Superheroes running for a cause
THE BMO VANCOUVER MARATHON IS COMMITTED TO FOSTERING SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH RUNNING, ACTIVE LIVING AND CHARITABLE GIVING. WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FIVE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS, PLUS RUNNERS AND CHEER GROUPS WHO WILL BE SUPPORTING OTHER COMMUNITY GROUP
The longest journey begins with a single step
Benji Chu lends his hand to those in need, more importantly, to those ready to reach out and take it.
“I am a healthier and happier person since I started running”, said Benji. “My goal is to share this sense of empowerment with those who can’t do it alone.”
Run for Change is a free running and walking group for people from Vancouver’s shelters, recovery centres and low-income households. This group has received generous support from the running community and donated entries for the Half Marathon from the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Darren, Laura, Rivers, Ron and Wilson are running their first ever race that is more than 10km in hopes of inspiring more people to make positive change.
Join the Run for Change Cheer Station located at Beach Avenue and Park Lane (Park Board HQ) from 7:15 am - 9:15 am. They will be competing to win one of six cash prizes.
Team Finn Cheer Station
Cancer took his life at 20 months of age, but never his spirit, not even when it got really hard.
Team Finn is 130 people strong. They honour Finn’s life and raise funds that go towards childhood cancer research for the BC Cancer Foundation.
They plan to get spectators and runners on board with the team mantra, inspired by Finn himself, who embodied these simple words to live by …
“Run, Jump, Bounce, Dance, Sing, Love, Smile and Ride.”
Join Team Finn at Denman Street and Bayshore Drive from 7:45 am – 10:45 am and be prepared to do all of the above!
Run More Than a Marathon
Kevin Steinberg lost a close friend to cancer and had to do something about it. His goal, along with 20 fellow runners, is to run 12 Marathons in 12 months. Each marathon is dedicated to a person lost to cancer, in the fight against cancer, or a survivor of cancer. Funds raised will be generously donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
When you see the Run More Than a Marathon members on course, give them extra energy and applause to help them accomplish this great feat. Happy 10th Marathon Kevin and team!
Vancouver Street Hockey League Cheer Station
Patrick Oleman lives in the Vancouver Eastside, a neighbourhood known for its homeless, addicted and at-risk communities. With a history of addiction himself, Patrick turned a corner and became a soccer player, team captain, world cup homeless soccer competitor and a soon-to-be Marathon runner!
The Vancouver Street Hockey League offered friendship, fitness and community connections that enabled him to become a local hero.
Patrick is at his fittest and trains almost every day.
He continues to overcome adversity, pursue athletic achievement and thrive in his community.
Help cheer Patrick on to achieve his next goal, join the Vancouver Street Hockey League Cheer Station at Cardero and Georgia from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.