What's the weather like? See our Travel section for average race day highs & lows in Toronto.

Spectator Viewing Guide

"I have never felt anything more exhilarating than running those last 400 metres and crossing that finish line. Thank you for such a truly amazing first time experience. Your race was very well organized and made me feel comfortable and welcome as a new runner" — R.K., Mississauga, ON

Event Information 2011

Flat, Fast and Festive!

"This was my first major running event. It was a more than amazing experience. From the fabulous volunteers providing constant support throughout the event to the last 500 metres where the spectators blew me away with their cheers."

The flat and fast features of this event (includes the marathon, half and 5k) have consistently been the reason for so many people reaching a personal best, qualifying for Boston, having a memorable but good first marathon or an outstanding one. Even power walkers or slower runners love this course because of its 6 hour time limit.

The full and half marathon start on University Avenue just north of Adelaide Street and finish in the heart of downtown at City Hall, at Bay and Queen Street. They head out and back along the lakeshore on a flat course that Boston hopefuls and first-timers love.

There are bands and Neighbourhood Entertainment Centres every 2 kilometres, cheerleaders, and numerous aid stations. Overall, there's a great, festive atmosphere. All participants get technical t-shirts and exciting finisher's medals designed by Always Advancing.

Toronto Waterfront, however, is much more than just the run... it's a festive, full weekend that starts with guru John Stanton at the free 2-day Expo, Friday and Saturday. There's a Saturday morning (free) short International Friendship Run, hosted by the Running Room, a fun carbo load pasta dinner on Saturday night, and a post-race Victory party in Nathan Phillips Square from 10:30am to 4pm on Sunday. It's all part of an "unforgettable" Toronto experience!

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Course and Training:

Aid Stations, Water & Gatorade

Water & Gatorade will both be available at the race party area near the Start/Finish line and registration area, and at all "Water & Aid stations" along the courses.

Each aid station has Gatorade, Water, and first aid personnel. Port-o-lets are also located at each aid station.

Water & Aid stations are located at roughly every 2.5km. See locations below:

3k	5k	8k	11k	13.5k	16.5k
18.5k	21k	23k	24.5k	27k	30k
31.5k	34k	36k	38k	40k

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PowerBar Gels

We are excited to announce that we will be providing PowerBar Gels in 3 flavours, on the Half Marathon and Marathon course.

www.powerbar.com

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Course Maps & Descriptions

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon & Half marathon are accurate IAAF and Athletics Canada Certified, Measured Courses [which makes them eligible for Boston Qualifiers, Olympic and international championships qualifiers, and national and world-record eligible courses].

IAAF Certification #: CAN-2011-072-BDC [Half marathon: CAN-2011-071-BDC].

Course is marked in KILOMETRES

Our courses are all accurately measured and certified by Bernard Conway, IAAF Class "A" measurer and IAAF Head Measurer for the Americas. Our Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K courses are ALL marked in kilometres.

2011 Marathon/Half Marathon/5k Course: click to enlarge

Marathon — Start time: 9:00am (no earlier start time)

START on University Ave., north of Queen St.,
South on University Ave. to Wellington St.,
Turn left and head east on Wellington St. to Church St., move to Front St. E. at Church St.,
Continue east on Front St., then Eastern Ave to Trinity St.,
Turn right and head south on Trinity St. to Mill St.,
Turn right and head west on Mill St. to Parliament St.,
Turn left and head south on Parliament St. to Lakeshore Blvd.,
Turn right and head west on Lakeshore Blvd., continuing to Windermere Ave.,
U-turn and head back east on Lakeshore Blvd. to Stadium Rd.,
Turn right at Stadium Rd. and head south to Queens Quay,
Turn left and head east on Queens Quay to Parliament & Lakeshore Blvd.,
Turn right and head east on Lakeshore Blvd. to Cherry St.,
Turn right and head south on Cherry St. for an out and back to Clarke Beach Park,
Turn and head north on Cherry St. to Commissioner's St.,
Turn right and head east onto Commissioner's St.,
South on Leslie St. to Unwin Ave.,
U-turn and head back north on Leslie St. to Lakeshore Blvd.,
Turn right and head east on Lakeshore Blvd. to Coxwell Ave.,
Turn left and head north on Coxwell Ave. to Eastern Ave.,
East on Kingston Rd. connecting with Queen St. E.,
Turn right and head east on Queen St. to Neville Park Blvd. N.,
U-turn and re-trace route, heading west on Queen to Eastern Ave.,
Turn left and head south then west on Eastern Ave./Front St. to Bay St.,
FINISH Turn right and head north on Bay to the spectacular finish in front of Scotia Plaza!

