The kick off for the 20th annual Standard Life Marathon is taking place today. Participating companies, volunteers and organizers will gather Thursday afternoon at the Standard Life House in Montreal to celebrate the anniversary and get ready for the event in June.

The marathon will be held June 15 at the Mount-Royal Park. The Standard Life Marathon was introduced in 1983 to mark the corporation’s 150th year in Canada. To date, it has raised over $4.75 million. Funds are raised through the registration fees for the 10-km run, and through pledged walkers. All proceeds are donated to the Foundation for Research into Children’s Diseases since Standard Life absorbs all costs related to the Marathon’s organization and its administration.

“I am very proud of Standard Life’s involvement in the community. This is another way for the company and our employees to give back to the community. Not only are we helping others but we are having fun,” said Claude Garcia, president of Standard Life’s Canadian Operations.” It’s great to see that year after year so many people come together to make this event a real success. I extend an invitation to everyone to join us on June 15th.”

Last year there were over 40 participating companies, more than 400 runners and an estimated 5,000 people the day of the Marathon. Together, over $255,000 was raised for the Foundation for Research into Children’s Diseases. Organizers are expecting to welcome even more people this year and raise over $275,000.