Sep 29 2024
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Ethiopian Marathon Star Commits to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Abdi Fufa will compete in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 20th joining a large contingent of fellow Ethiopians on the trans Atlantic flight. Once again this is a World Athletics Elite Label race.

The 28 year-old has a personal best of 2:05:57 from the 2021 Sienna Marathon a time that will catch the attention of his competitors and perhaps cast him as a race favourite amongst the field.

More recently he finished 4th in the 2024 Dubai Marathon with a solid clocking of 2:06:23. It is no surprise, then, that Abdi aims to be on the Toronto Waterfront Marathon podium.

“My expectation in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon is to see myself on the podium,” he declares. “My (long term) goal is running well to support my family.”

Although he is married Abdi and his wife do not yet have children. In a country where the per capita annual income is a little over $1,000 the lure of Toronto Waterfront Marathon prize money – $20,000 to the winner – is immense.

The latest result in Dubai was a welcome sign that his injuries are behind him. Indeed, he didn’t compete at all in 2023.

“I had a calf injury which took me a long time to recover from,” he reveals. “But then I had continuous massage therapy and now I feel better.”

Abdi like many others grew up on a farm with his five brothers and four sisters. An elder brother enjoyed some success as a distance runner and the young Abdi took notice.

“My elder brother Imane Fufa was a good 10,000m runner and he is the one who inspired me,” he explains. “I saw him running during my childhood and so I started to run.”

After coming to the attention of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation he was selected to represent his country at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark where he finished 15th. As the third Ethiopian finisher he helped Ethiopia to the team bronze medal.

These days he lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and for the past three years has been one of about thirty elite marathon runners training under legendary coach Gemedu Dedefo whose most notable charges are Tigest Assefa and Tamirat Tola.

Tigest smashed the women’s world record with a stunning 2:11:53 a year ago – before taking the Olympic silver medal in Paris – while Tamirat Tola, a last minute addition to the Ethiopian Olympic team, won the gold medal in the Paris Olympics.

It is Tamirat whose influence has proven most impactful upon Abdi. Striking Olympic gold in Paris and before that the 2022 world championship gold as he did in Eugene, Oregon led to grand celebrations amongst the group. The athletes speak of the respect and camaraderie amongst themselves.

Abdi Fufa says Tamirat’s success and the closeness “that we have in the team makes us have a team sprit. We saw Tamirat Tola’s achievement is because of his hard work and patience.”

The group will meet three times a week but each athlete follows a seven days a week program. The commitment is a constant element in Ethiopia’s success Abdi hopes to follow in the success of Tamirat Tola and continue to improve. Perhaps one day he can achieve success at the Olympics and World Championships and add to coach Gemedu’s list of exceptional athletes. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is the next step in that journey.

Sep 09 2024
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Natasha Wodak Commits to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Two-time Canadian Olympian Natasha Wodak has committed to racing the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20th.

The Vancouver native finished 13th in the Tokyo Olympics and also holds the Canadian marathon record of 2:23:12. Toronto Waterfront Marathon doubles as a World Athletics Elite Label Race and the 2024 Canadian Marathon Championship, still, her late decision caught many aficionados by surprise.

“I thought ‘why don’t I go run the Canadian Marathon Championships in Toronto?’ I haven’t been there in eleven years and that is where I started this marathon journey,” the Asics sponsored athlete says.

“It’s an Asics event, I am the Canadian record holder, I haven’t won the Canadian Marathon Championship’ I just really wanted to run in my country surrounded by friends and family. When I started thinking about it, it made me happy.”

Happiness with her running she insists is still a primary motivator as she continues her world-class racing at the age of 42. It has been a rough year for her. Four attempts at achieving the 2024 Olympic standards came up short due to factors beyond her control.

Her preparations for the 2023 London Marathon went perfectly but she got sick the week before and cancelled her flight the very day she was to travel. Then, another excellent training block gave her confidence that she could break her national record at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest – her fourth time representing Canada at a World Athletics Championship. Race temperatures reached 28c though, and she finished 15th. Nobody ran particularly fast.

A hamstring strain two weeks before January’s Houston Marathon impacted her result there and she struggled home 9th in 2:28:42. Then, a 12th place finish in Hamburg this past April led to her conceding that a third Olympic appearance was not possible. Gravely disappointed at first, she eventually saw the positives thanks to her friends and family.

“The Olympics is special for a reason because it is very hard to get there!” Wodak now says, “I didn’t make it this time around. I had a fun journey trying to get there and other doors are open and I got to do the CBC broadcast for the Women’s Olympic marathon which was an amazing opportunity. I loved doing that.

