2025 TCS TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON RETURNS: WEEKEND SCHEDULE

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

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. 

 

-30-

 

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 

Running Open–How Staying Aware Can Change Your Race

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

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.

 

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

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

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.

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

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

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.

Mulugeta Uma to Defend his TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Crown

By | Announcement, Athletes, Uncategorised | No Comments

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.

-30-

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

By | Announcement, Athletes, Uncategorised | No Comments

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. 

SHOKZ Canada becomes latest brand to join the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

Canada Running Series is thrilled to announce that Shokz Canada will be joining the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon as an official partner! Shokz is renowned for its innovative open-ear headphone technology, designed to keep runners connected to their surroundings while delivering exceptional sound quality. 

By combining cutting-edge audio performance with a focus on safety, comfort, and durability, Shokz headphones empower runners to enjoy their music, podcasts, or calls without compromising awareness of their environment. This aligns perfectly with the Canada Running Series’ mission of fostering a safe and enjoyable experience for every participant. 

“As organizers, runner safety is paramount,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director for Canada Running Series. “Shokz products allow runners to remain safe without sacrificing enjoyment, making them an ideal partner for our marathon community.” 

Participants can look forward to Shokz activations on race weekend, including product demos, special offers, and opportunities to experience the comfort and clarity of Shokz headphones firsthand. 

“At Shokz, we prioritize runner safety, enjoyment, and performance,” said Vincent Xiong, CEO of North America Business at Shokz. “Our open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, while delivering premium sound to keep you motivated from the first step to the finish line. We’re proud to support the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and celebrate the spirit of the running community.” 

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon takes place on October 18th & 19th. See you at the starting line! 

For more information about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, please visit https://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/  

For more information about Shokz, please visit https://ca.shokz.com/  

Top 5 Sustainability Efforts for the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Uncategorised | No Comments
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is not just about running—it’s about creating a lasting impact on our environment as well. For the 2024 race, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to sustainability, introducing a variety of initiatives designed to reduce our footprint and engage the community in meaningful action. Whether you’re racing for the planet or cheering from the sidelines, these efforts are designed to help everyone contribute to a greener future.
Here are our top five sustainability initiatives for 2024:

1. Sustainability Scorecard: Calculate Your Impact

Returning this year, participants can track and understand their environmental impact through our Sustainability Scorecard found in the Official Race App. Powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the scorecard allows runners to calculate their carbon footprint based on travel, apparel choices, and more. This feature encourages participants to make greener decisions, whether it’s choosing eco-friendly transportation options or minimizing waste. It’s a small but important step toward making each runner aware of their individual contribution to a sustainable future.


2. Green Bib Registration Option

In an effort to minimize waste, we’ve introduced a Green Bib registration option. By opting for this eco-friendly choice, participants can choose to forego receiving a race shirt and medal. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy the marathon while being mindful of excess materials. Not only does this reduce the production of items, but it also aligns with a growing trend in sustainable racing, allowing runners to celebrate their participation while helping the planet.


3. 100% Recycled Medals

For 2024, our finisher medals will be crafted from 100% recycled content. These sustainable medals symbolize not just your achievement, but our shared commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our event. By using recycled materials, we cut down on the need for new resources, making each medal a symbol of both personal and planetary triumph.


4. Plogging Event: Clean Up While You Run

In collaboration with sustainability advocate Tina Muir and Trans Canada Trail, we’re hosting a Plogging Event on Friday, October 18th at 12:30 PM, starting from the race expo. Plogging combines jogging with litter collection, offering runners the chance to give back to the community by keeping the marathon route clean. This event is a fantastic way to engage with fellow participants, make a tangible difference, and have some pre-race fun. Tag along with us and help Toronto shine a little brighter!


5. Donate Your Used Running Shoes and Gear

Got some gently-used running shoes or gear lying around? Bring them to the CRS Foundation Booth at the race expo! We’ve partnered with local organizations to ensure your donated items go to good use, providing much-needed apparel to communities in need. This is an easy and impactful way to support sustainability and help others while cleaning out your closet.


Bonus: Water Refill Stations

To reduce plastic waste, we’re excited to provide water refill stations at both pre- and post-race areas, as well as at water stations along the route. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated while minimizing their environmental footprint. By opting for reusable containers, we’re collectively cutting down on the thousands of plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans.


The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is an event that celebrates not only the joy of running but also our commitment to protecting the environment. With these sustainability initiatives, we’re inviting everyone to join us in making a positive impact—one step, one race, one community at a time.

Ready to race with purpose? Let’s make this marathon the greenest yet! 🌱

Toronto’s Andrew Alexander to Debut at TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

By Paul Gains

Organizers of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon are once again excited about the upcoming marathon debut of a young Canadian runner.

The lure of winning a Canadian championship title – the national marathon championships being run concurrently with this World Athletics Elite Label race – has brought 25-year-old Andrew Alexander to the fight.

“I want to be the first Canadian to cross the line,” says the Toronto native. “I want to be at least one one-thousandth of a second ahead of the second Canadian. If the (fast) time comes with that I will be happy. But for the first marathon it’s just get this out and, if it goes well, focus on time chasing after that.”

Considering this graduate of Notre Dame University won the 2023 Canadian indoor 1,500m and 3,000m titles and then claimed the national 10,000m gold in May of this year, racing the marathon is one giant leap. Still, he has a lot of support for this challenge.

Coached by former Canadian 1,500m record holder, Dave Reid, and current Canadian 3,000m steeplechase record holder, Matt Hughes, that potential was clearly demonstrated when he won the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon in 62:44.

