FAQ & Answers >> FAQ: Course & Post-Race
FAQ: Course & Post-Race
Where is the course?
The course is flat, scenic and traffic-free. Starting and finishing at Metro Hall (Wellington & John) - click here for detailed course description and maps.
How far is a marathon?
42.195 kilometres or 26.2 miles.
How far is a half-marathon?
21.0975 kilometres or 13.1 miles.
Do you have a walking section for the marathon?
Yes. All marathoners will start together at 7:30am. The course will remain open until 2:00pm, allowing for a 6hr 30min marathon.
Is there a walking section for the half marathon?
Yes, walkers start behind the runners at 7:30am. The half-marathon course will be open until 11:10am, allowing for a 3hr 40min half marathon. After the course closes, support will be limited, and participants assume the role of pedestrians.
Is the run a Boston qualifier?
Yes. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a registered AIMS Marathon, certified by Athletics Canada - which makes a great flat, fast, traffic-free Boston Qualifier. For more details on qualifying click here or visit www.bostonmarathon.com.
Are the events sanctioned?
Yes, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half-Marathon are fully sanctioned by AIMS (Association of International Marathons) and Athletics Canada. The 5k event is sanctioned by Athletics Canada.
When and what streets are closed?
For details please see the following links (details to be updated for 2008):
Where are the aid and water stations?
Water & Gatorade will both be available at the race party area near the finish line and registration area, and at all Water & Aid stations along the courses. Each aid station has Gatorade, Water, and first aid personnel. Port-o-lets are also located at each aid station.
Aid stations are located at approximately every 2.5km - exact kilometres below:
| 3k | 5k | 7.5k | 10k | 12.5k | 15k |
| 18k | 21k | 23k | 25k | 27.5k | 29k |
| 31k | 32k | 34k | 35.5k | 37.5k | 40k |
Where are the toilets located along the route?
There will be 2 porta-potties at each aid station and at each Neighbourhood Challenge entertainment station.
Will there be Gatorade?
Yes. Gatorade will be available at the race party area near the finish line and registration area, and at all water/aid stations.
Will there be gels? Where?
Cytomax Gulp N' Go gels will be available on-course for the marathon at 32K and 37.5K.
Are the kilometres marked?
Marathon & Half Marathon courses will be marked in miles as well as kilometres. Marathon will be every km, half-way mark, plus 1 mile, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 miles. Half Marathon will be every km, half-way mark, plus 1 mile, 5, and 10 miles.
What are the course closure times?
- Marathon Course and Finish line close at 2:00pm.
- At 1:30pm, anyone who has not made the turn from Lakeshore Boulevard back onto Leslie Street (35.5 km) will be asked to board the rear escort vehicle, to be transported to the Finish Area (because at the pace they're going, they will not make the finish line by 2pm, nor even Bay St. with its sidewalks).
- Half-Marathon Course closes at 11:10am (walkers must be past Stadium Rd. & Lakeshore by 11:00am or will be redirected south onto Queen's Quay then to Bay St.).
- 5km Course closes at 9:25am.
- After the courses close, support will be limited, and participants assume the role of pedestrians.
Where does my event start?
All events start at Nathan Phillips Square (Bay & Queen) in Toronto.
Are there entertainment and bands on the course?
At the start / finish area you will find a band, DJ and announcer.
Also at various points on the course we will have bands, performers and DJ's as part
of the Neighbourhood Challenge. Watch for more details as
artists are confirmed.
Are there pace bunnies?
Pace bunnies will be available for the Marathon and Half Marathon via the Pacer Program. See pace bunny times listed on the Pacer Program page.
Is post-race massage available?
Yes. Post-race massage takes place between 8:30am and 2:15pm in Nathan Phillips Square located adjacent to the Finish Line area. Cost is $15 for a 15 minute massage. Order when registering, or separately online until midnight Sep 23, or pay on race day. By ordering/paying in advance, it will greatly decrease your wait time.
When, where and what are the awards?
Prizing is listed on the Awards & Elites page. Marathon prize money for top 8 Open men and women, with all comers record bonuses and top 3 Canadian Resident bonuses; top Ontario man and woman, top 3 Masters men and women. Half marathon prizing: prize money for top 3 Open men and women. Merchandise prizing for top 3 Masters men and women. Age category prizing for marathon and half marathon: commemorative plaques to top 3 males and females in each age category. Top 3 overall males and females in the 5k will also receive commemorative plaques.
Awards ceremony for 5k and Half Marathon (Top 3 Open only) will take place at 9:00am on race day at the finish line. Marathon Awards (Men & Women, Top 6 Open only) at 12:00 noon on Main stage, Nathan Phillips Square. International Team Challenge and Top Canadian & Ontario Awards ceremony at 12:15pm on Main stage, Nathan Phillips Square.
Are there finish line photos?
Finish line and event photos for the Marathon and Half-Marathon will be taken by Action Sports International. You can set yourself up today to receive an email as soon as your photos are ready—click here.
How do I get my photo?
Please visit Action Sports International's website to get your photo.