Oct 14 2025
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2025 TCS TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON RETURNS: WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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2025 TCS TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON RETURNS: WEEKEND SCHEDULE

 

TORONTO, ON (October 14, 2025) – On October 18th and 19th, nearly 30,000 runners, walkers and wheelers will join 100,000+ spectators from over 70 countries as the world-class TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend returns to the streets of Toronto. In addition to being Canada’s premier running event and one of Toronto’s most impactful weekends of the fall season, the 2025 event is already record-breaking, with the marathon and half marathon selling out over three months in advance across men’s, women’s and non-binary categories.

In addition to holding World Athletics Elite Label status and serving as the Canadian Marathon Championships, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is making impacts far beyond the course. The 2024 event generated $50.3 million in economic impact for Toronto and $56.3 million across Ontario, supporting 349 jobs and contributing $23.2 million to Toronto’s GDP. The event also brought in over 66,000 out-of-town visitors and $30 million in direct spending on hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Plus, through the TCS Charity Challenge, participants have raised more than $55 million for over 150 Canadian charities since 2003, with approximately 10% of racers this year expected to raise another $3 million for the causes that move them.

This year’s event embodies inclusivity and sustainability. Holding Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, race organizers have also introduced a new wheelchair category, a dedicated adaptive athlete start time and gender inclusive registration with a non-binary option to remove barriers and enhance all participants’ experiences. In addition, there will be 18 participants attempting 13 different Guinness World Records throughout the weekend.

With participants gearing up at a brand new start line for the half marathon and marathon distances for 2025, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon will once again unite Toronto and the world through sport, philanthropy and community pride. There are several opportunities available to highlight the marathon, as well as the incredible stories and impacts it is bringing to light throughout the weekend. 

 

The race weekend media schedule is as follows: 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2025 

Pre-Race Press Conference

When: Friday, October 17th, at 10:00 am

Where: Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen St. W., Toronto, Civic Ballroom North (2nd floor)

Who: 

    • Masters of Ceremonies: Geoff Wightman and Kate Van Buskirk
    • Speakers include (additional speakers may be added closer to event):
      • Alan Brookes, Race Director, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and President, Canada Running Series 
      • Jaclyn Siskind, Head of North America Sports Sponsorships, Tata Consultancy Services
    • North American Elite Athletes in attendance include: 
      • Men: Ben Flanagan, Thomas Broatch, Andrew Alexander, Phil Parrot-Migas
      • Women: Dayna Pidhoresky, Rachel Hannah, Salome Nyirarukundo, Eliyah Brawdy
    • International Elite Athletes in attendance include: 
  • Men: Mulugeta Uma, Domenic Ngeno
  • Women: Shure Demise, Cynthia Chemweno

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo and Race Kit Pick-up 

When: Friday, October 17th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Where: Hall A, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. 100 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto

What: The Expo is a free running exposition that brings together 60,000 supporters and participants over two days leading up to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The Expo highlights new gear, nutrition and fitness products, features TCS Charity Challenge charity partners, and hosts Speaker Series panel discussions. Please note that 5K Race Kit Pickup is Friday only. 

TCS goIT Innovation Showcase and Competition

When: Friday, October 17th, at 11:00 am

Where:  Main Stage, Exhibition Hall A, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. 100 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto

What & Who: goIT is a digital innovation and career readiness program that introduces students to STEM, Computer Science, Design Thinking and Innovation. Over 150 goIT students grades 4-6, TCS industry mentors and judges.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2025

5K Event

When: Saturday, October 18th, 9:00 a.m. 

Where: University Ave. near Pearl St. 

Media Accreditation Pick-Up/Information: Sheraton Hotel, 123 Queen St. W., Civic Ballroom North (2nd floor), 8:30a.m. – 1:00p.m.

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo and Race Kit Pick-up 

When: Saturday, October 19th, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Where: Hall A, Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. 100 Princes’ Blvd. Toronto  

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2025 

All participants are reminded that TTC does not provide subway service until 8am on Sundays, and Canada Running Series therefore encourages everyone to plan ahead in order to arrive on time for the event.

Media Accreditation Pick-Up/Information Desk 

When: Open 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT 

Where: Please note, media accreditation may be picked up this year in Nathan Phillips Square (VIP tent, southeast corner), 100 Queen St. W. Toronto. 

OR near the new start line on Yonge St., near Gerrard St. It is approximately a 10 minute walk from Nathan Phillips Square to the new start line. Media must be at the start area by 7:30 a.m. in order to gain access.

Media Workroom/Post-Race Press Conference 

When: Workroom open: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT. The Post-Race Press Conference will take place at 12:15 p.m.  

Where: Sheraton Hotel, 123 Queen St. W., outside Civic Ballroom North (2nd floor)

Marathon and Half Marathon Event and Race Times 

7:57 a.m. Marathon Wheelchair Race Start (42.2K)

  • Race start location: *NEW* Yonge St., near Elm St.

8:00 a.m. Marathon (42.2k) and Half-marathon (21.1k) Start

  • Race start location: *NEW* Yonge St., near Elm St.