NOTE: the section of the Waterfront Marathon course through The Beach is pancake flat all of the way across Queen St. with only a minor undulation near the turnaround at Neville Park.

Half-Marathon — Start time: 9:00am, with marathoners (no earlier start time)

START on University Ave., north of Queen St.,
South on University Ave. to Wellington St.,
Turn left and head east on Wellington St. to Church St., move to Front St. E. at Church St.,
Continue east on Front St, then Eastern Ave to Trinity St.,
South on Trinity St. to Mill St.,
Turn right and head west on Mill St. to Parliament St.,
Turn left and head south on Parliament St. to Lakeshore Blvd.,
Turn right and head west on Lakeshore Blvd., continuing to Windermere Ave.,
U-turn and head back east on Lakeshore Blvd. to Stadium Rd.,
At stadium Rd., say goodbye to those in the marathon, and continue east on Lakeshore Blvd. to Bay St.,
FINISH Turn left and head north on Bay to the spectacular in front of Scotia Plaza!

5k — Start time: 12:00pm (no earlier start time)

Start inside the CNE grounds on Newfoundland Dr. (south of Princes' Blvd.),
South on Newfoundland Dr. to Lakeshore Blvd.,
Turn right and head west on Lakeshore Blvd. towards Ontario Dr.,
U-turn and head east on Lakeshore Blvd.,
East on Lakeshore Blvd. to Bay St.,
Turn left and head north on Bay to the spectacular in front of Scotia Plaza!

COURSE is beautifully scenic at the CNE and then Lakeshore Boulevard, CN Tower; and is wide and flat, with minor exception of the Spadina flyover.

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Course Limitations

AGE LIMIT: Half Marathon = 16 years on race day
AGE LIMIT: Marathon = 18 years on race day
No age limit for the 5k

For further information and background, see IMMDA Advisory Statement on Children & Marathoning (PDF).

For the safety of all participants, baby joggers, strollers, skateboards, roller blades, animals and unauthorized bicycles & wheeled devices are not permitted in any of the Canada Running Series races.

If you are visually impaired and would like to be matched with a guide runner, please contact Achilles Canada at www.achillescanada.ca.

Time Limits

Marathon: 6 hours — Power Walkers welcome!
Half Marathon: 3 hours 40 minutes
5K: 1 hour, 10 minutes

After the courses close, support will be limited, and participants assume the role of pedestrians.

For more details, see the FAQ section: 'What are the course closure times?'.

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Entertainment

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is proud of the fact that we have the most on-course entertainment of any marathon in Canada, with "live" bands and performers on professional stages, approximately every 2 kilometres. They offer a wide range of Canadian and multicultural entertainment from Ukrainian cossack dancers to Chinese Lion dancers, Indian bhangra to Latin drums, reflecting Toronto's vibrant diversity… "the world within a city"!

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Pre-Race:

Packet Pick-up

Friday October 12 2012

11:00am to 8:00pm
New Entry & Race Kit Pickup
at RUN EXPO: Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place

Saturday October 13 2012

10:00am to 6:00pm
Race Kit Pickup
at RUN EXPO: Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place

You (or a friend) must pick up your number, ChampionChip, t-shirt and goodie bag at the RUNNER'S EXPO on Friday or Saturday.

What you need to pick up your packet:

1. You need to know what your Bib # is (will be emailed to you and posted on the online confirmation list on October 10 and will be available for look up at the expo)
2. Photo ID
   OR
   A printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on your smart phone to show the volunteers).

If a friend/family member is picking up for you, they need to have:

1. They need to know what your Bib # is (will be emailed to you and posted on the online confirmation list on October 10 and will be available for look up at the expo)
2. Email or written permission from you (can be shown to volunteers from your smart phone)
3. A printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on their smart phone to show the volunteers)
   OR a copy of your photo ID

If picking up for friends/family, you can only do so for a maximum of three including your own packet. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO RACE KIT PICK-UP ON RACE DAY.

More info on the Runners' Expo (new website)

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Expo Shuttle Bus Information

The Expo Shuttle Buses will be picking participants up at one of our official race hotels, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel at Front & York Street.

The Shuttle Buses will be running all day, every 15 minutes between the Fairmont Hotel and the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibit Hall D.

Loading Area for the Shuttle Buses:

Shuttle Bus from the Fairmont Hotel — 100 Front Street West, Tor, M5J 1E3

Loading Zone: West side of the building, near Benihana.

Shuttle Bus from the DEC — Princes' Blvd — east of Newfoundland Dr.

