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Marathon Details - Toronto Waterfront Marathon

North America Marathons > Canada > ON > Toronto > Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Toronto Waterfront Marathon

tcs Toronto Waterfront Marathon & Half Marathon, 5K

Toronto, ON Canada

October 20, 2024

http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

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Race Details

flat, fast, traffic free course along Toronto/Lake Ontario waterfront

Contact Information

Name:	Alan Brookes
Address:	1 Yorkdale Rd. Suite 202 Toronto ON, M6A 3A1
Phone Number:	416-920-3466
Fax Number:	416-944-8527
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (228)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.4

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Number of comments: 228 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 23 > ]

Sanjay Mohanta from Ottawa, ONtario (11/3/2016) "My 89th marathon!!! Great for local runners" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I have run this race many times and it is not bad but the city could do a lot more for the runners. in Montreal the subway was free for participants and was open early prior to the race. This was not the case for TO Waterfront marathon. It made getting around expensive and overly complicated. the package pickup was pricey since it costs $14 to park. I prefer the pick up took place at City Hall since it close to subways, etc., The other problem with City Hall is that it is blocked but fences with small openings. It creates bottlenecks when the race starts. The race is okay but not as good as it could be. The shirt had a nice design but was a bit small for me. After 89 pasta dinners I would prefer something a bit larger for my frame. Yeah. Anyway, great for local runners. Some areas where you are cheered by no-one though.
P. M. from Toronto, ON (5/5/2016) "Fast course, great organization" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run this marathon for the second time since 2008 (my first) and got a PR and a BQ. Very well organized race with plenty of water stations, large expo and enthusiastic volunteers. Course is mostly flat and fast, if not very scenic. One part that should be eliminated is the out-and-back on Bayview Extension along Don River. Crowd support is somewhat lacking but that's always the case with Torontonians. They mostly gripe about runners blocking traffic. At least this year we had Bridge The Gap urban running crew gathering, so in a few spots it felt like Boston or NYC. I wish they could do this every year. Also, more support and promotion from the city would be nice. Finish area is crowded. One other thing to be aware about is streetcar tracks - There's plenty of them, and they can trip you up. I will run this race again because it's about the best you can expect in Canada.
L. M. from Ottawa, Canada (4/3/2016) "Fast but disappointing." (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was disappointed in this race. Touted as a 'waterfront' marathon, one really had to stretch a neck to see water anywhere along the course. A good portion of the race was on a highway (or underneath a highway) and through construction. The sections downtown and through the Beaches community were nice. Spectators were sparse except for The Beaches and the finish line. Drivers in cars seemed angry at the road closures. It is however a fairly fast race.
M. S. from Tennessee USA (10/29/2015) "Good race but not great" (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This race is definitely geared more toward the half marathon. In general the race was very well run, the volunteers were the best I've ever seen. The expo was ok, but I was disappointed in the race merchandise, everything was too big! I was also disappointed in the spectators, more than once I was forced to detour around people crossing the course in the middle of a pack of runners, and my sister was hit by a cyclist! There also seemed to be a lack of excitement in the city for the race the whole weekend, although maybe I'm just more used to the U.S. feel. Some of the neighborhoods did do a great job of getting out there and cheering though, to give credit where credit due. Overall a good fast course, although mentally challenging with the long stretches and turnarounds. I enjoyed it but probably won't be back.