He has also run 10,000m on the track in 28:17.24, not world class, but encouraging for a marathon runner.

“Since I started working with them they said they thought my event would be the marathon as much as it’s painful to hear that,” he recalls with a laugh. “I thought there was no better time than now. I had completed the Olympics trials (1,500m) last summer and didn’t really have the result I was looking for. I haven’t done a marathon so let’s give this a go!”

“Toronto is as great a place as any other to start my marathon journey just because it’s home and I am familiar with it, and I have tons of people support. I am looking forward to it.”

With both Reid and Hughes often accompanying him on their bikes he has increased his training volume to around 160km a week. Whereas his longest run a year ago might be roughly 28 kilometres during this buildup for Toronto Waterfront he has added some Sunday runs of 40-43 kilometres.

“The big challenge has been getting used to the fluids and nutrition intake kind of taking it in right,” he reveals. “After the first few workouts while practicing nutrition I threw up immediately after.”

“I remember thinking to myself ‘Oh my God what have I signed up for? ’Practicing that over the last few weeks I have honed in on that and it’s going well.”

At the beginning of 2024 Reid and Hughes helped arrange a six-week altitude training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona for their athlete – his first experience at high altitude. Alexander stayed with the Under Armour Dark Sky Group and called it a ‘gut punch’ as the acclimation took some time. Still, he believes it helped lay a base for the upcoming season.

Alexander attended Neil McNeil High School in Scarborough, Ontario – an institution where the late comedian John Candy also studied – and while running for the school he earned a place on Canada’s team for the 2017 World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda.

After he had won the Ontario High School championships (OFSAA) for Neil McNeil he accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame University. Five years with the ‘Fighting Irish’ led to him coming home with a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a Master’s in Business Management. For the moment he is focusing on his running career and has temporarily delayed a career that would utilize his education. Working part time in a specialty running store together with an online apparel store provides income.

Turning his attention once again to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon he eventually concedes having thought of a time goal for his debut – a couple of minutes on either side of 2 hours 10 minutes would be sufficient he says. But being a Canadian champion is the primary motivator.

“The national championship side of it definitely excites me,” he explains. “I have heard there is more depth on the Canadian side this year which I am super excited about. I just love the competition and competing against our Canadian guys.

Canadian International Justin Kent To Race TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Uncategorised | No Comments

By Paul Gains

While the international field for the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has rarely been stronger the number of elite Canadian entries continues to grow. Justin Kent, who represented Canada at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, has now added his name to the medal contenders for this Canadian Championships which are run concurrently within this World Athletics Elite Label race.

Kent says he has prepared well and is looking to beat his personal best time of 2:13:07, recorded while finishing 10th in the 2023 Prague Marathon. That race led to his call-up for a place on Canada’s 2023 World Championships team with his long-time training partner, Ben Preisner (2:08:58 personal best).

“Budapest was definitely a memorable experience,” Kent remembers, “Having my team-mate Ben there, and we ran kind of side by side which was really cool. It was pretty special. You get to wear that Canadian singlet longer than in any other event. It was awesome.”

“It was hot so Ben and I had pretty strict orders to run conservatively the first half then swallow up as many bodies as we could in the second half. I still have this sensation of us – it felt like we just hopped into the race that last ten kilometres as we were going by guys that were just zombies because they were so depleted. We were like 80th at halfway and we ended up 27th (Preisner) and 29th.”

Preisner will be in Toronto alongside his friend as he has offered pacemaking duties. The pair will no doubt bring that common sense approach to the race taking the weather conditions into account. During this buildup Kent has been encouraged by the fact both coach Richard Lee and Preisner have seen workouts that indicate Kent is more than capable of running around 2:10.

Only nine Canadians have gone under 2:11 and just four have beaten the 2:10 barrier.

“I don’t necessarily want to get ahead of myself. I have definitely learned the hard way of being too ambitious,” Kent says. But I know, definitely, I am the fittest I have ever been. It depends on the weather and the pacing.”

“There is a pace group (going for) 2:10 I’d like to be maybe a little bit quicker the first half and see what I can do that would set me up well to run in the 2:10’s. That’s easier said than done.”

Kent will also be accompanied in Toronto by his wife of two years, 800m runner Lindsey Butterworth, who represented Canada at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and their four-month-old daughter, Willa.

With a family to support Kent continues to do coaching work with Mile2Marathon which he views as a chance to connect to the running community. His main source of income, however, is working as a marketing specialist for a Vancouver-based startup company called Stoko, which manufactures supportive apparel used to overcome injuries.

“I am in the office four days a week. They are flexible with my hours to get my training in or sneak out early to get my training in,” he explains. “I have been with the company for just coming up to a year.”

Meanwhile Butterworth is on maternity leave from her job as a community health specialist for Fraser Health Authority. She is back running and will, in fact, compete in the Toronto Waterfront 5km.

As for his objectives with this year’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Kent recognizes that a national championship offers bonus World Athletics points used in the qualification for next year’s World Championships in Tokyo. The automatic qualifying standard in the men’s marathon has been lowered to 2:06:30

“Definitely I think with the new standard of 2:06:30 a lot of guys are going to be trying to get bonus points at races,” he concedes. “I think that is more my aim this whole build is to win a national championship. I think the (fast) time will come with that.”

“I haven’t thought too much beyond October 20th. I know if I can run well it would give me a great opportunity to make the team next year. But the main goal is still to come away with a national title or at least contend for one.”