Aug 21 2025
0

Rwandan Marathoner Nyirarukundo to Race TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Announcement, Athletes, Canadian Athlete Announcements | No Comments

By Paul Gains

Salome Nyirarukundo has made an extraordinary impact on the Canadian road race scene since her arrival from Rwanda seven years ago most recently with a victory at the 2025 Under Armour Toronto 10km.

Now, this Ottawa resident turns her attention to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 19.

This will be her first marathon since 2019 when she finished 4th in the Ottawa Marathon with a time of 2:30:44. The only other marathon she has run was the 2018 Montreal Marathon – a race she won in 2:28:05.

“It’s been three or four years that I have been hoping to do the Toronto Waterfront Marathon,” she admits, “because it is a big race, of course.  But the timing was difficult, and I got injured and couldn’t participate. This year is a good moment for me to see what I can do.

“I am, to be honest, always really excited to come to Toronto because I think I have a good connection with Toronto fans. In past years when I have been running I have had such a good time. I have run the Toronto 10k three years. I think it will help a little bit.”

In addition to her 2025 victory in the Under Armour Toronto 10km she finished 2nd in both the 2024 and 2023 editions of the event which, like the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, is part of the Canada Running Series. The 10k race traverses the shores of Lake Ontario and makes up a large chunk of the marathon course. This, she expects, will be helpful come October 19.

Nyirarukundo is still just 27-years-old, a quite astonishing fact considering she competed in the 10,000m at the 2016 Olympic Games for her native Rwanda. In fact, she remains the Rwandan national record holder in the 5,000m (15:34.91), 10,000m (31:45.82) and the half marathon (1:08:48). The latter is faster than Andrea Seccafien’s Canadian record of 1:09:38.

As a teenager living in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali she showed great promise.  The Dutch based sports management company, Global Sports Communications, took her on and from 2017 to 2018 she trained in Kaptagat, Kenya at the same camp as the legendary Eliud Kipchoge. The Kenyan superstar is a GSC client.

At the time Salome spoke only a little English and so her interaction with him was limited. She remembers him as being quiet and humble even taking his turn in handling camp cleaning and cooking duties despite his status.

Since coming to Canada she has been working as a personal care worker for two hospitals. Although she is grateful for employment it is clear she would like to devote more time to training.

“Unfortunately, I am not in the same situation as before,” she explains. “When I did 1:08:48 I

was training full-time morning and evening.  Now I am doing two jobs and then training. I can’t say I will do the same thing as I did in the past. There is a possibility.

“I am really confident in myself that I can do better and better. Now I have started to participate in the national 10km road race championships and performed well. That shows me I can still do what I did in the past.”

She crossed the finish line 4th at the 2025 Canadian 10km championships one place ahead of former Canadian marathon record holder Lanni Marchant. It is the exploits of the leading Canadian marathoners like Natasha Wodak and Malindi Elmore, who are competing well into their forties, who have inspired her.

“This year because I started to train for the marathon I am doing between 100km to 130km,” she reveals. “And actually, Natasha Wodak is the one who really inspired me. Because last year Wodak was number one (in Canada) and I was going to quit.

“And when I see Rachel Hannah also, they are such good runners, and I thought ‘if they can do it I can do it’. They are very strong. They inspired me to get strong and keep going.”

Hannah, the 2015 Pan American Games marathon bronze medalist, closely followed Nyirarukundo in each of the past three Toronto 10km and they have struck up a friendship. Hannah drove out to Eastern Ontario for the weekend in mid-August and the two met up for a 38km training session in Plantagenet, Ontario.

While she claims her training is going well shift work, perhaps, is not the best preparation for a marathon buildup but Nyirarukundo has learned to adapt with the help of her Ottawa Lions coach Ray Dupuis.

“Some times l wake up at 4:00 a.m. and go and run 15km or 10km then go to work at 6:00 am,” she says.  “Then after work, if l don’t have second shift, l run again.  It is not really easy but l have to do it in order to support myself and my siblings back home.

“I am the oldest and my dad passed way when we were younger. l am mother and father for them and l love them so much. Without them l could not be able do what am doing now.”

Life in Rwanda can be much more complicated. Amongst the expenses she handles for her two brothers and two sisters are their school fees. They still live in the Rutsiro district of Rwanda which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recently the two countries signed an agreement to end armed conflict.

“It’s really hard. I am always exhausted but running is my passion but at the same time I have to work afterwards,” Nyirarukundo declares. “I know it’s not the same as the person who is just training. I am hoping one day I will maybe working part-time and training full-time. I know myself I am always confident. When you have done it before you maybe can do it a second time.”