S. F. from Atlanta,GA (10/20/2015) "This is geared towards the 1/2 more than full" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is a flat course, very few hills which were overpasses. The first half is fairly nice most of the second half was BORING. They claim 26,000 runners only 3,800 run the full so it really is geared to 1/2 runners. Expo not bad - all volunteers were wonderful the Dream Team folks were the best ever. NOT enough food at the end. Put the date on the shirt, expected a better goodie bag for a big city race. I have already told some of my running friends to skip this race even though the city is wonderful. I didn't expect much given some of past comments so not real disappointment. I went, I conquered it and home healthy is all I wanted.
S. M. from Ottawa, ON (10/20/2015) "My 75th Marathon! Cold, just cold." (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Hey I ran my 40th, 49th and 60th marathon here. It was natural I would do my 75th here as well. It is a good course with the first part going up around cool neighborhoods like the Annex and near King West. Some great bands on the course - the Greek one around 38k had lots of energy. The problem was City Hall. In previous years runners could stay there prior to the race. Since Rob Ford left office this has been closed to the public. In the cold morning this is a problem. Maybe the TTC can also operate a bit early on this Sunday so parking would not be such a problem. Also paying $14 for packet pick up is a rip off. Why they don't move it closer to the subway line I have no idea. A good race if you live in the area and the expo is very strong but these little things leave a bad taste in my mouth. I will be doing it again next year hoping these things can be ironed out.
J. T. from London Ontario Canada (4/30/2015) "Fast flat race, not too many turns. Great finish" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. The course is fairly flat except a few overpasses. Crowds are here and there and are semi-enthusiastic. It is a pretty epic finish in downtown Toronto and the crowds are quite big. I liked the signs at the end every 100m so you know when the pain will stop! My biggest complaint is that the food after the race is not healthy bananas etc...it is prepackaged processed food that was probably provided free by sponsors.
J. M. from Athlone, Ireland (4/15/2015) "Nice course well organized" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first North American marathon. Pre race expo was good though was a little disappointed that I couldn't exchange my very large t-shirt for a smaller one, also a lack of general race memorabilia for sale. Race was very well organized and the course was very flat. Lots of space to run right from the start. There is also a half marathon which seems to be more popular so be prepared for a big drop off in spectators from half way. Expo was easy to get to with free buses from downtown. City is a typical large city but the people were very friendly. If you're looking for a laid back marathon with lots of room to run I would recommend Toronto.
D. L. from Calgary, AB (4/5/2015) "Great race! You should go." (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have a soft spot for Toronto Waterfront. I've had huge PR's both times I've run it. The organization is top-notch, the course is quick (it's not pancake flat, but you could hardly call it hilly), and the size is exactly what I like - not too big, not too small. I am completely impressed with the folks at CRS who put the race on. They are very engaged with the participants on social media and the attention to detail on race day is fantastic. It's also great that there are so many hotels in staggering distance from the finish line. You can wobble your way to the hotel with minimal agony...relatively speaking, of course.
F. M. from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan (10/27/2014) "Flat and Fast!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall I really liked the course; for it served as a flat and fast Boston Qualifier. The crowd support was excellent in spots, but you had numerous 'dead periods' where you were kind of isolated. The expo at Exhibition Place was really large and had many options but it was crowded and lines were extremely long (perhaps the expo has outgrown their space!) Overall, this race is an event I would recommend doing at least once.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 23 > ]