11:30 a.m. Marathon Awards Ceremony 

  • Main Stage, Nathan Phillips Square 

12:15 p.m. Half Marathon Course Closes 

12:15 p.m. Post Race Press Conference 

  • Sheraton Hotel, 123 Queen St. W., Civic Ballroom North

3:15 p.m. Marathon Course Closes, Finish Line Closes

3:30 p.m Post-Race Area Closes

  • Nathan Phillips Square 

Key Expected Finish Times

8:40 a.m. Elite Half Marathon Wheelchair expected

9:04 a.m. Top half marathon males 

9:12 a.m. Top half marathon females 

9:30 a.m. Elite Marathon wheelchair expected

10:05 a.m. Elite male marathon expected 

10:10 a.m. Elite Canadian male expected 

10:20 a.m. Elite female marathon expected 

10:25 a.m. Elite Canadian female expected 

The finish line for ALL distances on Saturday and Sunday is Queen St. and Bay St. at the southeast corner of Nathan Phillips Square. Photos and brief interviews are available at the finish line for a limited number of accredited media. ALL media require accreditation to access designated press areas throughout race weekend (including finish line, start line, Media Centre and press conferences). No exceptions. Please apply for media accreditation here. 

Please email media@canadarunningseries.com if you have any questions. 

Post-Race Awards Ceremony 

What: Award ceremony photo opportunity (elite athlete photo op only) 

Who: Top international and Canadian finishers 

When: 11:30 a.m. EDT 

Where: Awards Stage, Nathan Phillips Square 

Post-Race Press Conference 

What: Press conference and one-on-one elite athlete interview opportunities 

Who: Top international and Canadian finishers 

When: 12:15 p.m. EDT 

Where: Sheraton Hotel, 123 Queen St. West, Civic Ballroom North

LIVE STREAM BROADCAST

A world-class field will compete for prize money, prestige and the title of Canadian Champion at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19th and once again the entire race will be available via live stream. As in previous years, the broadcast will be free and available to everyone, with no geo-blocking. Our live stream broadcast will begin at 7:00 a.m. EDT. 

This year the broadcast is available through several platforms:

  • Toronto Waterfront Marathon Website 
  • TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon App
  • Toronto Waterfront Marathon Facebook Live
  • Canada Running Series Youtube
  • CBC Sports Youtube
  • CBC Sports website
  • CBC Gem App
  • AthleticsCanada.tv

Additionally, there will be dedicated streams for each elite race (International Men, International Women, Canadian Men, and Canadian Women) to allow viewers to watch uninterrupted coverage of each race without commentary. 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Join the conversation on race day by including @towaterfront42k and @tcsnorthamerica (Tata Consultancy Services – North America on LinkedIn). You can use the following hashtags on X (Twitter), Instagram and TikTok: #TOwaterfront42K #chooseTOrun #chooseTOgive #chooseTOcelebrate #TCSCharityChallenge. 

 

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About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event, Toronto’s biggest marathon 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 an Olympic qualifier. 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 Canada Running Series (CRS)

Canada Running Series (CRS) organizes the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. CRS is Canada’s premier running circuit with 7 events, 4 in Toronto, 2 in Vancouver, and 1 in Montreal. It annually attracts over 50,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 mostly-local charities. The Series includes the World Athletics Elite Label TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, and the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships. Since 1999, CRS has gained international recognition for innovation and organization. For more on CRS visit https://canadarunningseries.com/.

 

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) is a digital transformation and technology partner of choice for industry-leading organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 1968, TCS has upheld the highest standards of innovation, engineering excellence and customer service. Rooted in the heritage of the Tata Group, TCS is focused on creating long term value for its clients, its investors, its employees, and the community at large. With a highly skilled workforce of over 607,000 consultants in 55 countries and 180 service delivery centres across the world, the company has been recognized as a top employer in six continents. With the ability to rapidly apply and scale new technologies, the company has built long term partnerships with its clients helping them emerge as perpetually adaptive enterprises. Many of these relationships have endured into decades and navigated every technology cycle, from mainframes in the 1970s to Artificial Intelligence today.

TCS sponsors 14 of the world’s most prestigious marathons and endurance events, including the TCS New York City Marathon, TCS London Marathon and TCS Sydney Marathon with a focus on promoting health, sustainability, and community empowerment. TCS generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. For more on TCS visit www.tcs.com.

 

For Media Enquiries: 

Melissa DaCunha or Barb MacDonald

media@canadarunningseries.com 

Oct 09 2025
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Ben Flanagan and Dayna Pidhoresky Lead Canadian Marathon Championships Fields

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By Paul Gains

While the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is well known around the world as a World Athletics ‘Elite Label Race’ the event will again serve as the official 2025 Athletics Canada Canadian Marathon Championships.

The lure of Canadian specific prize money ($8,000 to the national champion) and championship medals has attracted some of the country’s best. Of course, Canadians are also eligible for open prize money – $25,000 to the overall winner – in addition.

No doubt most running aficionados will have their eyes on Ben Flanagan who is making his marathon debut in the October 19 race.

The 30 year old from Kitchener, Ontario earned a place on Canada’s 2024 Olympic team after running a personal best 5,000m time of 13:04.62. Since winning the 2018 NCAA 10,000m title for the University of Michigan, though, much of his success has been as a road racer. It is believed he can make a smoother transition to marathoning than those coming straight from the track.

A three-time winner of both the Falmouth Road Race and the Canadian 10km title he has personal best half marathon time of 61:00. That makes him the second fastest Canadian ever at the distance only surpassed by national marathon record holder Cam Levins.