“I find myself in a really good spot, leading into the fall, and with going into Toronto Waterfront – which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.

Originally, she contemplated going for the national half marathon record at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon but then consulted with her coach Trent Stellingwerf. Despite her failure to achieve the Olympic standard she has maintained a high level of fitness, a fact which Stellingwerf emphasized when she wondered aloud if a shortened marathon build might indeed work.

Winning a national championship offers generous World Athletics points – useful in qualifying for next year’s World Championships – which was another factor in her decision.

“What we are thinking is that if I win and run decently in Toronto it’s really good points and I don’t need to run the standard. I then could possibly run a marathon in Japan in early March,” she reasons.

Wodak is a very sociable individual and enjoys spending time with friends and family when she is not piling on the mileage. She has also been doing some coaching and whenever possible joins her twelve or so charges for their workouts. Another passion is for her volunteer work at the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association.

“I go on Friday mornings. The shelter has at the moment probably 30 cats, so my job is to go in with other volunteers, we feed the cats, we clean their cages, we clean the litter box, we do laundry, do dishes and take the garbage out,” she reveals. “When we have time left over we get to snuggle the cats to help socialize them which, obviously, is our favourite part.

“It is very sad because there are so many cats that we have taken from not good situations and they are scared and sad and we just want to find them homes. People are getting cats from breeders instead of rescuing. I try to encourage people to ‘adopt don’t shop’ and rescue.” Wodak practices what she preaches. Both her cats are rescues.

At the age of 42 she has become aware that her marathon success serves as inspiration to other women who might think of retiring from competition in their mid-thirties. When asked about this she offers a humble smile.

“Malindi and I have talked about this and we just run,” she says, referring to 44 year old Malindi Elmore a fellow Olympian. “We don’t think about our age and we are loving it. And the fact that that is inspiring to the younger generation is really cool.

“And it’s not lost on me that we are setting an example of what can be done in your forties and showing women you don’t need to retire from the sport in your mid-thirties as it used to be done. Sometimes I do feel like I am running out of time to do all the things I want to do while I am still fast. I don’t know when the shoe is going to drop and I am going to slow down. I want to get the most out of myself while I can still.”

Wodak is due another spectacular marathon performance. Organisers of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon join her in hoping it comes October 20th on the streets of Canada’s largest city.

Aug 27 2024
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WAGANESH MEKASHA RETURNS TO TCS TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON

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By Paul Gains

Ethiopian marathon star Waganesh Mekasha has unfinished business at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and returns with the intent of achieving victory in this World Athletics Elite Label Race, October 20th.

A year ago she went toe to toe with her compatriot Buze Diriba finishing one second behind Buze’s winning time of 2:23:11. Second place on that occasion was bittersweet.

“Yes it is frustrating to lose by a second,” she admits. “I prepared well and wanted to take the course record. Unfortunately it did not happen. I thought if we had a strong pacemaker I would win that race because at 35km I was so comfortable.

“I had to go all out and sprint to make the podium. If the girls helped me I wanted to push from 35 km after the pacer dropped out.”

Waganesh has known Buze since they were both members of the Ethiopian junior team competing at the 2011 World Cross Country Championships in Punta Umbria, Spain. On that occasion Waganesh finished 4th overall to help her country win the gold medal while Buze was 10th.

“We are not friends and we do not train together; but we see each other in different training locations,” Waganesh says of their relationship.

Aside from missing out on the $20,000 first place prize money – she collected $10,000 for second – Waganesh’s recollections of her initial visit to Toronto are all positive.

“Toronto is such a beautiful city,” she declares. “The crowds are amazing and we had a beautiful racing experience.

“The race was fantastic but the pacers did not do as we needed. After 35k I wanted to push but the (other two) ladies did not help. That’s why we three had to finish in a sprint.”

The third-place finisher on the day was another Ethiopian, Afera Godfay, who finished in 2:23:15. The four seconds separating the top 3 was an anomaly in marathon racing and made for a dramatic finish although, clearly, Waganesh has another perspective.

Waganesh was able to explore downtown Toronto on her first visit albeit while keeping close to her hotel so as not to expend unnecessary energy. A shopping excursion to a nearby mall was one outing she prioritized – to buy clothes for her children.

“I did go shopping to buy clothes for my children. And I did see my friends (Canadian residents),” she confirms.

