Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Sid B.
Goose Creek, SC

  (09-29-2010)

"This was my 4th year in a row running this marathon,and it gets better every year. The course is flat and fast,great for a Boston Qualifier. The organization was fantastic,and the volunteers some of the best anywere.
The Toronto Police Dept not only controlled traffic,but as a mid to back of the pack runner,they provided much needed words of encouragment,which i know got me to the finish.
The Expo was held at THE ENERGY CENTER,and free shutttle buses ran every half hour from downtown,making it really easy for all of us out of town/country runners.
This year the marathon was celebrating 2500 years of marathon,and they Marathon Flame was on display,and after the last runner crossed the finish line,the flame was put out,very moving."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

James K.
Toronto, ON

  (09-11-2010)

"Pretty good race overall, and definitely a world-class event. The course for the half-marathon is a little bit dull, especially the sections under the elevated highway. It's essentially an out and back run along a portion of the Toronto waterfront. Crowd support could be better, but there's always lots of cheering in over the last kilometre or two."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Jenn S.
Toronto, On

  (08-24-2009)

"This was my first half marathon experience. The course is nice and flat, but not particularly exciting as it is an out and back along the Lakeshore. I found the crowds great along the final stretch (Queens Park) but pretty lacking for the majority of the race. Entertainment was fine - no great shakes.

The weather in Toronto this time of year is my favourite. It was a little cold to start the race, but you don't have to worry about the humidity and heat of summer.

Hilights were seeing my family cheering on the course, and I also really enjoyed the race expo. And, of course, finishing my FIRST HALF! Yay!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Jason C.
New York, NY

  (08-18-2009)

"If you're looking for fast and flat, this is the race for you. Situated along the waterfront of Lake Ontario, this course will let you get out, stretch your legs and really help if you're trying to do a PR. The roads are pretty wide and some parts of it are actually on highway roads, which makes it easy to pass and not have to weave in and out of other runners that much. The course pretty much shuts down a lot of downtown car traffic, which is a nice plus, so you don't have to split lanes with cars much.

It's an out-and-back type of course that finishes in the heart of downtown Toronto, which makes it easy to get started and go home.

It does get a bit crowded at the start area, so plan on getting there early for bag check-in and warming up.

Since the race is in late September, the weather is usually pretty mild and conducive to running. I'd do it again if I was looking to run a Boston qualifying race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

elaine r.
Toronto, NY

  (08-12-2009)

"The route was pretty flat and great for first time marathoners. I found the crowd to be a little sparse and not that much bands or activities going on encouraging the runners. The spectators that were there were great and cheering us on. Most of the entertainment was at the end. The course runs west on Lakeshore and then east on the same road, so I got a chance to see the elite runners run by. That was pretty cool. There was plenty of Gatorade and water stations. The course was clearly marked with mile and km markers.

-Elaine
http://www.TrueRunning.com"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Marlene S.
Toronto, OH

  (06-10-2009)

"This was my second year participating in the event (first time full marathon). The second half of the course was rather boring, but organizers have promised improvements for 2009. Course is flat and fast. Spectators are decent and organization is amazing. Great support."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008