Kelowna

The BMO Okanagan Marathon has launched a new pledge program to support local charities and create awareness for their organizations at the same time. 

The “Volunteer In-Kind Sponsorship Program” has been created to bring local charities and athletes together to increase pledge donations and assist with raising volunteers for the 18th Annual BMO Okanagan Marathon and Family Festival taking place Thanksgiving weekend, October 6-7, 2012.

According to Volunteer Coordinator, Kristen Hunter, local charities have a lot to gain by getting involved. “With this new pledge program we are taking a huge step forward in building relationships that can have lasting impacts for both the running community and the organizations involved.” She adds, “The more support local charities can provide by way of volunteers, the more awareness runners will have of their organizations.”

The “Volunteer In-Kind Sponsorship Program” provides incentives for volunteer sign ups by offering organizations a host of benefits. The long-term goal of the program is for groups to provide volunteers to support participants on race day and in turn the runners will become better informed about these local groups cheering them along the route.  As well, athletes can offer to run for charities or pledge money to a specific cause if they choose.

On Saturday, the newly named BMO ABC Kids Run, along with the growing 5 km Fun Run/Walk and 3 km Running Room Friendship Run take place. The BMO ABC Kids Run - ABC refers to the “Active Body Centre” is for school age kids and even little ones accompanied by their parents.  They can participate in a circuit of fun exercise activities, like skipping rope and jumping jacks in the ABC, then take part in the 1.6 km run – from the same Marathon start and finish line!

Kids can stay post-run; have a free beverage and snack, and play in the free BMO Kids Zone.

On Sunday, the 10 km, 21.1 km and 42.2 km (Full Marathon) races start early and wind their way along the scenic lakeshore. All participants on both days receive a complimentary T-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

“I encourage local community and non-profit groups to jump on board this new volunteer outreach program to assist the marathon organizers and boost charity profiles in Kelowna,” said Sean Armstrong, Vice President, BC Interior, North & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal.  “The 50-strong team of BMO employee volunteers will welcome more support during the festival weekend.”

2012 BMO Okanagan Marathon Family Festival Weekend Schedule:

Saturday, October 6

• 9:00 a.m.             Running Room Free Friendship Run starts
• 10:00 a.m.           5 km Race starts
• 12:00 p.m.            BMO ABC Kids Run – Activity Centres
• 12:40 p.m.            BMO ABC Kids Run - (1.6 km at City Park) starts

Sunday, October 7

• 7:15 a.m.             Marathon 42.2 km starts
• 7:45 a.m.             Half Marathon 21.1 km starts
• 8:15 a.m.             10 km Race starts

For any questions, or to find out how to become involved in the “Volunteer In-Kind Sponsorship Program”, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Kristen Hunter by phoning: 250-681-5047 or via e-mail: kristen.hunter@21one.ca

And spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer on all the participants at the BMO Okanagan Marathon.  For more information and to become a volunteer click here.