Like most Ethiopian runners she runs to help support her family which is comprised of her two young children, Benjamin, 7, and Amen, 4 and her husband, Anwar Arega.

“I want to give them a better opportunity,” Waganesh explains. “But I do not encourage them to be a runner. I want them to do what they enjoy.

“My husband is always on my side. He drives me to training, cooks me food and, if necessary, he acts as my physio. Generally he is always there to help me push beyond my limit.”

Along with her training partners and under guidance of Coach Nigatu Worku, she has already begun her buildup for Toronto Waterfront. Her personal best marathon remains the 2:22:45 she ran at the 2019 Dubai Marathon. Could this be the year she surpasses it?

Experience counts immensely in marathon racing and at the age of 32 she has plenty. On her first visit to Canada she was the 2023 Ottawa Marathon champion. More recently, on February 25th of this year, she won the Osaka Marathon in 2:24:20.

Like many athletes who have raced Toronto Waterfront she continues to eye the course record of 2:22:16 set by Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai in 2019.

“I know the course now and want to come back stronger,” she declares. “If things go as I wish and, if we have a strong pacemaker, I will do my best to break the course record and run fast and win the race. I do believe i will run faster than that (record).”

Asked about her running future she is clear: “Age is a number, I do believe I will have another ten years ahead.”

Aug 20 2024
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Canadian Championship Lures Leslie Sexton to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Adding to her growing list of Canadian championship titles is an objective when Leslie Sexton returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20.

Once again, the World Athletics Elite Label race doubles as the 2024 Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship.

Sexton was crowned national marathon champion here in 2017, the year she also finished 5th overall in the women’s category behind three Ethiopians and a Kenyan – all experienced international runners.  And, she has a handful of national titles at shorter distances on both the roads and track.

The importance of racing the national marathon championships is even greater now as she explains.

“Since World Athletics has switched to this points ranking system it’s even more important than before,” the 37 year old declares. “Now the bonus points from a national championship are significant across all events and in the marathon, where you might only get two or three attempts in a cycle, it’s an important consideration in qualifying for the world championships in Tokyo next year.”

Sexton represented Canada at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon finishing a credible 13th place in the marathon (2:28:52). More recently she was a member of the Canadian team at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Beograd, Serbia. That latter event came on the heels of her personal best marathon performance at the 2024 Houston Marathon.

In the Texas city she finished 8th in a world class field, racing to a clocking of 2:28:14, although missing the Olympic standard of 2:26:50 made her achievement bittersweet.

“I think I went through halfway in about 1:13:15,” she remembers. “So I went there with the intention to go for the Olympic standard but I had a bit of a rough patch between 20 and 30km then rallied for a PB in the final 12km. I am happy with the effort that day but it wasn’t what I was looking for. “

Originally from Markham, Ontario, Sexton moved with her coach and partner, Steve Weiler to Vancouver two years ago. Clearly it has had an impact on her running career. Personal bests from 5,000m up to the marathon have since helped rewrite her resume.

“I really like it out here,” she explains. “The weather has been really good for running – I really don’t miss the Ontario winters. I am in a really good spot about a kilometre from Pacific Spirit Park. I run through the trails in there and being able to get there in the winter has been a big plus.

“I am doing some stuff on my own and with my coach Steve, we are starting to form a post collegiate group.  Back in the winter we had four people from our group qualify for the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia. So we did a lot of workouts together. I have been training with Glynis Sim who beat me in the Vancouver Sun Run in the spring; good training partners within my own club.”

Sim won the Sun Run in 32:17 with Sexton a close second in 32:25. It’s a race Sexton won in both 2022 and 2023. The pair obviously benefit from their training sessions together. Occasionally she also goes for easy runs with Canadian marathon record holder and two-time Olympian Natasha Wodak, who is now 42 years of age.

As Wodak and fellow B.C. resident Malindi Elmore, 44, have proven, world-class marathon running is now possible into the 40’s. Their performances have served as inspiration for Sexton as she contemplates her running future.

“Yeah definitely (they are inspirational) and I know that the Australian Sinead Diver was running great times in her 40’s as well,” she confirms. “So definitely it inspires me to keep going. Going into this year my intent was always to be going through to LA in 2028.

“Missing this Olympics was a disappointment but I still have big goals to represent Canada at the Worlds and Olympics in the future and seeing other women do that in their early 40’s gives me confidence I can do that too.”

For now her focus returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“I am still pretty early in the training cycle. This is going to be a shorter buildup than I have done previously. I had some setbacks in July but I am healthy now,” she reveals.

