Burnaby to host 2019 and 2020 Canadian 10,000-metre Championships

Ottawa – Athletics Canada, in partnership with BC Athletics, BC Endurance Project and Mile2Marathon, announced today that the City of Burnaby will play host to the 2019 and 2020 Canadian 10,000-metre Championships. The event will take place at Swangard Stadium, which features an eight-lane, 400-metre IAAF certified track, on June 13, 2019, and June 11, 2020.

The national championship races will be held in conjunction with the Pacific Distance Carnival, a new event that local organizers plan to model after England’s Night of the 10,000m PB’s where the racing atmosphere is seen as a crucial element in heightening athlete performance. Spectators will have access to prime track-side seats throughout the licensed facility to cheer on Canada’s best, while pyrotechnics, music and an entertaining group of drummers will add to the excitement.

“Athletics Canada looks forward to working with BC Athletics, the BC Endurance Project and Mile2Marathon to bring the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Canadian 10,000-metre Championships to Swangard Stadium as part of the Pacific Distance Carnival,” said Chief Operating Officer Mathieu Gentès. “Our objective with the Canadian 10,000-metre Championships are to provide a first-rate competitive opportunity setting the stage for Canadian athletes to run personal bests and international standards in a fun and exciting atmosphere. We are confident that the Pacific Distance Carnival will provide this opportunity.”

The Pacific Distance Carnival will feature three distances – 1,500-metres, 5,000-metres and 10,000-metres – in six different events that will include both able-body and para athletes in ambulatory and wheelchair races. The 10,000-metre races will include elite-level pacers, to assist local, national and international athletes looking to chase personal bests and international standards.

“BC Athletics is thrilled to have been awarded the 2019 and 2020 Canadian 10,000-metre Championships. In partnership with the BC Endurance Project and Mile2Marathon, we look forward to hosting the inaugural Pacific Distance Carnival with the goal of bringing new excitement to long distance track racing,” said meet manager Chris Winter. “Our priority is to offer Canadian and international athletes ideal conditions to achieve personal-best performances in the lead up to the 2019 IAAF World Track & Field Championships and the 2020 Summer Olympics in a setting that is exciting for both athletes and fans of the sport.”

Additional information, including athlete registration, the schedule of events, prizes and awards, will be accessible at www.athletics.ca as it becomes available.