With a declared goal of representing Canada in the 2028 Olympic marathon he sees this year’s Toronto Waterfront as the first step to becoming world class at the distance.

Extraordinary bad luck befell Vancouver’s Thomas Broatch who won this race and the Canadian title in 2023 before going on to run 2:10:35 in Houston this past January. A visit to a hospital emergency room revealed a case of appendicitis forcing him to withdraw three weeks before the event.

Also scratched from the race was Canadian steeplechaser John Gay with an injury. He was to make his debut in Toronto Waterfront.

In Broatch and Gay’s absence one wonders if Toronto’s Andrew Alexander might break through. At 26 years of age he is having a remarkable year.

It began with a new marathon personal best of 2:12:55 in Houston followed by a superb 3rd place finish at the Canadian 10k championship four months later. This will be his second Toronto Waterfront appearance. He made his marathon debut here a year ago running 2:14:13 to collect the Canadian Championship bronze medal. He finished in 10th place overall.

Phillipe Parrot-Migas might also contend for a medal. The London, Ontario resident ran a new personal best of 2:13:24 in Houston which represented an improvement of more than two minutes over his previous best. That had been recorded in the 2014 Chicago Marathon. At 32 years of age he also has some international experience.

Besides the city marathons he represented Canada at the 2023 World Road Racing Championships, the 2023 World Cross Country Championships, the 2022 Pan Am Cross Country Championships and the 2022 NACAC Half Marathon Championships.

The women’s field is no less competitive. This year marks the fifth appearance of Dayna Pidhoresky in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The long time Vancouver resident – originally from Windsor, Ontario – ran her personal best (2:29:03) here in 2019 winning the Canadian Olympic trials in the process. However, she suffered misfortune in Japan.

Because she had been seated near a Covid positive passenger en route to Japan for the Olympics she underwent two weeks quarantine in a hotel room. That’s hardly the best preparation for an Olympic Games competitor.

Now 38 she won the Vancouver Marathon for the third time this past May. If she has been able to train steadily and avoid injury hiccups she should be a strong favourite. In 2022 she ran 2:30:58 on this course. She believes she can still run a personal best.

Rachel Hannah remains a strong competitor and, alongside Pidhoresky, another fine example of how distance runners can enjoy increased longevity with the right combination of training and nutrition. The 39 year old Port Elgin, Ontario resident set her personal best (2:32:09) at the 2016 Houston Marathon but consistently runs in the 2:34 range which might be enough to claim a medal.

Indeed, she ran 2:34:42 in Boston in April this year. And, given that she finished 5th in the Canadian 10km championships just four weeks later and in a time of 33:38 – just thirty seconds off her personal best set a decade ago – she has reason to be optimistic.

Hannah, who works as a nutritional consultant, was also the 2015 Pan Am Games bronze medalist.

The Houston Marathon is a popular destination for Canadian marathoners and in January of this year Eliyah Brawdy, 25, turned in the best Canadian performance there finishing 9th in 2:35:33. It was also her debut at the distance.

Originally from Smithers, British Columbia (1,150 km north of Vancouver) this ‘Smithereen’ is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. She won the 2024 Canadian 10,000m title and was a standout cross country runner at her alma mater.

Currently she works full time as a patient care coordinator at a pediatric dentistry clinic in North Vancouver. In her spare time she also tutors students in mathematics. She’d like nothing more than to cause an upset in this battle for her second Canadian title.

At the time of writing the status of Salome Nyirarukundo remained uncertain. The Rwandan won the 2018 Montreal Marathon in 2:28:02 which remains her personal best. Ever since she has lived in Ottawa where she now trains with the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club under coach Ray Dupuis. She has long wished to obtain Canadian citizenship.

This will be her first marathon since finishing 4th in the 2019 Ottawa Marathon in 2:30:44.

Nyirarukundo, 27, still holds the Rwandan national records at 5,000m 10,000m and the half marathon. She competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 10,000m. Presently she holds down two shifts as a personal social worker while running up to 130km a week.

At the 2025 Boston Marathon Kylee Raftis edged Rachel Hannah by a second running a personal best of 2:34:41. The 26 year old Boston College graduate is showing remarkable promise.

She ran the Berlin Marathon on September 21st where she finished in 2:41:58 on what was an unseasonably warm day. Toronto race fans, and Raftis herself, will certainly learn how much that effort took out of her when she competes in these Canadian Championships.

Once again these fine athletes will come together in Canada’s biggest city to contend for prize money and to measure themselves against one another. The lure of a Canadian championship medal is again foremost in their minds.

Oct 08 2025
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Running Open–How Staying Aware Can Change Your Race

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1. Introduction 

On October 19th, runners from around the world will chase their personal best (PB) along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, in the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The event attracts over 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators, boasting a flat and fast course that often translates into PBs. As a qualifier for the prestigious Boston Marathon, and as the Canadian Marathon Championships race, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon draws some of the most elite athletes and recreational runners from Canada and beyond. 

To get you in the racing spirit, we wanted to share real stories from runners who use Shokz headphones and whose running experience has been transformed by open-ear listening.    

2. Push through Challenges

We all run for different reasons, whether it’s to stay in shape, enjoy the outdoors, or satisfy a competitive drive. But every run has its challenges. And by nature, running is an exhausting sport. At a certain point, when your stomach’s cramping, your legs are sore, and you’re out of breath, it’s easy to give up. Sometimes, the thought of being that exhausted is enough to deter you from running in the first place. 