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Sanjay Mohanta from Ottawa, ONtario (11/3/2016) "My 89th marathon!!! Great for local runners" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I have run this race many times and it is not bad but the city could do a lot more for the runners. in Montreal the subway was free for participants and was open early prior to the race. This was not the case for TO Waterfront marathon. It made getting around expensive and overly complicated. the package pickup was pricey since it costs $14 to park. I prefer the pick up took place at City Hall since it close to subways, etc., The other problem with City Hall is that it is blocked but fences with small openings. It creates bottlenecks when the race starts. The race is okay but not as good as it could be. The shirt had a nice design but was a bit small for me. After 89 pasta dinners I would prefer something a bit larger for my frame. Yeah. Anyway, great for local runners. Some areas where you are cheered by no-one though.
P. M. from Toronto, ON (5/5/2016) "Fast course, great organization" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run this marathon for the second time since 2008 (my first) and got a PR and a BQ. Very well organized race with plenty of water stations, large expo and enthusiastic volunteers. Course is mostly flat and fast, if not very scenic. One part that should be eliminated is the out-and-back on Bayview Extension along Don River. Crowd support is somewhat lacking but that's always the case with Torontonians. They mostly gripe about runners blocking traffic. At least this year we had Bridge The Gap urban running crew gathering, so in a few spots it felt like Boston or NYC. I wish they could do this every year. Also, more support and promotion from the city would be nice. Finish area is crowded. One other thing to be aware about is streetcar tracks - There's plenty of them, and they can trip you up. I will run this race again because it's about the best you can expect in Canada.
L. M. from Ottawa, Canada (4/3/2016) "Fast but disappointing." (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I was disappointed in this race. Touted as a 'waterfront' marathon, one really had to stretch a neck to see water anywhere along the course. A good portion of the race was on a highway (or underneath a highway) and through construction. The sections downtown and through the Beaches community were nice. Spectators were sparse except for The Beaches and the finish line. Drivers in cars seemed angry at the road closures. It is however a fairly fast race.
M. S. from Tennessee USA (10/29/2015) "Good race but not great" (about: 2015) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This race is definitely geared more toward the half marathon. In general the race was very well run, the volunteers were the best I've ever seen. The expo was ok, but I was disappointed in the race merchandise, everything was too big! I was also disappointed in the spectators, more than once I was forced to detour around people crossing the course in the middle of a pack of runners, and my sister was hit by a cyclist! There also seemed to be a lack of excitement in the city for the race the whole weekend, although maybe I'm just more used to the U.S. feel. Some of the neighborhoods did do a great job of getting out there and cheering though, to give credit where credit due. Overall a good fast course, although mentally challenging with the long stretches and turnarounds. I enjoyed it but probably won't be back.
S. F. from Atlanta,GA (10/20/2015) "This is geared towards the 1/2 more than full" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is a flat course, very few hills which were overpasses. The first half is fairly nice most of the second half was BORING. They claim 26,000 runners only 3,800 run the full so it really is geared to 1/2 runners. Expo not bad - all volunteers were wonderful the Dream Team folks were the best ever. NOT enough food at the end. Put the date on the shirt, expected a better goodie bag for a big city race. I have already told some of my running friends to skip this race even though the city is wonderful. I didn't expect much given some of past comments so not real disappointment. I went, I conquered it and home healthy is all I wanted.
S. M. from Ottawa, ON (10/20/2015) "My 75th Marathon! Cold, just cold." (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Hey I ran my 40th, 49th and 60th marathon here. It was natural I would do my 75th here as well. It is a good course with the first part going up around cool neighborhoods like the Annex and near King West. Some great bands on the course - the Greek one around 38k had lots of energy. The problem was City Hall. In previous years runners could stay there prior to the race. Since Rob Ford left office this has been closed to the public. In the cold morning this is a problem. Maybe the TTC can also operate a bit early on this Sunday so parking would not be such a problem. Also paying $14 for packet pick up is a rip off. Why they don't move it closer to the subway line I have no idea. A good race if you live in the area and the expo is very strong but these little things leave a bad taste in my mouth. I will be doing it again next year hoping these things can be ironed out.
J. T. from London Ontario Canada (4/30/2015) "Fast flat race, not too many turns. Great finish" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I really enjoyed it. The course is fairly flat except a few overpasses. Crowds are here and there and are semi-enthusiastic. It is a pretty epic finish in downtown Toronto and the crowds are quite big. I liked the signs at the end every 100m so you know when the pain will stop! My biggest complaint is that the food after the race is not healthy bananas etc...it is prepackaged processed food that was probably provided free by sponsors.
J. M. from Athlone, Ireland (4/15/2015) "Nice course well organized" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first North American marathon. Pre race expo was good though was a little disappointed that I couldn't exchange my very large t-shirt for a smaller one, also a lack of general race memorabilia for sale. Race was very well organized and the course was very flat. Lots of space to run right from the start. There is also a half marathon which seems to be more popular so be prepared for a big drop off in spectators from half way. Expo was easy to get to with free buses from downtown. City is a typical large city but the people were very friendly. If you're looking for a laid back marathon with lots of room to run I would recommend Toronto.
D. L. from Calgary, AB (4/5/2015) "Great race! You should go." (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have a soft spot for Toronto Waterfront. I've had huge PR's both times I've run it. The organization is top-notch, the course is quick (it's not pancake flat, but you could hardly call it hilly), and the size is exactly what I like - not too big, not too small. I am completely impressed with the folks at CRS who put the race on. They are very engaged with the participants on social media and the attention to detail on race day is fantastic. It's also great that there are so many hotels in staggering distance from the finish line. You can wobble your way to the hotel with minimal agony...relatively speaking, of course.
F. M. from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan (10/27/2014) "Flat and Fast!" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall I really liked the course; for it served as a flat and fast Boston Qualifier. The crowd support was excellent in spots, but you had numerous 'dead periods' where you were kind of isolated. The expo at Exhibition Place was really large and had many options but it was crowded and lines were extremely long (perhaps the expo has outgrown their space!) Overall, this race is an event I would recommend doing at least once.

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Marathon Details - Toronto Waterfront Marathon