Loading Zone: On the North side of Princes' Blv, infront of the Direct Energy Centre - Hall D

2011 Expo Shuttle Bus Schedule:

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fairmont Royal York Hotel

• First Bus will be leaving at 10am
• Last Bus will be leaving at 7:15pm

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibit Hall D

• First Bus will be leaving the Expo at 11:15am
• Last Bus will be leaving the Expo at 8:15pm

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Fairmont Royal York Hotel

• First Bus will be leaving at 9:30am
• Last Bus will be leaving at 5:15pm

Direct Energy Centre, Exhibit Hall D

• First Bus will be leaving the Expo at 10:15am
• Last Bus will be leaving the Expo at 6:15pm

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Expo Parking

There is plenty of short term car parking available for all participants at the DEC. Exhibition place has more than 7,000 parking spaces within the grounds. The following rates will apply:

• Up to 6:00pm — $13.00
• After 6:00pm — $10.00

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Running Room International Friendship Run

International Friendship Run at the Waterfront with John Stanton, founder of Canada's world-famous "Running Room". 9:00am Saturday October 15, from Commerce Court Running Room store, Wellington and Yonge Streets. Refreshments to follow. FREE. Easy, inspirational jog with runners from around the world. Open to everyone.

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Pasta Dinner at Traders Bar & Grill

Sheraton Centre Hotel, Downtown Toronto,
123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9

Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Times: 5:00pm, 6:30pm or 8:00pm
Seating capacity for each time slot: 150ppl

STWM Pasta Special offer for $15 (does not include taxes & gratuity)

• Choice of daily soup or salad
• Penne Arrabiata (regular or whole wheat pasta) — add your choice of protein: chicken, fish or shrimp for an additional $6

Traders Bar & Grill's regular menu is also available — please see their menu here.

Deadline to reserve was Monday, October 10, 2011

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Race Planning & Extras:

Schedule for Marathon Weekend 2011

Friday October 14
8:00am	Marathon Flame Lighting Ceremony at Kew Gardens in The Beach followed by the Marathon Flame Relay
10:00am	Lighting of the Cauldron at the Direct Energy Centre
10:30–11:00am	Press Conference at Main Stage, Expo, Exhibit Hall D, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place
11:00am–8:00pm	Running, Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up), Exhibit Hall D, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place— Expo Parking
Saturday October 15
9:00am	International Friendship Run from Commerce Court Running Room (Wellington & Yonge Streets) with John Stanton Sr., Founder of Running Room
10:00am–6:00pm	Running, Health & Fitness Expo (Packet Pick-up), Exhibit Hall D, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place — Expo Parking
Sunday October 16
9:00am	Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon & Half-Marathon START
10:00–11:30am	Shuttle Bus begins on Richmond just west of University to Exhibition Place for the 5k Start
12:00pm	Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 5k START at Exhibition Place
1:30–3:30pm	Shuttle Bus between Exhibition Place and Richmond just west of University (subject to change)
3:00pm	Course closes, roads re-open to traffic

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Toilet Facilities

Port-o-lets will be located near the start on University Avenue and at the finish as well as on course at each aid station.

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Baggage Check

Marathon and Half-Marathon Baggage Check

Time: 7:30–8:40am

Location: University Ave at Armoury (south of Dundas) — see map

Cost: $2 donation to the 3 Featured Charities

Instructions: You can pre-pay for your baggage check at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday or Saturday when you pick up your packet. If you pre-pay, on race day you get to bypass the big line ups and drop your bag off at the pre-paid baggage check line!

Your Baggage Check Tag is located at the bottom of your bib. Volunteers will have safety pins available at baggage check and can help you fasten your tag to your bag, or you can request an extra safety pin at the expo and already have your bag ready to go so you can save even more time!

Picking up your bag after your race:

We will be moving the bags from the Armoury and University parking lot to the Finish Line area at Richmond and Bay. You will need to pickup your bag at the tent that corresponds to your bib number.

5k Baggage Check

Time: 10:00–11:00am

Location: Right beside the 5k Shuttle Bus loading area — on Richmond, west of University (you can drop your bag off right before you board the bus to go to the DEC) — see map

Cost: $2 donation to the 3 Featured Charities

Instructions: You can pre-pay for your baggage check at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday or Saturday when you pick up your packet. If you pre-pay, on race day you get to bypass the big line ups and drop your bag off at the pre-paid baggage check line!

Your Baggage Check Tag is located at the bottom of your bib. Volunteers will have safety pins available at baggage check and can help you fasten your tag to your bag, or you can request an extra safety pin at the expo and already have your bag ready to go so you can save even more time!

