Environment Canada is promising sunshine and highs of 18 degrees on Sunday October 7, race day for the BMO Okanagan Marathon kicking off from City Park in Kelowna at 7:15am!  Running Room Founder John Stanton says ideal running weather ranges from 4 to 14 degrees on the morning of race day – exactly what participants can expect!

John Stanton’s top running tips for the 18th Annual BMO Okanagan Marathon:
Runners need to taper their training and get plenty of rest between now and race day.
Time for high complex carbohydrates! Eating things like pasta, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Stay hydrated between now and race day. Drinking plenty of water till you no longer feel thirsty and have to use the bathroom.

Bring an extra throwaway T-shirt to wear over your bib and singlet.  Once you warm up you can discard it.  These tees will be given away to charity. BMO will also supply their famed “BMO Gloves” to participants.

Come out and enjoy the Running Room Friendship Run on Saturday, October 6 at 9:00am from City Park and for more running tips you can meet John Stanton that morning in person.

Top Runner Preview:
Returning Men’s Marathon Champion James Curran is back to defend his title.  Last year the Calgary resident finished in a time of 2:44:54. Curran has been in training for his many triathlons of the season:
“I have had a pretty successful triathlon season this year. I've had pro-triathlete Scott Curry coaching me, and he has gotten me to the podium in Oliver and Great White North and a fifth amateur in Ironman Canada (fifteenth overall, second in AG).”

2010 Men’s Half Marathon winner Jeff Symonds is back.  The Penticton native ran a personal best time in February of 1:07:40.  He hopes to run about a 1:12 time on Sunday, but can go faster if necessary.

“I am looking to win the BMO Okanagan Half on Sunday.  My training leading up to it has been great with several triathlons under my belt including the Great White North and a first place win at the Peach Classic.  I finished 3rd at the Calgary Ironman and I’m comig off a 15th place finish at the Ironman World Championships in Vegas last month.”

Here is the race day 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 Body Centre fun
12:40 p.m.            BMO ABC Kids Run - (1.6 km at City Park) race 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

Registration update:

• Expecting as many as 3,200 participants throughout the weekend:
• Marathon: 500 registrants
• Half Marathon: 1,700 registrants
• 10 km: 500 registrants
• 5 km: 200 registrants

BMO ABC Kids Run: 150 registrants

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 please visit here.