Scotiabank Laces Up and Partners with Blue Nose International Marathon

Date: 07/05/2008

Author:

 Wednesday, May 7, Halifax, NS - Scotiabank today strengthened its commitment to

the Blue Nose International Marathon by unveiling the Scotiabank Full Marathon

and Red Lace initiative, which will help raise funds for the YMCA Strong Kids

Program.

The Marathon will begin its three-day festivities on Friday May 16th,

with the Scotiabank Full Marathon beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday May 18th.

"This marathon brings people from around the world to our city and it

provides a wonderful opportunity for runners, spectators and communities to

come together - not simply for the pure enjoyment of running, but to give back

to the communities where we live and work," said Helen Quinlan-Hainse,

Scotiabank District Vice-President, South-West Nova Scotia District.

"Scotiabank is very proud to be a sponsor of the Blue Nose Marathon, and

especially proud of the contribution that so many dedicated Scotiabank

volunteers make by giving their time to help make a difference."

The Bank's Red Lace fundraising program encourages participants to pick

up their red shoelaces for a two dollar donation at the D250 Active Living

Expo where runners will be picking up their race kits or at the YMCA in

Halifax and Dartmouth starting on May 13th. Scotiabank will match donations

for every pair to cross the finish line on race day, with all proceeds going

to the YMCA Strong Kids Program.

This year, the Blue Nose Marathon race returns to the World Trade &

Convention Centre. The race route showcases Halifax and Dartmouth, its land

marks and some of the city's most breathtaking scenery.

"This new partnership with Scotiabank is a great way to celebrate our

fifth anniversary and the continued growth our event has seen," said Rod

McCulloch, Co-founder of the Blue Nose Marathon. "Scotiabank's commitment to

giving back to our community through programs like Red Laces complements our

efforts to create an annual celebration of our community and healthy

lifestyles."

In the five years since its inception, the Blue Nose Marathon has become

the largest event of its kind east of Ottawa. Offering something for runners

and walkers of all ages and skill levels, the three day event includes six

unique distance categories: Scotiabank Full Marathon, Volkswagen Half

Marathon, The Chronicle Herald 10k Race, Dempster's 5k Run-Walk, McDonald's

YMCA Team Relay, and Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run.

The Blue Nose International Marathon is the most recent of Scotiabank's

sponsorship initiatives supporting events that encourage people of all ages to

come together in support of their communities and important local causes.

Other running events include the Banque Scotia 21K Montreal in April; the

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon in June and the Scotiabank Toronto

Waterfront Marathon in September.

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live

and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally

and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic

activities, in 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships

and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas

of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. Please visit

us at www.scotiabank.com.

For more information, please contact:

Suzanne Fougere

Blue Nose International Marathon Communications

Tel: 457-6439

Cell: 441-0505

Suzanne.fougere@msvu.ca

Michelle Perry

Blue Nose International Marathon Communications

Tel: 424-3731

Cell: 221-6483

Perrymx@gov.ns.ca

Livy Feldgajer

Scotiabank Public Affairs

(416) 866-6203