Picking up your bag after your race:

We will be moving the bags from Richmond and University to the Finish Line area at Richmond and Bay. You will need to pickup your bag at the tent that corresponds to your bib number.

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Start Corrals

To make it possible for as many runners as possible to get off the line quickly and chase their goal times, we have START CORRALS again for 2011. You have until September 19 to make any changes to your corral time. After this date, no changes will be made.

• ELITE: sub 2:30 marathoners, sub 1:15 half marathoners and sub 20-minutes 5k
• Red: 2:30 to 3:10 marathoners, 1:15 to 1:35 half marathoners and 20-29 minutes 5k
• Yellow: 3:11 to 3:35 marathoners, 1:36 to 1:47 half marathoners and 30-44 minutes 5k
• Blue: 3:36 to 3:59 marathoners, 1:48 to 1:59 half marathoners and 45+ minutes 5k
• Green: 4:00 to 4:45 marathoners and 2:00 to 2:15 half marathoners
• Purple: 4:46+ marathoners and 2:16+ half marathoners

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Shuttle Buses for 5k

Shuttle buses for PARTICIPANTS ONLY will leave from Richmond, West of University to Exhibition Place for the 5k race.

The buses will be located on Richmond Street just west of University Ave.

• First Shuttle to the DEC will begin running at: 10am
• Last Shuttle to the DEC will leave at: 11am

Please note the shuttles to the 5k start are for PARTICIPANTS ONLY.

Planning on parking at the Direct Energy Centre and would like to be shuttled back there?

• First shuttle after the race to the DEC will begin running at: 1pm
• The LAST shuttle after the race to the DEC will leave at: 3pm

Please note the shuttles after the race will be first come, first served but both participants and friends/family are welcome to take them.

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Family & Friends Meeting Zone

The Family & Friends Meeting Zone is located in Arnell Plaza at Bay & Adelaide. Alphabetically-lettered signs will enable parties to meet at the sign with the first letter of the athlete's last name. The breakdown is: A-B, C-D, E-H, I-L, M-N, O-R, S-T, U-Z.

Family, friends and athletes are urged to MAKE PLANS PRIOR TO RACE DAY on exactly where to reunite. You are urged to reunite in the Family & Friends Meeting Zone; if you choose to meet elsewhere be sure to check whether that location will be accessible on race day! You will not be able to drive near the finish.

Please remember that it may take your athlete considerable time after crossing the finish line to meet you. Post-race, athletes are busy getting fluids and refreshments and getting their medal.

Can't find your loved one, not sure if they have crossed the line? Go to the Information Booth on Race Day and our staff will be able to tell you if your loved one has finished the race or if they are still out on the course.

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Finisher Medals

For 2011: All Waterfront events, including 5K as well as Marathon and Half Marathon finishers will receive a finishers' medal!

Click image to enlarge 2011 medals.

Customize your STWM finisher's medal with your very own name and finishing time! Pre-order your engraved iTab online on our registration page or here if you've already registered. On completion of the Race, you will receive your iTaB by mail, which fits neatly into a recess on your Medal.

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T-shirts

2011 Participants shirts unveiled

EVERY entrant in the Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k will receive a Brooks technical t-shirt.

Separate Men's and Women's styles are available. Click here for sizing chart

Marathon:   Half-Marathon:

5K:

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Post-race Massage

Post-race massage takes place between 10am and 3:30pm in the Finish Line area. Massages will be done in order of when you arrive — show your bib and they will check you off their list — no tickets needed! You can buy your massage for $15 when you register or you can add it to your entry on our add on form on the registration page.

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Runner Tracking

Can't find your loved one, not sure if they have crossed the line? Go to the Information Booth on Race Day and our staff will be able to tell you if your loved one has finished the race or if they are still out on the course.

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Mylaps Souvenir ChampionChip Timing

All participants will be issued a timing chip with their run packets. See FAQ: Mylaps Souvenir ChampionChip Timing for details about the Mylaps Souvenir ChampionChip and how to wear it.

You must have a chip in order to have a recorded time. NO CHIP = NO TIME.

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Medical

Medical Services at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon will be supervised by the Canadian Ski Patrol while the Athletic and Physiotherapy will be supervised by The Centre for Sport and Recreation Medicine.

Canadian Ski Patrol provides on-course assistance, services at Nathan Phillips Square and the medical tent at the finish line.

The Centre for Sport and Recreation Medicine provides athletic therapy services on course.

The "Centre" is also available for your Pre and Post race injuries or medical concerns.
The Centre for Sport and Recreation Medicine
777 Bay Street, College Park
Toronto, ON
416-597-9755

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