News & Releases >> Aug 04 2006
NEWS Aug 04 2006
Historic St. Lawrence Market provides unique venue for Focaccia Pasta Dinner at 7th Annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, September 23rd
TORONTO. August 3rd. NEW for 2006! The Focaccia Pasta Dinner at this year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon will be held in the North Building of the historic St. Lawrence Market. The dinner will be held between 5:30pm and 7:30pm on Saturday, September 23rd, the evening before the seventh annual running of the marathon, with Runner's World columnist and guru of the modern running boom, John "The Penguin" Bingham as guest speaker.
"We are delighted to have the Focaccia Pasta Dinner at the Market," said Race Director Alan Brookes. "Marathons are in many ways 'signature' events for cities. 'The Waterfront' will bring over 10,000 runners from more than 30 countries, every Canadian province and 40+ American states to Toronto, and will showcase our city and its waterfront to the world. I can't think of a better, landmark venue for our Pasta Dinner and inspirational speech the night before the race, than St. Lawrence Market."
The St. Lawrence Market site has been at the heart of Toronto for more than 200 years. It has been a focal point for the community both in the early years of the "muddy Town of York", and since Toronto's incorporation as a City in 1834. The first Market building was constructed of wood in 1803, following a proclamation by the Governor of Upper Canada, Peter Hunter. This original structure was subsequently replaced by a brick market building in 1831, which also served as Council Chambers for Toronto's first political leaders from 1834 onwards. When the brick Market building was razed by fire in 1849, the existing St. Lawrence Hall and Market main buildings were erected in 1850 on the same sites, at the corner of Front and Jarvis Streets, up to Jarvis and King Sts. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, St. Lawrence Market remained the centre of city government, until everyone was transferred to a new City Hall at Bay & Queen Streets [still standing] in 1899. Since 1901, the St. Lawrence Market has been know primarily for its fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese, and has received accolades as one of the worlds finest Farmer's Markets.
The Market is only a short walk from the official race hotels, surrounding the Start/Finish Line at Metro Hall, in the heart of Downtown. Runners will actually run right past it in the first kilometre of the full and half marathons. Runners and visitors are encouraged to visit St. Lawrence on Saturday morning, to see it in full swing as a Farmer's Market, and to take an historic walking tour of the neighbourhood with local historian and raconteur Bruce Bell. Tours are held on Saturdays and Fridays at 10am, and last 2 hours.
For more information on Bruce Bell, visit his website: www.brucebelltours.com. You can email Bruce directly at bruce@brucebelltours.com or call 647-393-8687 to book ahead, and ensure a spot.
Also new this year is the dinner sponsor, Focaccia Restaurant. Known for their outstanding pasta, Mediterranean and Latin food, in a friendly yet elegant atmosphere, Focaccia is also a landmark in downtown Toronto, at 17 Hayden Street near Yonge & Bloor. www.focacciarestaurant.com