BMO Vancouver Marathon celebrated many wins
Runners of all levels of abilities participated in this year's 47th annual BMO Vancouver Marathon. The beautiful weather was not only the highlight, a record was set with 17,000 runners in the event. Also there was 21-year old Zhiling Zheng (CHN) who became the first Chinese runner to win the BMO Vancouver Marathon at 2:43:50. In an interview, Zheng said, "This course is really amazing. The most exciting course I have ever (done)."
Local runner Robin Watson (CAN) won the marathon with a time of 2:27:38, as well as the top spot in the BC Marathon Championship in conjunction with BC Athletics. Watson’s win bookends his 2015 Half Marathon title at the BMO Vancouver Marathon.
Canada took the top five spots in the men’s Marathon, with last year’s Top Canadian Mike Trites finishing in second, followed by Robert Brouillette, Ed Mccarthy and Craig Mcmillan.
The BMO Vancouver marathon is regarded as a world class event, and is a favorite with runners from around the globe. The marathon offers a half, 8k and a Kids Run. Over 4,000 volunteers were there to support marathon weekend.
In an interview with BMO board member Shelley Grisbrook said, "We had over 4,000 volunteers. We really appreciate them and we got people who keep coming back year after year. We are the only marathon in Vancouver. We also have the Fall Classic, The Turkey Trot and First Half."
It was a weekened celebration for the BMO Vancouver Marathon including a marriage proposal at the finish line.
The event known for its scenic views, and has been named a ‘Top Destination Marathon’ by the likes of Forbes, CNN, and USA Today.
The Vancouver International Marathon Society RUNVAN® is the nonprofit organization responsible for the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot, Fall Classic Run at UBC, and First Half. The Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and delivers running events with a mandate to inspire healthy living, and to celebrate the value that sport delivers to our communities.