“I will be looking to run a competitive time, something to maximize those Canadian championship points, but not necessarily going for a PB this time. I will have to see how the training goes.”

Then of course there is the thrill of possibly adding yet another national championship gold medal to her collection.

Jun 19 2024
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Get Moving for the Cause that Moves You with the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge

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2024 TCS Charity Challenge officially kicks off with over 120 Canadian charities and a new green way to give back

TORONTO, ON (June 19, 2024) – The annual TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is returning to the city’s streets this fall for the iconic run’s 35th edition and as of today, registration is officially open for the TCS Charity Challenge, giving participants the opportunity to run, walk or wheel for the cause that moves them. The TCS Charity Challenge has raised over $53 million to date for more than 150 Charity Partners each year making a lasting impact in our communities. 

The TCS Charity Challenge unites the spirit of runners with a unique fundraising program that supports local charities and empowers participants from across Toronto and around the globe to build a community of support around the cause that moves them. This year, race organizers are challenging those partaking in the marathon, half marathon and 5k distances to help reach their fundraising goal of $3 million, to bring the cumulative total over $56 million since the inception of the program.  

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event offering participants a unique race experience along Toronto’s beautiful waterfront, parts of the Trans Canada Trail and through the heart of the city. The race takes place in-person over the weekend of October 19 to 20, 2024, with the marathon and half marathon taking place on Sunday and the 5k on a new course and time the day prior, providing even more opportunities to choose to run and fundraise this year.

“We are so excited to be kicking off the TCS Charity Challenge again this year,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series (CRS). “Our Toronto Waterfront Marathon community has raised millions for incredible organizations over the years, leaving a legacy of lasting impacts in our own communities. Race weekend brings an infectious energy to Toronto and the Charity Challenge adds a meaningful boost to the excitement as Torontonians, Ontarians and Canadians everywhere choose to run, and choose to give to support so many important causes each October.”

“This year, we are pleased to introduce the Green Bib Program, which allows participants to choose to wear a green bib on race day and have a donation made to a participating sustainability charity in lieu of receiving a race shirt and medal,” continued Brookes. “The program combines our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact, to join philanthropy with sport, and to provide our participants with more ways to personalize their race experience.”

The marathon has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for sustainability Charity Partners in recent years, including Trans Canada Trail and Trees for Life who are returning once again as the 2024 feature Charity Partners. 

“Each year, we’re reminded how powerful the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon community is and what an incredible impact the TCS Charity Challenge has,” added Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, Canada, Tata Consultancy Services. “Having raised nearly $3 million last year, we’ve seen what a difference the challenge can make for local organizations and those they support. We’re proud to be part of the TCS Charity Challenge and look forward to another great year of fundraising!”

“For me, fundraising for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through the TCS Charity Challenge was a cause incredibly close to my heart as a cancer survivor,” says Brandon Throop, the top TCS Charity Challenge fundraiser in 2023, the top 2023 TCS Charity Challenge fundraiser, raising over $100,000. “It was an important opportunity for me to pay it forward, and to be able to do so through running, something else close to my heart for many years, makes it that much more personal. I hope that others will choose to run for the cause that moves them, or support those running, because every little bit really does make a difference.”

Registration and fundraising for the TCS Charity Challenge officially opens today. Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Register online for one of the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K events.
  2. Fundraise by signing up for the TCS Charity Challenge and selecting the charity you’d like to raise funds for.
  3. Donate by visiting the TCS Charity Challenge website and selecting the Official Charity you’d like to donate to.
  4. Support the TCS Charity Challenge, our Charity Partners, and participants by following along on social media and using the hashtags #chooseTOrun, #chooseTOgive, and #TCSCharityChallenge, and come out on October 19 and 20 to cheer on your friends and family along the race route and at the finish line!

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About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

2024 marks the 35th edition of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. 

For more information, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com. 

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 65 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development. 

As part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 601,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the mSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. 

For more information, visit www.tcs.com  

MEDIA CONTACT:

Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.

emma@sutherlandcorp.ca

Jun 04 2024
0

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Kicks Off 35th Anniversary by Celebrating One of Toronto’s Oldest Landmarks

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TORONTO, ON (June 3, 2024) – Canada Running Series unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon medal yesterday evening at Union Station, just in time for the iconic marathon’s 35th anniversary. The host location is also featured on the medal’s design as a tribute to Union Station being a hub of Toronto community and activity since it was opened in 1927. This year’s medal also highlights Toronto’s “Monument to Multiculturalism,” symbolizing the diverse and inclusive spirit of the city. The new medals will be awarded to all 25,000 race participants, with variations for distance. Photos of the medal and medal reveal event can be found here. 