That’s where Shokz open-ear audio comes in. It motivates you to push through the early mornings, the hard miles, and the harsh temperatures. Its crisp highs and powerful lows remind you that you’re not alone, and that the next mile, like the next song, is just around the corner. 

Just ask Shokz user Ashley Chroniger. She started running longer distances at the encouragement of her best friend. Within two years, she was running in her first full marathon. Then, suddenly, she lost her best friend. The news was devastating. “I would sit in my workout clothes, ready for a run, and just burst into tears,” she said. 

The easy thing would’ve been to give up. “But why lose two things when I could keep his spirit alive by pushing forward in the sport I love?” she asked. Now, she runs in his memory, fueled by her goals rather than drained by them. “I know he’s with me on every run,” she said. “I know he’s proud that I didn’t give up when I so easily could have.” 

3. Stay Safe 

One of the biggest perks of Shokz open-ear audio is it allows you to stream music and podcasts without compromising your situational awareness. This is crucial when you’re running on busy streets with passing cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Andrew Long, a Shokz user who has run/walked over 7,000 miles while documenting his weight-loss journey, converted to open-ear audio for this very reason. “I was using Apple Airpods and couldn’t hear what was going on around me,” he said. “As I was crossing the street, a car came flying around this sharp corner and nearly clipped the back of me.” 

He called the moment his wakeup call.   

Now, he wears his Shokz wherever he goes. “I’ve run/walked in the rain, snow, heat, cold, tropical storms, even a hurricane,” he said. “I can certainly speak to the quality of Shokz and how great they are.”  

4. Connect with Nature

Aside from helping you stay safe, Shokz’s open-ear design also connects you with the sounds of nature. In the forest, you can hear birds trilling in the treetops. On the beach, you can hear ocean waves lapping against the shore. Instead of having to choose between your audio and the world around you, you can enjoy them both simultaneously. 

“The world is so noisy but if you listen closely, it’s just you,” said Baylee Seipel, a marathon runner. She started wearing Shokz during the Hood to Coast relay race, when she needed something safe yet comfortable to help her through the “dark, with zero cell service” parts.  

But these days, Baylee takes inspiration from her younger sister, who’s blind. “It amazes me [the way she] uses the echo and vibrations to get around the house.” This amazement has led Baylee to use a similar approach on her own runs, turning down her music to hear the world go by. “So much noise happens around us while we run, but if you listen closely, it’s just you slapping your feet against the pavement to get those miles in.” 

5. Find Community

“It’s never just about the miles,” said Theodor Lisitsyn, a Shokz triathlete. “It’s about the mindset, the grit, and the lessons that extend far beyond the racecourse.”

One of the most overlooked lessons is this: running doesn’t have to be a solo exercise. You can casually run with friends and chat along the way. You can join a local running club and meet like-minded people, who are just as passionate about fitness. And you can cheer on runners at events like the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

No matter where your run takes you, Shokz open-ear audio is there to support your journey and connect you to others chasing the same path. “What truly sets Shokz apart,” Theodor said, “is the incredible community they’ve built – dedicated, inspiring people supported by a brand that champions individuals and fosters connection.” 

6. Conclusion

On October 19th, runners from around the world will come to University Avenue to try and set a personal best at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. As you continue on your own running journey, we hope that Shokz open-ear listening takes your training to the next level. Whether it’s helping you push through challenges, stay safe, connect with nature, or find community – Shokz always has you covered. 

To learn more about how open-ear listening can transform your running experience, visit Shokz.

To learn more about Shokz’s partnership with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit https://ca.shokz.com/pages/2025TorontoWaterfrontMarathon.

 

Oct 08 2025
0

Highlighting the Walk Divisions of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half Marathon

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By Lee Scott

The walk divisions in the half marathon and marathon of events of the Toronto Waterfront International Marathon exist to honour the effort of participants who choose to train and compete using a walking gait for the entire distance of the course.

Here are some things to know and tips for training.

Things to know for walkers: you must walk the entire course to be ranked in this division. You must identify yourself on the course as a walker by wearing the back bib and you must start in the designated corral for walk competitors. Walking means keeping one foot must stay on the ground at all times. Because this is not a sanctioned race-walking event, there are no judges on the course, and you do not need to abide by the rule of international race walking that requires the landing leg must be straight from heel strike until that leg passes under the hip. Nevertheless, an excessively bending knee of the landing leg is indicative of a jog or run, and you may be moved to the running category at the discretion of the race organizers.

There can be circumstances in which a competitor may assume they are walking but to the casual observer it would be described as running. When the front landing foot lands flat on the ground, rather than in a position with the heel striking and toes pulled up toward the shin, the knee will typically bend. This flat-foot landing and knee bend changes a walk to a slow jog. Race organizers have the right to move a competitor to the run category if this type of gait is confirmed.

Things to know for runners:

The competitors who have walker bibs on their backs are walking the exact course that you are running. Many have trained in the same way as you with tempo workouts, interval training, and long-distance preparation. Walk competitors have simply chosen to maintain a walking gait throughout their training and on the race course. They started in the last corral, behind all running competitors, so if they are passing you, they have done that from the back of the pack. Give them a shout-out for an amazing pace!

