- Participants are encouraged to run or walk their 'virtual race' independently 
to support 36 participating charity partners from 16 countries

Today, RBC opened registration for its first global and virtual charitable 
running event, as part of its signature Race for the Kids series. Fundraising 
from the event will benefit youth and children's causes around the globe, with 
36 charity partners that participants can elect to support. Facing the 
significant disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth-focused services 
provided by these charity partners are needed now more than ever.

Instead of a standard running event format, participants will enjoy an 
innovative virtual experience through the event's online registration and 
fundraising website:

    -- Registering for the event is free and open to all, regardless
       of geography, age, or running ability. 
    -- Participants can elect to support any of the participating 36
       charity partners, regardless of where they are physically located. 
    -- Participants will be able to select their personal race distance
       and route in their local community (with no pre-determined race 
       course). 
    -- Participants are encouraged to complete their run or walk
       independently or with family members (while observing local
       public health advice and government guidelines) over the October
       17-18 weekend. 
    -- The event website integrates with many running apps, allowing
       participants to record and map their virtual run or walk. 
    -- Runner bibs, event posters, and completion certificates will
       be available for download through the event website. 
    -- Participants will also receive digital medals and recognition
       which can be shared on social media.

RBC's goal for the event is to create 'the world's largest virtual family fun 
run,' with all RBC employees, their family/friends, charity partner supporters, 
and members of the public invited to take part.

"The global pandemic has disrupted several aspects of our lives. For many young 
people, the crisis has negatively impacted their mental health and well-being, 
access to education, and employment opportunities," said Dave McKay, President 
and Chief Executive Officer, RBC. "That's why we're taking our RBC Race for the 
Kids to a virtual format this year – to ensure we can continue to address these 
needs, supporting young people and their families facing these challenges. I 
want to thank our 36 charity partners for their ongoing dedication to youth in 
this critical year and am looking forward to Race weekend."

Prior to 2020, RBC Race for the Kids events took place in 17 physical 
locations, including: Bahamas, Barbados, Calgary, Chicago, Hong Kong, Jersey, 
Kuala Lumpur, London, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, St. Paul, Sydney, 
Toronto, Trinidad & Tobago, and Vancouver. Since its inception in 2009, the 
series has attracted more than 260,000 participants and raised over $57 million 
for youth and children's causes around the world.

In addition to hosting this virtual event, RBC has committed $10.5 million to 
date towards food security, mental health, and strategic preparedness in 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, RBC donated $130 million to nearly 
5,000 charitable organizations, globally.

To learn more about RBC Race for the Kids, its charity partners, or register 
for the virtual event, visit: www.rbcraceforthekids.com.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, 
principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes 
from the 86,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so 
we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest 
bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we 
have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing 
exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 
other countries. Learn more at rbc.com ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2914870-1&h=2781699872&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbc.com%2F&a=rbc.com 
).ý

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through 
donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at 
rbc.com/community-social-impact ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2914870-1&h=1207202086&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbc.com%2Fcommunity-social-impact&a=rbc.com%2Fcommunity-social-impact 
).

Contact: Josh Humeniuk
         Corporate Communications
         RBC
         +1-416-567-5607
         josh.humeniuk@rbc.com 

SOURCE:  RBC