The Province is investing $125,000 in the BMO Vancouver Marathon to help welcome approximately 17,500 runners and their supporters to Vancouver, announced MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview, Suzanne Anton on behalf of Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.

The announcement was made alongside a weekend training session with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Team in Training. The team is a part of the marathon’s Run4Hope program which gives the option for runners to raise funds for charities. The program has raised a phenomenal $14.5 million for charities since its inception in 1996.

Ranked one of the top destination marathons in the world, the BMO Vancouver Marathon attracts visitors from over 55 countries and will take place on Sunday, May 7, 2017. The scenic marathon route will take runners on a 42.2 km adventure past beaches, through natural parks and along Vancouver’s Seawall. The event also includes a half-marathon, 8-km race, marathon relay, a 2.5-km walking course and a kids run. The projected economic activity generated by the marathon is about $55.8 million.

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The Tourism Events Program support events that raise awareness nationally and internationally of British Columbia’s tourism experiences and motivate Canadians and people from other countries to travel and experience British Columbia. These events also generate tourism and economic activity in communities and regions across the province.

Events like the BMO Vancouver Marathon help support a growing tourism sector that supports nearly 19,000 businesses and 127,700 employees in B.C.

Quotes:

Suzanne Anton, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview –

“The BMO Vancouver Marathon is an event with a high international profile and economic impact. Its stunning route along the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path highlights to the world the natural beauty of Vancouver. The government’s support of the BMO Vancouver Marathon will help market the event and attract more destination runners and fans; generating millions in revenue and helping fuel the economy.” 

Graeme White, executive director, BMO Vancouver Marathon –

"The Vancouver International Marathon Society would like to thank the Province of B.C. for allowing us to reach out to a wider audience, and further position our leading marathon weekend as one of the very best in the world. The BMO Vancouver Marathon now attracts runners from over 60 countries, nearly all 50 American States, and offers races for everyone. The event is truly world-class and community driven.”

Donna McLennan, regional director, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada –

“The BMO Vancouver Marathon has always been a first class event, but for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Canada (LLSC) it is so much more. The marathon has been a destination run for the LLSC’s Team in Training program for over 20 years drawing runners from all across North America. As one of their national charity partners, the event has provided our organization and participants with a platform to raise much needed funds to support those with a blood cancer diagnosis.”

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Quick Facts:

• In addition to the funding announced today, the Government of B.C. invests about $50 million in sport and over $98 million in the tourism sector annually.
• The latest tourism statistics show that in January 2017, there were close to 23,427 more visitors to the province over January 2016 – representing a 9.2% increase.
• In 2016, 5.5 million international visitors came to B.C. – a 12.3% increase compared to 2015.
• In 2015, the tourism industry generated $15.7 billion in revenues with a direct contribution to B.C.’s gross domestic product of $7.4 billion.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/economy/tourism/

For more information about the 2017 BMO Vancouver Marathon: http://bmovanmarathon.ca/

To learn more about the Tourism Events Program: http://www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx

To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Team in Training: http://www.teamintraining.ca/en-CA/home

To learn more about the BMO Vancouver Marathon’s Run4Hope Program: http://bmovanmarathon.ca/run4hope