Training tips for walk competitors.

If this is your first long distance competition, respect the distance. You can follow a running training schedule, just walk the workouts. Running will not prepare you to walk a half marathon or marathon. Prioritize and dedicate one day a week for long-distance training. Start with a walk that is the longest walk you have done to date. Add one to two kilometres each week leading up to the race, ideally completing 80-100% of the distance about two to three weeks before race date. These long walks help you gain endurance for the race and to

learn about the hydration, fuel, and electrolyte balance that works best for you over longer distance and time. On race day, the advice given to runners is appropriate for walkers –– stick with what has worked during training!

Short walks that emphasize speed are great workouts that can be done during the week to support your long-distance training day. These would include tempo walks that you conduct at your anticipated race pace, hill repeats (there is a key shallow incline coming into the finish line of both the half marathon and full marathon), speed interval walks that include 30-45 minutes of speed drills that include varying combinations of intensity to active recovery intervals.

For people dedicated to walking the course, revisiting walking technique can help. You don’t need to adopt race walking style, keep it simple with a few key manageable changes that results in measurable improvements to your finish time: look to where you are going, bend arms at the elbows and pump them as you would when running, try shortening stride just enough to eliminate any up and down movement and increase cadence.

Finally, if you are taking longer to complete the course than the official course opening time, move to sidewalks or pedestrian trails for your safety.

Lee Scott has coached thousands of people to walk for fun, fitness, and marathons for more than 25 years. Her most recent book, Step Outside: Walking Your Way to Health and Happiness (Plumleaf Press) is now available in stores.

Oct 07 2025
0

Kenyan Women’s Duo to Battle for TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon title

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By Paul Gains

East African rivalries continue at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon as two Kenyan women have now been confirmed for this World Athletics Elite Label Race on October 19.

Beatrice Cheserek and Cynthia Chemweno are their country’s response to the young Ethiopian duo, (Almaz Kebebe and Adane Anmaw), who were previously announced by the organizers. The matchup is expected to yield exciting results with all four possessing incredible potential at the distance.

Cheserek is making her debut in the marathon at the age of 26. However, she comes with superb credentials including a personal best in the half marathon of 66:48 recorded in winning the 2022 Cardiff Half Marathon race.

A taste of big city marathon experience is also in her resume. Two years ago, she paced Rosemary Wanjiru through 30 kilometres of the 2023 Tokyo Marathon – a World Marathon Major – which her teammate won in 2:16:28.

The following year saw her take maternity leave to give birth to her son, Fabian Kiprop.

“This is my first marathon I hope to do my best because I was pacing in Tokyo before I went to Delhi,” she explains. “I paced up to 30k strongly. I paced for Rosemary Wanjiru and Rosemary ran 2:16 so I know I am strong.”

In her first comeback race this year she finished 6th in the Santa Pola (Spain) Half Marathon in 70:25.

“My training now is going well,” she says. “Last week I did a 40k and I saw my body was well. I finished strong. I think I am going to do the best there (in Toronto). I want to run 2:20 or 2:19. I know that Toronto is not a hard course. A little bit faster.”

The course record (2:20:44) is held by Waganesh Mekasha a training partner of the young Ethiopians, the aforementioned Adane Anmaw and Almaz Kebebe.

Meanwhile both Cheserek and Chemweno are part of an Asics group managed by Mezzo Sports Management.  The two often trained together a year ago. That was before Chemweno moved to Kaptagat where the men’s group and coaches are located at a camp built by Mezzo. It’s called Chojo Camp after the Japanese word meaning ‘striving for the peak’.

Cheserek has remained in Iten. She was born 40 kilometres away in Chepkorio.

“Now I train with my husband,” the 28-year-old reveals. “He is Cyrus Kiplagat he is the one who assists me with my pacing I just trained a little bit for that time in Kaptagat and I cannot go back. My sister-in-law looks after the baby (during training) here. Fabian is now one year and five months.”

But this is the rainy season in Kenya and many of the roads are dirt and therefore impassable. It’s a common problem. But somehow Kenyan athletes make the best of it. Indeed, Chemweno believes she will run better than when she made her debut in the Hamburg Marathon this past April.  There she finished 5th in 2:23:39. Her performance has given her confidence.

“Yes, Hamburg was my first marathon,” Chemweno says. “The course was very good, and I managed to run a good time. I was so excited when I finished. I really enjoyed it.

Oct 02 2025
0

Kenya’s Sıla Kiptoo to Challenge for TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Crown

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By Paul Gains

To the list of outstanding contenders for victory at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon the name Sila Kiptoo can now be added.

The 27-year-old Kenyan joins a superb men’s field which includes the top three finishers from last year’s race:  the winner Ethiopian Mulugeta Uma and Kenyans Dominic Ngeno (2nd in 2024) and Noah Kipkemboi (3rd).

“Yes, I am coming there maybe to win maybe,” Kiptoo declares. “If not, I will try to run a PB (personal best).”

“My training is going well so I am waiting for the day to come and compete against the guys. I will normally run 35km a day, so it means each week about 210km. It’s the same for Paris. I didn’t make any changes from when I was going to Paris.”

Earlier this year he ran a personal best of 2:06:21 to finish third in the Paris Marathon, two places ahead of Ngeno. Although they are from the same area of Kenya they train in different groups and had not met before.