“The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is not just a race, it’s a celebration of our city’s spirit and resilience,” said Charlotte Brookes, Race Director. “Union Station is a cornerstone of Toronto’s history and activity, and with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon being such a standout weekend in the city, we wanted to encapsulate the energy and essence of the city in our 2024 design.” 

This year’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is set to take place on October 20, 2024, with both in person and virtual race options available. Registration is open, and can be found on the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s website. The world class marathon weekend brings over 25,000 participants from across the globe to Toronto annually for the Olympic qualifying race, and has raised over $52 million for local charities through the marathon’s TCS Charity Challenge since its inception. 

“Canada Running Series is an incredible organization widely recognized for hosting impeccably planned running events, with the pinnacle of Canada’s race season being the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon,” said Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, Canada,Tata Consultancy Services. “The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a legacy event for the city with 35 years of history, and these medals showcase not just the city that serves as the backdrop for this world-renowned race, but the physical achievement of each and every participant.” 

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is renowned for its scenic route, cheerful atmosphere, and commitment to charitable causes, attracting participants from across the world including elite athletes, amateur runners, and avid enthusiasts. Runners typically pass Union Station during the race, making it a landmark the participants can expect to see on race day and have for years.

Join the tens of thousands who celebrate Toronto every year for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. #ChooseTORun by registering to participate, #ChooseTOGive through the TCS Charity Challenge or #ChooseTOCelebrate by lining the race route to support the participants on October 19-20, 2024. 

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About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). It is celebrating its 35th edition in 2024. Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. 

To learn more about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com. 

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that has been partnering with many of the world’s largest businesses in their transformation journeys for over 65 years. Its consulting-led, cognitive powered, portfolio of business, technology and engineering services and solutions is delivered through its unique Location Independent Agile™ delivery model, recognized as a benchmark of excellence in software development. 

As part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 601,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the mSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Laurel Bury

Sutherland Corporation

laurel@sutherlandcorp.ca

Apr 15 2024
0

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Announces Exciting Addition to Event Weekend: 5K Race Now on Saturday 

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TORONTO, ON – April 15, 2024 – The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is thrilled to announce that they have been granted a permit to host the 5K race on Saturday, October 19th, in conjunction with the Marathon and Half Marathon taking place on Sunday, October 20th. This news extends the excitement of race day, bringing a true Event Weekend to Toronto this fall as the race celebrates its 35th anniversary! 

Registration for the 5K opens today, April 16th, at 12 noon Eastern Time with a cap of 8,000 participants. Participants now can enter multiple events, combining the Saturday 5K with the Sunday Marathon or Half Marathon. Those already registered for the Marathon or Half Marathon will receive an email with a $10 discount code to register for the 5K. 

Canada Running Series’ National Event Director Charlotte Brookes expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled with this development and believe it will take the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the next level. It signals the next era of running in Toronto now with a complete weekend of races as seen at other world marathons in NYC, Boston, London, and Chicago, and here in Canada in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, and Regina. It will create a full weekend of energy and excitement; it will bring more people into the city, enhance the economic impact, and will provide an opportunity for anyone supporting a loved one doing the Marathon and Half on Sunday to also participate in the 5K on Saturday. It will also have an enormous positive impact on our TCS Charity Challenge and our Marathon Jr’s Kids programs with it being in a more accessible location and at a more accessible start time of 9 a.m. No longer will the several thousand participants raising funds for one of our 150 charities in the 5K have to get out to the Exhibition grounds at 7 a.m. before the sun is up; now they will start at 9 a.m. at Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday with the TTC opening at 6 am. It will be a complete game-changer!” 

Canada Running Series extends heartfelt gratitude to their partners at the City of Toronto, their staff, and agencies who have made this important milestone possible. We are excited to move forward together. 

The new Saturday 5K will run on a downtown course using the same Start and Finish lines as the Marathon and Half Marathon just beside Nathan Phillips Square. 

For more information and to register, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com  

 

For press inquiries please contact:  

Laurel Bury 

media@canadarunningseries.com   

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About Canada Running Series 

Canada Running Series is Canada’s premier road race series, offering seven annual events nationwide. Since 2017, CRS’s flagship event, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, has served as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. In 2023, CRS raised over $3.5 million for over 200 local charities through the Charity Challenge. 

Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity runners. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process.