As she completes the training for her TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon debut she admits she  would like to run somewhere under 2:30. That goal remains firm. Yet, she has figured out a way to enjoy another passion.

“I don’t know how to swim but I like to go outdoor camping,” she says with a laugh. “I never did this before in my own country. When I did it here it’s very nice – nature. This year I am going to Prince Edward Island. I will camp there one week at the end of August.”

One day she hopes to represent Canada. No one can doubt she has that potential with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon providing an important stepping stone.

Aug 19 2025
0

Dayna Pidhoresky Returns to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

By | Canadian Athlete Announcements | No Comments

By Paul Gains 

 Canadian International Dayna Pidhoresky will return to the scene of arguably her greatest triumph October 19 at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.    

It was at this World Athletics Elite Label Race in 2019 that the long-time Vancouver resident cemented her place on Canada’s Tokyo Olympic team winning the Canadian Championship and, with it, an automatic berth.  

Now 38, that effort was also rewarded by a personal best of 2:29:03, a time which still ranks her the 9th fastest Canadian woman ever. The 2025 edition of the race will once again be a Canadian championship and mark her fourth time competing in the event.   

“I know it’s pretty fast based on having run my two fastest time there,” she says of her eagerness to return, “and just being a Canadian championship is a huge draw. There’s a little more incentive than lining up in Chicago or something like that.  

“That, I think, as well as being in Canada, it’s a little bit easier to get to than travelling far. All those things keep me coming back. It’s hard to race somewhere else in the fall, I think.” 

Pidhoresky represented Canada at the 2017 World Championships in London prior to her Olympic experience. The latter turned into something more like a nightmare than a dream.  

On her transpacific flight she had been seated near a passenger who tested positive for Covid. Instead of experiencing the joys of being an Olympian she was ordered to undergo a fourteen-day quarantine – hardly the ideal preparation for the biggest race of her career. On race day she finished in last place.  

Since then, she has returned to her winning ways, winning the Vancouver Marathon in both 2023 and 2025. The Canadian marathon title would be a welcome addition to her resume. 

“My [national] championships wins are so spaced out from each other,” she explains. “I think 2011 was my first Canadian championship at 10k, then the marathon in 2019.  So, I think if I could take another one in 2025, I feel like that’s such a span.” 

Remaining healthy has been a challenge throughout her career and together with husband/coach Josh Seifarth she has adjusted her training to maintain consistency.  

 “I definitely cross train a lot more. That’s something I have done the last couple of years trying to find the right balance of cross training with running,” Pidhoresky reveals.  

“So, in the past maybe I would have run north of 170km or had many weeks at 160km. Now, although I might be fine doing that, I think it’s a little safer to keep it in the 130 to 140km range in a marathon buildup and then supplement that with cycling.” 

Six years on from recording her personal best she is confident that she can produce even better times. 

“Yah, I think so for sure!” she declares. “I think that’s the frustrating part and maybe why I keep at it. I think if I wasn’t working out well and also not racing to my ability it would be easy to throw in the towel.  

“I know I can still have my best results, I know for sure. It’s just whether it comes together on race day. That’s racing (laughs).  But that’s what keeps me coming back from injuries because I know my best days are ahead of me.”  

It’s not lost on her that Canadian record holder Natasha Wodak, an occasional training partner, is still racing well at the age of 43 and Malindi Elmore represented Canada at the Paris Olympics last year age 44. Athletes are enjoying extended careers. 

A keen photographer, Pidhoresky and her sister took an extended vacation following her second Vancouver Marathon victory this May.  They flew to Sweden and then spent time in Norway before flying up to Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago well above the arctic circle. They spent three days there encountering reindeer and walruses. Clearly the adventure was a welcome break from training and racing. But now she is in full marathon buildup.   

While Pidhoresky was born in Tecumseh, Ontario – near the border city of Windsor – she says she won’t be putting pressure on friends and family to come see her perform.  

“It’s a four-hour drive so I don’t want to say, ‘you have got to come and watch’,” she says laughing. But as she well knows from experience the Toronto Waterfront crowds are especially supportive of Canada’s elite. 

 

Aug 16 2025
0

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/  

Aug 14 2025
0

Olympic Steeplechaser John Gay Commits To TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Announcement, Athletes, Canadian Athlete Announcements | No Comments

By Paul Gains

Canada’s top marathoners have typically graduated from running on the track to the roads and the latest to do so is steeplechaser John Gay who marks his debut at the upcoming TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 19.

Unlike his fellow Olympian, Ben Flanagan, who announced this week he too will debut in Toronto Waterfront, Gay has very little experience on the roads.