Kiptoo has a history of earning podium places at major city marathons. In 2024 for instance, he finished 3rd in Rome and was the winner of the Gyeongju International Marathon in Korea. He was also 2nd in the 2023 Madrid Marathon. He says he is looking forward to his first visit to Canada.

“I train with Benson Kipruto and Sebastian Sawe,” he reveals. “Benson has come there to Toronto before and says the course is good. He ran there in 2019 he went there and ran a ‘PB’ with Philemon Rono.”

Kipruto, it should be remembered, was 4th in the 2019 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2:05:13 in a race where Rono set the still standing course record of 2:05:00. That also remains the Canadian All Comers’ Record. Of course, Kipruto went on to even greater notoriety earning the 2024 Olympic bronze medal while Sebastian Sawe won both the London and Berlin marathons this year.

Those are just two of the training partners Kiptoo enjoys time with at the group’s camp in Kapsabet. They are coached by the famed Italian Claudio Berardelli.

“I live in Kapsabet but I grew up in a place known as Kosirai in Nandi County,” Kiptoo explains.  “It’s not far away from my training ground, around 8km.  I am staying in the camp (all week) so no driving home.”

Part of the sacrifice Kiptoo and his friends have made is to isolate themselves and dedicate everything to their athletics success. Like many he has a wife, Asca Jemutai, who is studying to be a clinical officer at the Kaptagat Medical Training College. The couple has a three-year-old daughter named June-Bethel Jepkirui. The camp, however, is designed to be as comfortable as possible since they spend five or six days a week there away from their families.

During a video call the affable Kenyan provides a tour holding up his phone camera as he wanders the grounds.

“We are around thirty people, runners,” he says providing video of the dining room with a large picnic table in the centre. “And this is where we eat lunch or whatever. There is also a room where we do our exercises. The other building is the ladies’ (dormitory) building.  Behind them is ours.

“Normally after training we eat in the dining room and if you feel like going to sleep you go. We have a television and other things.  We play pool here.  And we watch football. I am a fan of Manchester United.”

Being a supporter of the Reds is something that Kiptoo shares with Toronto Waterfront race director, Alan Brookes.  And since it is tradition in the Kapsabet camp that winners of major marathons are celebrated with a cake, Brookes has committed to paying for the celebration, should he win this year’s race.

Tradition is important in the Kenyan running environment and influences from one generation to another are common. Like many Kenyans Kiptoo would see runners training on the dirt roads in the rural area in which he grew up. But, from those early years he also had a link to marathon running.

“I started in primary school 2004 and I finished school in 2015,” he says of his education. “So, when I was starting in running my uncle was an international runner, Martin Lel (a three-time London Marathon winner). He was the one who gave me inspiration to run. I was watching him and sometimes we would meet with him. He gave me advice on how to start running.”

Surrounded by such excellence in marathon running for much of his life Sila Kiptoo is destined for greatness. A victory in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon would surely be another major leap forward.

Sep 30 2025
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Ethiopian Asimarech Naga to Race TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon  

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By Paul Gains 

Up until two years ago Asimarech Naga was a promising track athlete favouring the 3,000m steeplechase event. Now, the 26-year-old Ethiopian expects to contend for the $25,000 CDN first place prize money at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19. 

“If it is God’s will I want to win as I am preparing well for it,” she declares. “I know the Toronto Waterfront Marathon is the biggest marathon in Canada and the course is flat. I am so excited to be there for the first time and do something great.” 

Plagued by injuries she believes were caused by wearing track spikes for her chosen event she made the decision to join legendary coach Haji Adillo’s marathon training group in 2023. The decision has paid off handsomely.  

Last year she won the Dublin Marathon in a time of 2:24:13 setting a new course record in the process. And in March of this year, she finished second in the Wuxi Marathon in China running a solid 2:24:21 and firming up her status as an Ethiopian marathon runner to keep an eye on. Having successfully immersed herself in coach Haji’s training program the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a World Athletics Elite Label race, is a challenge she welcomes. 

“I have so many strong athletes (to train with) and as the coaching program is great it is really helping me,” Asimarech says adding she has drawn inspiration from a variety of influences during her ascent in the world of marathoning. 

“My first inspiration, and the one who built up my morale, was my sport teacher back in my elementary school. And from athletes I am inspired by the athlete Derartu Tulu.” 

Derartu Tulu became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she won the 1992 Barcelona 10,000m. Like many of the country’s Olympic champions she is a national hero. 

On her first visit to this continent Asimarech will be accompanied by the aforementioned Haji Adillo a sure sign he has high expectations for his latest charge. Considering he has trained several Olympic and world champions plus numerous winners of World Marathon Majors during his coaching career his interest in seeing Asimarech succeed is noteworthy. 

“I have coached her two years,” he says. “If everything goes as planned and also if there will be a good pacer she will run 2:22, 2:23.” 

His training groups can number over one hundred athletes on any given day and have included some of the world’s best including the three-time Olympic track champions Tirunesh Dibaba who is the cousin of Derartu Tutu and Kenenisa Bekele.  

After unequalled track careers Tirunesh was the 2017 Chicago Marathon champion while Kenenisa won the Berlin Marathon twice. Other standouts have included Lelisa Desisa, the 2019 World Champion and two-time Boston Marathon champion. 

