For Immediate Release…Toronto, ON, September 24, 2010 –Today, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) kicked-off Marathon weekend with the lighting of Greece’s Official Marathon Flame at Direct Energy Centre. This year marks the historic 2,500th anniversary of the first-ever marathon run by Pheidippides in 490AD and this year’s event is set to attract more than 20,000 runners from over 40 countries.
The torch relay was run from Nathan Philips Square to the Princes’ Gates at Exhibition Place with the final leg run by his Worship Mayor David Miller. The Official flame lighting ceremony was held in front of Direct Energy Centre and the flame will remain burning there until it is moved back to Nathan Philips Square for race day on Sunday Sept 26, 2010.
“Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place are proud to be the official site for today’s ceremonies and is privileged to work with the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on such an historic event.” says Arlene Campbell, General Manager of Sales & Events.
About Direct Energy Centre and Exhibition Place
Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.3 million visitors a year. Direct Energy Centre’s over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America. Designed for maximum efficiency, the venue is supported by a regional population of seven million in a diverse and dynamic economy. Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada and is a member of Ontario's Environmental Leaders (Leaders) Program. The Leaders program is a voluntary leadership program that offers incentives to leading companies that commit to beyond compliance environmental improvements."
For additional facility information go to www.directenergycentre.com
About Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier Fall Marathon holding the record for the fastest marathon ever on Canadian soil with a time of 2:08:32 in 2009. Awarded the Silver Label by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the third consecutive year, the STWM is one of The Country’s #1 big-city marathon. It for the third consecutive year, the event has been awarded a prestigious Silver Label making it one of only five internationally recognized, IAAF Label marathons in North America. The STWM attracts participants from more than 40 countries and through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, aims to raise $2.5 million for more than 115 local charities. For more information, visit www.stwm.ca
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For more information contact:
Arlene Campbell
Direct Energy Centre
416-263-3030
acampbell@directenergycentre.com
Natalia Perchenok
Narrative Advocacy Media
647.588.5313
natalia.perchenok@narrativeadvocacy.com
