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The Marathon Beneva de Montréal unveils the 31st edition of its popular races and Run With Heart!

Montréal, May 25, 2023 – This coming September 22 to 24, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal invites runners of all levels to take part in the 31st edition of the biggest running event in Québec. Once again, this year, participants will be able to discover Montréal through its wide-open spaces, parks and riverbanks with races stretching anywhere from 1 to 42.2 kilometers. To spark the public’s interest, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal has put together a team of diverse and committed ambassadors. They are producer and author Alexandra Diaz, reporter and host Andy Mailly-Pressoir, host Patricia Paquin as well as professional runner and Olympian Charles Philibert-Thiboutot.

The organization has announced that the Run with Heart fundraising arm of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal, is back this year, featuring more than 50 participating organizations, or double last year’s number. It is also unveiling its new podcast, where the running community can go to get informed, motivated and inspired.

Races for everyone

The marathon and half-marathon will start on Sunday at Espace 67 in Parc Jean-Drapeau. No matter the day or distance covered, runners will receive a welcome fit for a hero at the iconic Esplanade at the Olympic Park. Between these two iconic sites, participants will be running from riverbank to riverbank across Montréal. The city will be flying festive colors for the occasion with 10 entertainment zones created with the help of the running community to treat participants to an even more enjoyable experience.

Participants can choose between several individual and team races:

  • the marathon
  • the half-marathon
  • the 10K, for which the organization is proud to partner with the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
  • the Sports Experts 5K
  • the 1K I Love Fruits and Veggies, Movement's Little Steps Marathon
  • and many other race combos

Aside from the 1K start that will now be in front of the Biodôme, all other starts will take place at the same locations.

The organization will make the marathon and half-marathon the main races of the Elite program and will be awarding more than $30,000 in prize money, including prize money for the best Québec runners (man/woman) and to beat the course record 2022 (2:09:25). The marathon race is certified by Athletics Canada for athletes accumulating points for different classifications. Lastly, there will be an adapted sport category that allows people with physical, intellectual or visual limitations to take part in the races. In this spirit of openness and inclusivity, the organization, like many major races worldwide, will reserve the bib #321 for an athlete with Down syndrome. The goal of this movement is to ensure better representation of neurodivergent athletes in mainstream sports.

Running and getting involved

  • More than 50 charitable organizations have registered for the Run with Heart program so they can take advantage of this major sports gathering to maximize their fundraising goals. As a title sponsor, Beneva will renew its commitment by awarding Beneva grants program to nine outstanding organizations in nine different categories.
  • The Marathon Beneva de Montréal organization will also give $1 to the Fédération québécoise d’athlétisme for each registered participant.
  • Certified “carbon neutral event” by Planetair, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal and its partners will also offset its GHG emissions and invite participants to do likewise when they register as well as take part in other sustainable event initiatives.
  • An event of this scale would not be possible without the invaluable contribution of its 2,000 volunteers, which is why the organization is also kicking off its recruiting campaign.

Quotes

“This year marked the return of our organization to the helm of this signature city event, and we hope to bring participants from around the world together to run at their own pace in a setting that’s more festive than ever,” said Sebastien Arsenault, President and CEO of the event. “This coming September 23 and 24, Montréal will move to the marathon beat and celebrate the city’s major end-of-summer celebrations.”

“We are very proud to be the title sponsor of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal, a major event that’s recognized in Canada’s running world. Beyond making Beneva shine, we are committed to supporting this friendly event that brings people together and promotes healthy lifestyles,” said Martin Robert, Executive Vice-President and Leader – Talent, Culture and Communications at Beneva. “We are also excited to invite runners, families and fans to the Beneva chill zone before and after the races”, added Robert.

“I’m the person everyone passes at the race, but I am surpassing my goals and for me, that’s all that matters. I couldn’t care less about the clock. My time is slow because I split my time between running, Pilates, training, my company and, of course, my kids. I had to sacrifice something to compete. My goal is to run a more consistent race. I hope to still be an ambassador at 80 and looking mighty fine… even if I finish last place! I’ll be setting my own pace for 5K and the next day’s half-marathon like I did last year!” declared Alexandra Diaz. Run With Heart participating organization: Québec Breast Cancer Foundation

“I’m going to say this loud and clear: My name is Andy Mailly-Pressoir and I hate running. That said, I don’t think there is any other sport around that makes me feel so good once I’m done! This year, I am going to run the 5K with my sister Tamy who has cystic fibrosis. For her, the challenge will be both mental and physical. For the cause, it will be a great example of testing your limits and showing gutsy determination. A love-hate relationship that we can experience together!” said Andy Mailly-Pressoir. Run With Heart participating organization: Cystic Fibrosis Canada – Québec Division

“If it hadn’t been for my good friend Jessica Barker challenging me to do it, I don’t think I ever would have run the Marathon Beneva de Montréal. And certainly not a half-marathon. But we did it and we had so much fun. Times and competition and distance were never part of our conversation. We were just so proud of ourselves for reaching the finish line. It was one of the best experiences of my life. This year, my new goal is to run the 10K with my good friend Sabrine who will be running it for the first time!” exclaimed Patricia Paquin. Run With Heart participating organization: Fondation Benny&Co

“Pushing yourself farther is the one thing that unites us all in racing. That’s why I am happy to be a pace bunny at the half-marathon this year and help runners reach their goals,” said Charles Philibert-Thiboutot. “It’s so inspiring to see thousands of people cross the finish line, often in a mixture of euphoria and pain as the seemingly insurmountable has been conquered. Let’s celebrate our sport and set new personal goals at the Marathon Beneva de Montréal!” Run With Heart participating organization: Fondation Aléo

About

Marathon Beneva de Montréal

The first major world-class marathon in Canada and the largest running event in Québec for the past 30 editions, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal unites all levels of running enthusiasts as well as the public looking for an unforgettable urban experience, all while showcasing the beauty and diversity of Montréal. Since November 2020, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal has been produced by a dedicated non-profit organization, under the auspices and expertise of GPCQM (promoter of the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec and the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Montréal since 2010). The organization is thankful for the invaluable support of public and private Beneva partners, the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec, Tourisme Montréal, the I Love Fruits and Veggies Movement, Sports Experts, the Québec Cancer Foundation, the STM, the Journal de Montréal, Outfront, Lait au chocolat, Liberté, Edika, SPARK sports nutrition, Boréale, Action sport physio, Coaching du coureur and Vivaï.

Beneva

Created by the coming together of La Capitale and SSQ Insurance, Beneva is the largest insurance mutual in Canada with more than 3.5 million members and customers. Beneva employs over 5,000 dedicated employees: people looking out for people. Its human approach is rooted in mutualist values that are shared by its employees. With $25.1 billion in assets, Beneva positions itself as a major player in the insurance and financial services industry. Its head office is located in Quebec City.

Policyholders of contracts issued by an insurance company of Beneva Group Inc. are members of SSQ Mutual and La Capitale Civil Service Mutual.

Contacts