“There are many successes I can mention,” Haji responds when asked which performance is most treasured. “But if I have to mention one, it was and will always remain in my heart, Mare Dibaba’s 2017 World Championships win. This was the first women’s World Championships marathon win for me and also for my country, Ethiopia. And being able to deliver this win for Ethiopia is the biggest success of all. 

“I am so proud of all my athletes’ achievements and what these great athletes have reached. All were able to earn great results which make me proud but, as I mentioned earlier, the greatest moment for me is Mare’s first World Championship win.” 

It should be noted that Mare Dibaba, no relation to Tirunesh, finished second in the 2011 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

Haji himself was an international marathon runner during his younger days and ran 2:12:25 for the distance in the 1999 Graz Marathon in Austria. A former classmate of Haile Gebrselassie – the two-time Olympic champion and former world record holder at distances from 5,000m to the marathon – the pair traveled by bus from their town of Arsi to the Ethiopian capital of Addis as young men.  But Haji suffered serious health issues while at the height of his running prowess.  

“I think it was around 2000, and it was something related to what I ate which led me to having surgery,” he offers. The surgery did not go well, and he underwent another surgery a week later. The compounded effects put an end to his running career. 

While Haile continued his progress setting 27 world records and winning multiple World Championship and Olympic gold medals Haji began to think about coaching. He laughs when asked how many medals his athletes have won at major championships from African to World and Olympics. 

“Too many to count as my athletes are still getting medals,” he responds. “Maybe over a thousand? But I think I can say there might not be a personal coach to get as many as I have so far.” 

Clearly, he has an extraordinary ability to recognize extremely talented athletes and develop them into world beaters. Could it be that Asimarech Naga is his latest rising star?  

Sep 25 2025
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Mulugeta Uma to Defend his TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Crown

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By Paul Gains

A year after achieving victory in the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Ethiopia’s Mulugeta Uma has announced he will return to this World Athletics Elite Label race and defend his title.

“My aim is to run a fast time but if I am unable to run a fast time I must win the race,” says the 27-year-old of his intentions for the October 19 event.

Mulugeta’s addition reunites the three podium finishers from that 2024 race as the two Kenyan runners who finished behind him, Dominic Ngeno (2nd in 2024) and Noah Kipkemboi (3rd place), have already been confirmed.

The Ethiopian is a man capable of running much faster than he did on that day (2:07:16). Indeed, his stunning victory at the 2024 Paris Marathon was achieved with a personal best time of 2:05:33 and earlier this year, at the Tokyo Marathon, he ran 2:05:46 for 5th place.  Tokyo is a World Marathon Major event with formidable competition. Against this backdrop he remembers Toronto vividly.

“In the 2024 Toronto marathon, after half-way, no one was willing to lead but the Kenyan athlete (Ngeno) had a big surge and disappeared from our sight,” he recalls from his last visit.

“We decided to leave him and thought we were going for second place. In a while I decided to try my best to catch him and, finally, I caught him and managed to win the race.”

The top prize money in Toronto was $20,000 CDN (since increased to $25,000 CDN for the 2025 event) which made it a welcome payday. Besides winning the event he has other memories of his first time in Canada’s largest city.

“I enjoyed the course and had an amazing experience in Toronto,” he adds. “I do have friends there and they are the ones who took me sightseeing in Toronto.”

Born in Waliso, about 100 kilometres southwest of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, he took up running as a youngster after seeing the success of Ethiopian runners on the Olympic stage. His family are farmers and had he not become a successful runner he would almost assuredly have followed that path.

As a teenager he had tremendous success in the 1,500m event, winning silver medals at both the 2014 Olympic Youth Championships and the 2015 IAAF World Youth Championships. But his career came to a halt when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury he believes was caused by running in spikes.

It led to a seven-year hiatus from the sport. But inspiration came from watching one of his heroes transition to road racing.

“Kenenisa (Bekele) was the athlete who inspired me,” he reveals. “I was eager to achieve what he did on the track.  Annoyingly, my injury prevented me from the track racing I loved but still my role model showed me I could run sub 2:02 thus I am working hard to run a fast time like him.”

Bekele, a three-time Olympic gold medalist on the track, missed the then world record by a mere two seconds when he ran 2:01:41 in the 2019 Berlin Marathon.

Mulugeta is married to Bone Chuluka who has herself represented Ethiopia at two World Cross Country Championships earning medals in the relay event. The couple at this time have no children.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon course record is 2:05:00 set in 2019 by Kenya’s Philemon Rono. With training now going well for the race his response to whether he might challenge that time is succinct. ‘Yes, why not?”Few would doubt his ability to break that record.

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Sep 23 2025
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Ethiopia’s Shure Demise Seeks Third Victory at TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon  

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By Paul Gains 

Ten years ago, before the birth of ‘super shoes’, a teenaged Shure Demise surprised the world with an extraordinary marathon record of 2 hours 20 minutes and 59 seconds.  At the time it was the fastest marathon ever by a teenage woman. 

Nine months later the Ethiopian starlet came to the 2015 Toronto Waterfront Marathon and finished in first place.  Another successful Toronto title followed a year later.  

Now 29 years old, and with a wealth of marathon experience gained since then, Shure returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 19, seeking a third title. 

“I have very fond memories of Toronto. I like the city very much—the course is excellent, and the people are always welcoming and supportive,” she says of her return adding she is not feeling pressure to win a third title. “Not at all. I am simply very happy to be back.” 

