Accessibility for Adaptive Racers and Athletes with a Disability

Adaptive devices permitted on course

Recreational wheelchair
Push-rim wheelchair (see note below about pace cap)
Handcycles (see note below about pace cap)
Motorized wheelchairs (permitted in 5K event only)
- Must not exceed a speed of 5km/hour
- Must not exceed 40” length x 30” wide

If you would like to use an adaptive device not listed above, please contact info@canadarunningseries.com

Course Pace Cap

Due to the course design for this event, we are not able to accommodate paces that are faster than those listed below. Early start times will not be permitted.

5K – 14:00min/km
21K – 3:15/km
42K – 2:15/km

Parking

Event parking information can be found here.

Accessible parking is available in the parking lot under Nathan Phillips Square Carpark 036 – Green P Parking. The elevators in section H (rabbit) will bring you to the south end of Nathan Phillips Square, where you can access all race day amenities. These elevators may not be able to accommodate larger adaptive racers, please see drop-off/pick-up location below.

Drop-off & Pick-up (All Distances)

AWD participants can be dropped off and picked up on Chestnut St. at Armoury St. (Use 100 Chestnut St for an approximate location)
This drop-off location is approximately 200m northwest of the pre-race venue in Nathan Phillips Square.
Note – this area will be very busy in the morning – plan to arrive at least one hour before your race start time to ensure you have time to prepare.

Bag Check

Bag check information can be found here

Pre-Race and Start Line

Participants should transfer to their adaptive device at the AWD Program Tent at the northwest corner of Nathan Phillips Square. Space will be available to stage your day chair and bag. After the start of the race, Event Staff can transfer your day chair and bag to the finish line upon request.

5K participants who will be using an accessible device are encouraged to start in their assigned corral, where they feel comfortable (front, back, with friends).

21K & 42K

A designated start time for “fast adaptive racers” is available for the following participants:

21K estimated finish time of <1:45

42K estimated finish time of <3:15

If you wish to request to be included in the early start, please reach out to info@canadarunningseries.com at least one week prior to the race.

Finish Line

The finish line for all events is located on Bay St just north of Queen St. After the finish line, participants will continue through the chute to collect their medal, water and/or Nuun. The finish chute is approximately 400m long and exits directly onto Nathan Phillips Square, where friends and family can meet you.

Participants who have requested their day chair be brought to the finish area should look for our Event Staff (in safety vests) just after the finish line. Event Staff will be positioned BEFORE the medals area and can assist as needed.

Course

Please note, all courses are subject to change based on City approval. There may be sections of the course that travel through on-going construction, we will do our best to work with the City to ensure these areas are as smooth as possible.

The 5K course consists entirely of paved roads that are closed to traffic
Participants will encounter

- Streetcar tracks crossing at some intersections on the course (Dundas, Queen St, King St.)
- Hairpin turn on University Ave. at Dundas St.
- Wide hairpin turnaround on Lake Shore Blvd. at Rees
- A gradual incline moving northbound on Bay St to the finish line

Half Marathon

These courses consist entirely of paved roads that are closed to traffic
Some areas of the course include access lanes for local traffic and/or emergency access

Participants will encounter

Streetcar tracks along Bathurst St
Intersecting streetcar tracks at Bathurst St & Queen St
Intersecting streetcar tracks at Bathurst St & King St
Hairpin turn at Lake Shore Blvd & Ellis Ave

An incline on Lake Shore Blvd just before Jameson Ave
A steeper incline and decline going over the Spadina fly-over
A gradual incline moving northbound on Bay St to the finish line

Marathon

These courses consist entirely of paved roads that are closed to traffic
Some areas of the course include access lanes for local traffic and/or emergency access
Participants will encounter

Streetcar tracks along Bathurst St
Intersecting streetcar tracks at Bathurst St & Queen St

Intersecting streetcar tracks at Bathurst St & King St
Hairpin turn on Lake Shore Blvd at Ellis Ave
An incline on Lake Shore Blvd just before Jameson Ave
A steeper incline and decline going over the Spadina fly-over
A gradual incline moving northbound on Bay St leading to the eastbound turn

Hairpin turn on Bayview Ave near River St
A steeper incline/decline on Eastern Ave, over the Don Valley Parkway (out and back)
Streetcar tracks along Queen St E between Woodbine & Maclean
Hairpin turn on Queen St at Maclean
A gradual incline moving northbound on Bay St to the finish line

Adaptive Athlete Attendants

If you require assistance immediately after the finish line, please contact info@canadarunningseries.com by Friday October 11th and we can work with you on these arrangements.

Accessible Seating

An accessible seating platform is available on the west side of finish line, on Bay St just north of Queen St. Please note, crossing Bay St during the event is not possible due to the number of participants on the course. Plan your route to access the accessible seating west of Bay St.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, please contact us at info@canadarunningseries.com.