News Releases

The Phoenix Marathon - Presented by BMO Harris Bank
March 2 Event to Support Arizona Brainfood

PHOENIX (January 29, 2013) – Runners: On your mark, get set, go! BMO Harris Bank announces their presenting sponsorship of The Phoenix Marathon. The March 2 marathon is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, and is one of the reasons the full marathon has already sold out. The race has registrants from 12 countries and 49 states. To give back to the community, a portion of the runners’ entry fees will support Arizona Brainfood, a Mesa nonprofit that discreetly provides backpacks of food to needy school children.

“The Phoenix Marathon is very pleased about its newly formed relationship with BMO Harris Bank. We feel both organizations share the same core principles and are closely aligned in their commitment to our community. BMO will help the marathon continue its goal to bring the world to the Phoenix area in support of our community and Arizona Brainfood,” commented Kim Arnett, Phoenix Marathon Founder.

BMO Harris Bank employees will show their support of the presenting sponsorship by volunteering and cheering on the runners as well as assisting at aid stations.

“I can’t tell you how much this means to United Food Bank. We make every effort to use our resources wisely, specifically getting food to the hungry; and sometimes we just do with what we have,” added Palmer. “These are wonderful items and will really help out all of the nonprofits who are able to take advantage of the generosity of BMO.”

The scenic Usery Mountains are the backdrop for the 26-mile race. Runners and their supporters will enjoy the views from Usury Mountain Park. There are race choices available for runners of all levels. In addition to the full marathon, there is a half marathon, 10k and a free 1k fun run for kids. The shorter races will traverse through parts of historic Mesa, finishing at Riverview Shopping Center.

It’s no wonder that running is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Numerous studies have shown the health and emotional benefits of hitting the pavement.

“BMO is very supportive of encouraging a healthy body and mind,” added Johnson. “Being associated with an event that provides an opportunity for physical exercise is a demonstration of that commitment.”

Nearly a dozen elected officials, including several mayors, various city council members and a state senator, have already registered to participate. “Biggest Loser” Season 12 winner, John Rhodes, is also slated to run.

“One of the elements that attracted us to the event was the support it provides in supporting hungry children,” said Steve Johnson, BMO Harris Bank Arizona President. “BMO Harris Bank has a rich history of supporting the community, and feeding children is a clear priority.”

For more information on the race, visit: .
For additional information on how BMO Harris Bank supports the community, click .

About BMO Harris Bank

Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank’s commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank^SM is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.