roster of international elite athletes includes Commonwealth Games marathon gold medalist Samson Ramadhani, of Tanzania, and the 2005 men's course record holder, Simon Bor, of Kenya. On the women's elite list are Elizabeth Chemweno, of Tanzania, and Hellen Cherono of Kenya. Also, competing for another record against himself as the first 70 + marathoner to finish in less than three hours is Canada's own Ed Whitlock, 75. Toronto's Michael "The Joggler" Kapral too will be attempting to break a record of juggling while jogging at this year's five kilometre race.
"It's by far the strongest field of athletes we have ever had," said Race Director Alan Brookes. "I am excited to see how much we will raise for all of our charities this year and to see if we set some new records."
The race weekend celebrations begin at Nathan Phillips Square tonight with a Welcome Concert featuring Canadian music icon David Usher. Mayor David Miller will launch the festivities, which will also include a performance by Emm Gryner as well as the York Lions Steel Band and the Shiamek Indo-Jazz Dance Movement.
On Sunday, race spectators will celebrate the race with Toronto's longest street party. Spectators will compete in a neighbourhood challenge, where performers and spectators will come together to cheer on the runners and raise money for local charities.
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 2005 the Bank provided more than $40 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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