That doesn’t seem to bother this 28-year-old native of Kelowna, B.C. who has traditionally run marathon-like training throughout his stellar career.  Indeed, he has represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha as well as the 2023 World Cross Country Championships.

“Maybe most distance runners can relate to this, there is something about the marathon that carries such cache,” Gay says from his training camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. “I knew at some point, while I was in my prime, I wanted to take a stab at the distance. It’s an event that has always been very interesting to me.”

Gay ran a personal best 3,000m steeplechase of 8:16.99 to earn a coveted place in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic final. That time ranks him the 4th fastest Canadian ever.  A year later he finished 4th in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.  But a series of injuries over the following two years was the impetus to make his move to the marathon earlier.

“I struggled a lot the last number of years with injuries that have related pretty directly to steeplechasing,” he explains. “In 2023 I tore my hamstring hurdling. In 2024 I tore my achilles in a (steeplechase) water pit and the wear and tear of a decade plus focusing on the steeplechase seemed to be clashing with my longevity in the sport.

“It was a little bit a ‘now or never’ mentality to be honest. I missed out on the 2024 Olympic team having to end my season with injury for the second year in a row. I decided it was probably the best time to move to a longer event.”

Since October 2024 he has been a member of the Verde Track Club joining Canadian Olympic marathoner Rory Linkletter and Ben Flanagan under the tutelage of coach Jon Green. In August he and his wife, Camille, who works remotely in urban planning, moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he has Linkletter for a training partner. The popular training site is located at 7,000 feet (2,130m) elevation.

“I have been coming to Flagstaff for a number of years. Early on I was leaning heavily on a lot of great research that Dr Trent Stellingworth through Athletics Canada has put out a lot of protocols for athletes heading up to altitude training camps,” he says.

“I was fortunate that when I first came to Flagstaff it was with the assistance of Athletics Canada. There was a lot of blood monitoring, heart rate monitoring, oxygen level monitoring. That established a really good baseline of knowledge for me so with every successive training camp I have been able to build off that knowledge. The more time you spend at high elevation the easier I find it gets to return every subsequent trip so at this point in my career it’s pretty much ‘plug and play’.”

While his road race experience is limited to the 2025 Houston Half Marathon where he ran an unexceptional 65:05 his training under former coach, University of British Columbia’s Chris Johnson, had incorporated modern training theory.

“The buzzword over the last couple of years of course has been ‘threshold training’. That’s something I have been doing for the last number of years,” he reveals. “Those high-volume sessions where you might be logging anywhere from ten to fifteen miles worth of decent quality aerobic work split across a couple of sessions.

“I think that gave me a decent base and gave me the confidence I could handle fairly high-volume weeks pushing up into the 180 -190kms a week. And then from there it’s been a matter of layering on specificity of the marathon. Being my first (Toronto Waterfront) is a bit of a venture into the unknown.”

The transition to marathoning then should be addressed and greatly enhanc ed by his altitude training alongside the experienced Linkletter. And because of his history of injuries he says he has now incorporated essential elements such as recovery, stretching and nutrition into his daily routine.

For more than five years he received funding from Athletics Canada but lost that income after a disappointing couple of years.

“I failed to produce performance results for a couple of years so understandably they let me go and I agree with that decision on their part,” he happily concedes. “I have always worked part time, the last 5 years as club manager for the Vancouver Thunderbirds and recognizing I was moving away from Vancouver I let that job go at the end of the 2024.

“Since that point I have been working for Canadian Running hosting their ‘Shakeout Podcast’ which has been a great addition to my weekly rhythm.  I was really grateful to be tapped on the shoulder by Canadian Running. It has provided a supplementary income stream as well as something to keep me focused and busy outside of training everyday.”

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon besides being a World Athletics Elite Label race will serve as the 2025 Athletics Canada Marathon Championship. Gay has won two national titles in the steeplechase and another in cross country. Being crowned national marathon champion would be a dream.

“My hope is that this has the potential long and fruitful second chapter in my running career,” is all he will say of his aspirations. “I love the running community, I love the daily work of being out there training and I love racing.”

-30-

Aug 12 2025
0

Canadian Olympian Ben Flanagan To Race TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By | Announcement, Athletes, Canadian Athlete Announcements | No Comments

By Paul Gains

Earning a place in the 2024 Paris Olympic 5,000m event was a career highlight for Ben Flanagan but as it turned out that success effectively delayed his marathon debut – the distance he believes will ultimately prove to be his best.

The 30-year-old Kitchener, Ontario native will finally take on the marathon October 19 when he lines up for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon – a World Athletics Elite Label race – which doubles as the 2025 Canadian Marathon Championships.

