Vancouver Marathon
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The Vancouver International Marathon is an annual race held in May each year inVancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The race started in 1972, and now consists of the full & half regular marathon (the Full Marathon course is a Boston Marathon qualifying event), wheelchair full marathon, kids run and marathon walkers. International Association of Athletics Federations & Association of International Marathons and Road Races certified this event as a qualifiying marathon race.
Its current title sponsor is the BMO Bank of Montreal thus the marathon is known as BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon. Previous title sponsor was Adidas in 2001-2005, known as the Adidas Vancouver International Marathon.
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[edit] History
The race started in 1972 when a small group of 72 runners ran five loops of Stanley Park to complete the first Vancouver International Marathon. The race was won by Tom Howard from British Columbia in a time of 2:24:35.
The marathon grew over the next few years to 300 participants in 1977. However the event suffered a major setback in 1976 when a participant, Dr. Leslie Truelove, collapsed mid-race and died due to aneurysm. In Truelove's memory, the Dr. Leslie Truelove Memorial Trophy has been awarded ever since to the first male finisher in the 50+ age category.
The 1983 race became known as the "Long Marathon" after runners were misdirected during its running — adding an extra 561 yards to the race.
In 2004, Uli Steidl (Germany) won the race for a fifth year in a row in a time of 2:18:24 but in 2005, Kassahun Kabiso crossed the finish line in 2:15:40, beating Uli's old record.
[edit] World Record
Betty Jean McHugh (Single age record for Woment aged 77 years old, 4:11:28)[1]
[edit] Statistics
- About 20,000 runners registered for the event.
- About 1800 volunteers will help to ensure the smooth running of the VIM.