Following her two Toronto Waterfront victories Shure made an impression at several World Marathon Majors: she finished third in the 2018 Chicago Marathon, third in the 2019 Tokyo Marathon and was also chosen to represent Ethiopia at both the 2017 and 2019 World Championships. Then came a two-year absence from competition for which she has a very good explanation. 

“I gave birth to my daughter during that period,” she explains. “In 2025 I returned to competition at the Milan Marathon where I was fortunate enough to finish first.”  

That victory surprised many as she won by a full two minutes after seizing the lead near the 30km mark and running away from her competitors. At the finish she smiled, raised her arms before kneeling to pray. Showing genuine humility, she also went to the man who paced her to the end and thanked him. 

“It was a joyful and fulfilling moment because Milan was my first marathon after returning from maternity leave,” she reveals delighted with her life’s progress. “I am married and blessed with one daughter. My life is very good thanks to God.” 

Under the guidance of her long-term coach, Gemedu Dedefo, she trains with a strong group of Ethiopian marathoners which includes Amane Beriso the 2023 World Champion, who ran a personal best of 2:14:58 in Valencia. Amane, it should also be noted, finished 6th in the 2018 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.   

The group trains in a few different locations in central Ethiopia preparing for the fall marathon season.  

“I live in Lege Tafo (outside Addis) and my husband assists me with transportation to training sessions. Between sessions I focus on getting proper rest,” she says.  

“Training (for Toronto Waterfront) has been going very well, and I am running approximately 170 kilometres per week. I particularly enjoy training in Sendafa.” 

Sendafa is a small town just 20km from her home and on any given day one can see several groups of athletes training on the dirt roads which criss-cross the hills. And, with such strong training partners and already a major city marathon victory on her post-maternity comeback, she is confident of doing well in Toronto. 

The addition of Shure Demise further strengthens the women’s field. As it is she will join fellow Ethiopians Almaz Kebebe and Adane Anmaw on the start line at this year’s TCS Toronto Waterfront marathon.  

A victory would see her join remarkable company as one of only three athletes to win three or more times in Canada’s largest city.  Kenya’s Philemon Rono won three men’s titles while Kenneth Mungara has won four.  It will be a remarkable achievement if she is successful. 

Sep 09 2025
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Noah Kipkemboi Has Victory in Mind at TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Noah Kipkemboi returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 19 intent on victory in this World Athletics Elite Label race

A year ago the Kenyan recorded a personal best time in Toronto (2:07:31) to finish 3rd and now looks forward to another dual with the man who finished just eight seconds ahead of him in second place, his countryman Dominic Ngeno.

“I hope to win,” he says with a smile. “Because he (Ngeno) challenged me last year with two kilometres [to go]. I think this time I will be able to catch up with him.

“For sure we are training good. Last week I ran in the Klagenfurt (Austria) Half Marathon, I was third (62:09). Last year I went to that race (and ran 62:23) and then had a good race in Toronto. I think will run my best in Toronto.”

Kipkemboi, 32, is represented by Global Sports Communications, the Netherlands-based management company that also represents marathon superstar, Eliud Kipchoge a two-time Olympic champion at the distance. Besides training at the Global Sports camp in Kaptagat, they travelled the world together. Kipkemboi has been a faithful pacemaker for Kipchoge. Indeed, he helped him to a then world record of 2:01:09 in the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

“I am in the same camp as Eliud, we train together and we race together,” Kipkemboi reveals. “Most of the races I have been pacing have been for Eliud.

“Always I have been pacing him because he is a good guy, and you cannot push to a time he doesn’t like. I have been training with him at camp, so I always know how to run with Eliud in races when I pace him. When you are a pacemaker, you have to be ready to help push.”

The group trains under Coach Patrick Sang, himself an Olympic silver medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase. From Monday to Friday, they live at the camp, going home only on weekends.  The commitment is even more impressive considering that Kipkemboi has a wife and three young children at home in Eldoret. He has a plot of land there on which he farms, and he also owns a shop. Both ventures he sees as preparation for life after running.

“Things I sell in the shop are things human beings use like soap, flour, sweets, many things, perfumes,” he explains. “That is what I have in the small shop.”

Like many Kenyan runners he has a strong commitment to his community and to helping others.

“I am supporting some people who are in need. Like right now I’m supporting some students at my village,” he reveals. “It is opportunity to help whoever needs help in my village. I have some kids in my village who need support now and after five years.”

That support includes paying school fees and providing food. It is by competing at races such as Toronto Waterfront that allows him to help his family and the community in which they live. But Toronto, he says, has also provided cherished memories.

“We went to see Kenyan people while there last year,” he says smiling again. “In Toronto we were like at home because there were Kenyan people living there who came to say hi to us. We were as happy as if we were at home.”

Returning to Toronto to face a strong field once again is foremost on his mind as he puts in the training volume necessary to be competitive. And it is with confidence that he fine tunes the preparation in the coming weeks.

“I am now preparing for a win. It is my hope to win the race this time,” he declares. “My objective is just to win and improve my time. I ran my personal best in Toronto (2:07:31) but I want to improve upon that.”

The Toronto Waterfront course record is 2:05:00 held by another of KIpkemboi’s training partners, Philemon Rono. Should the conditions and the designated pacemakers be ideal that could well be a target on race day.

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