2017 Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon & 1/2 Marathon - A Weekend of Running and Warm Temperatures Awaits Montreal Français
MONTREAL, Sept. 21, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The city is gearing up for what will certainly be a unique edition of the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. With unseasonably warm and humid temperatures having led the event's organizers to cancel the 42.2 km distance of the event, the other four courses are in preparation to welcome runners to the start line.
For the first time, the event's races and music shows are being held on two days, with the 1K and 5K on Saturday. Sunday will feature the 10K race and the half marathon, which will be joined by many runners who had signed up for the marathon distance.
"The streets are going to come alive with runners all weekend! With the efforts we have put toward ensuring concerts and four distances could take place, we think a lot of fun is in store for runners and their supporters this race weekend," says Louis Malafarina, Competitor Canada's Executive Director, who also calls on participants to exert caution. "Every runner must pay attention to his or her signals before, during and after the race. It is crucial to stay hydrated and to slow down if one feels heat and exhaustion setting in. Our medical team will of course be ready to welcome any runner requiring assistance on the course and at the finish line".
This two-day race format will benefit active families with children, who will now be able to participate in one of the Saturday races, and a Sunday race without any overlap. "If we can get entire families excited about getting fit, we are on the right track to a healthy community. They'll make a habit of being active if we provide the opportunities," explains Mr. Malafarina. To top things off, 1996 Olympic gold medalist and Canadian track and field athlete, Bruny Surin, will give the start of the Marathon and motivate runners at the start line.
"The Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon is a true institution in Montreal and thousands of participants of all ages will run through the city for the simple pleasure of running and of challenging themselves. I wish to praise the excellence of this organization and extend a special thanks to all the volunteers and partners without whom this event would not be possible. Enjoy the race, everyone!" said Dimitrios (Jim) Beis, Member of Montréal Executive Committee, Responsible for Procurement, Sports, Recreation and Communities of Diverse Origins, Mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough.
Among new features this year is the revamped 5K course, which will now take runners into the streets of the Plateau Mont-Royal, passing historical streets such as Cherrier, Saint-Hubert and Saint-Denis. Another addition in 2017 is the Remix Challenge, which is presented for the first time in Quebec, in which participants combine the 5K with any other Sunday race to earn a third, special edition medal. Those taking on the challenge of completing two races in two days will earn a Remix Challenge Medal in addition to the medals they will earn for each race.
Partnerships
"The association between the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and Lassonde reflects the commitment of Lassonde and its OASIS brand to promoting health through physical activity and healthy eating habits. We are very proud to see that thanks to our sustained efforts over the past fifteen years together, the marathon has become a major event for Montrealers," said Pierre L'Heureux, Executive Vice-President and General Manager, A. Lassonde inc.
The Marathon is also partnering with the STM for a fourth year to offer each participant a free one-day public transit pass for the day of their race. "This is a natural partnership for the STM, as it is part of our commitment to showcase the health benefits of using the bus and the metro. By providing Marathon participants with a transit fare, the STM is proud to promote the combination of physical activity and public transit use," said STM Chairman Philippe Schnobb.
Fondation Tel-jeunes long-standing relationship with Rock 'n' Roll Montreal continues as children and teens will have a chance to hang with popular actress Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse, Fondation Tel-jeunes' new spokesperson, who will be giving the start of the P'tit Marathon 1 km Tel-jeunes' and run the 5K race alongside her Le Chalet co-stars.
For the first time, the management of elite athletes has been delegated to the Fédération Québécoise d'athlétisme. This will be the fifth year of a partnership that provides continued support for young runners with a donation that serves to finance the FQA's various activities. This collaboration also allows young runners to participate in the Quebec provincial running championship, which is the competition component of the P'tit Marathon 1 km Tel-jeunes.
And what would be a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series event without music? Participants and supporters will be surrounded by bands along the main course and at the start and finish lines. A free headlining show by Canadian multi-platinum rock band Moist will begin at 11:30 at La Fontaine Park.
Getting around the day of the event – Courses and street closures
Participants are encouraged to use public transportation the day of the event.
- Instructions on how to get to the starting line of each race, maps and more details can be found here: www.runrocknroll.com/montreal/en/news/2017/09/race-weekend-info-center/
Media Accreditation
Please email [email protected] to request media or media vehicle accreditation on September 22, at latest. If you already placed an accreditation request, you may pick up your credentials at the Oasis Hospitality desk of the Health and Fitness Expo, held at Place Bonaventure on Friday and Saturday.
About the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
In 2017, the Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, whose 27th edition coincides with Montreal's 375th anniversary year, will be marked by novelty. Organized by Festival de la Santé, in conjunction with Competitor Canada, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is the world's largest running series, with over 500,000 runners participating in events worldwide every year. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the international 20 Years Running campaign, the series started with the simple idea of making running fun, and has transformed the running landscape by livening up the route with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Today, the series of marathons and half-marathons has spread to more than 30 destination cities, drawing visitors from around the world. Over the history of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, charity partners have raised more than $350 million through the events for a variety of worthy causes.
SOURCE Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon
Media relations and accreditation: Vanessa Lyssan, 514 266-5434, [email protected]; Media relations: Arielle Mathieu, 514-260-4372, [email protected]
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