Quebec's most popular running event - Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon & 1/2 Marathon on Two Days: Many Highlights Despite Schedule Changes

MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - "This past week-end shows that Montreal was ready for a two-day Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal running event," said Louis Malafarina, Competitor Canada's Executive Director. This Saturday and Sunday, over 20 000 runners from more than 50 countries took part in four of the five Rock 'n' Roll Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon races. A welcome surprise at the start line on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge this year: Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre gave the start of the race in collaboration with Olympic Gold Medalist Bruny Surin.

Organizers were forced to cancel the 42,2 K race based on heat and humidity predictions: a first in the event's history. "We looked at many possibilities, but ? as heart wrenching as this decision was to make ? it showed to be the most responsible one for the safety of our runners," mentioned Mr. Malafarina.

The fact that participants can typically choose among five distances, the full and half marathons, 10K, 5K and 1K, in addition to a great selection of bands along the course explains the popularity of the event, which concluded its 27th edition this afternoon. This was also the year of newness, with a new course for the 5K race on Saturday, medal designs that were voted for by event fans themselves earlier this year, and the chance for runners to take part in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series' Remix Challenge and earn exclusive medals for their collection.

Winners ? Half-Marathon

Daniel Gekara, from Kenya, was first to cross the finish line in one hour, seven minutes and fifty-six seconds (1:07:56). "It was good to have all the music out there to make me feel better and refresh my mind," he said.  "The race was nice. It's been a while since I've raced. But I did it. I was happy that I was patient before I made my move."

The first woman to complete de 21,1 km race was Dehinet Jara, from Ethiopia, with a time of one hour and seventeen minutes (1:17:43).

A complete list of winners will soon be available here.

Giving back to the community by supporting physical and mental health

"One of our main objectives at the Rock 'n' Roll Montreal Marathon is to find ways to get as many people interested in getting fit... and having fun while doing it!" explained Mr. Malafarina. "With the Rock 'n' Roll component and the finish line festival at La Fontaine Park, we're opening-up the event to the community, to race supporters, family and friends. Rock 'n' Roll Montreal is certainly accessible to all," he adds. And as tradition goes, one dollar per registration and some additional donations will be given to long-time partner Fondation Tel-jeunes to support the organization's youth and parents' phone help lines. This amount will also include and extra $2,500 collected through a new partnership with the Give-a-Seat event ticket donation platform.

The event was possible in large part thanks to the loyalty and motivation of passionate runners, partners, supporters, and support from the Gouvernement du Québec and City officials.

A limited presale for the 2018 Rock 'n' Roll Oasis Montreal Marathon and 1/2 Marathon is available online through October 2nd, offering the lowest prices of the year. For more information, visit the registration page.

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 Marathon Oasis Rock''n''Roll de Montréal