“To be honest I think this has been an overdue transition,” Flanagan says from his current home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. “ A lot of people expected me to make it three or four years ago which I was very much open to.

“At this point it was like ‘ok, what event do I think is going to maximize my chances to make a big move at the Olympics?’ and I always thought the marathon would be my best event. So, I think this was a late move, but, better to do it now three years before [the] LA [Olympics].”

Flanagan ran 13:04.62 indoors to qualify for the Paris Olympics a 5,000m time only two Canadians have bettered. But the roads have been his bread and butter.

After winning the 2018 NCAA 10,000m title for the University of Michigan he went on to win the famed Falmouth Road Race three times in addition to earning three Canadian 10km titles one of which, it so happens, was run along the Toronto Waterfront in 2021. That will be familiar when he runs the marathon.

In June 2024 he and his wife, Hannah, relocated to Cape Cod where her parents live. The move, the welcoming of a baby daughter – Nora Is now 4 months old – weren’t the only changes to Flanagan’s life. After years of training under former Michigan coach Ron Warhurst and a spell as a member of the Boston Reebok Track Club he sought the help of Jon Green who also coaches fellow Canadian Olympians Rory Linkletter and John Gay in the Verde Track Club.

While Green is permanently located in Flagstaff, Arizona the pair communicate via phone and text. Precious personal time is spent at races or when Green, a Massachusetts native, returns to visit family.

Flanagan is training solo but has the option of meeting up with Boston-based athletes should he wish. On long runs he is often accompanied by his father-in-law on a bike who carries bottles. Efforts to perfect the mechanics of fuelling during races are ongoing.

“The biggest change has been the (training) volume really. That’s always been a challenge for me.,” he reveals. “I have had a really hard time, historically, building volume without getting hurt. It’s probably been one of my most challenging areas of development. I tend to thrive on lower volume than others do.”

The focus on quality training miles has not hurt his results on the roads. Indeed, he can point to personal bests of 28:10 in the 10km and 61:00 in the half marathon. Only Canadian marathon record holder Cam Levins has run faster at the latter distance. Although they are friendly it is Rory Linkletter to whom Flanagan has turned for marathon advice.

“Rory and I were roommates at a lot of the training camps in Spain and we were roommates in Paris [Olympics] and now we have the same coach,” Flanagan explains. “Every time we step on the line we want to beat each other but we’re not afraid of being transparent with each other in terms of what we are doing; what’s worked and what hasn’t.

“He’s probably the guy I learned the most from and then Jon. One of the things that I like about Jon is he’s young, he’s the same age as me. But despite that he has a lot of extensive experience with a lot of different marathoners. The benefit of being in ‘Flag you are around the newest trends all the time. He is always up to date with everything.”

As he gets in his 140 kilometres a week Flanagan acknowledges the change in lifestyle, being a parent, means he must be effective in time management. When Hannah needs a break or is working with her mother’s children’s clothing store in Falmouth, Flanagan is at the ready.

“We have two dogs as well,” Flanagan reveals with a laugh. “Between looking after the dogs the baby and, my wife and I taking care of our own situations, it’s jam packed. We are never looking to kill time to be honest.

“I’m very happy with my situation in life: with running a huge part of my life but not being the same as it used to be where it was only about running.”

Qualifying for the 2024 Olympic meant Flanagan was able to extend his two-year contract with On Running until 2028. This has allowed him to be in a better position to prepare going forward. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is the launching pad for the marathon career he has always thought about.

“The biggest goal is to walk away from [Toronto Waterfront] feeling like having a positive experience, making as few mistakes as possible and learning from the mistakes I do make and feeling I can go faster in the next one,” he declares.

“My plan is to take it relatively conservative. I want to make sure I get to 30km and feel I have a lot more in the tank I don’t want to get myself into place I haven’t been before too early. That’s the main goal.”

The Canadian Championship is a huge enticement. Besides the aforementioned three 10km titles he also has won national gold in the 5km road race and at 5,000m on the track. Winning another in the marathon would be special.

“It all comes down to LA now,” he says of the ultimate target he has set for himself. “If I want to make that team in 2028 it’s not unreasonable to think I am going to have to be a 2:06, 2:05 marathoner. So I am just trying not to chase it all at once; just get the first one in, feel good about it, then build off that and then hopefully it will come with a Canadian championship. It’s a realistic goal.”

-30-

Jul 16 2025
0

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Unveils 2025 Medal Celebrating Iconic Graffiti Alley on the Heels of Record-Breaking Early Sell-Out

By | Announcement, Medal Reveal, Races | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (July 16, 2025) — Canada Running Series unveiled the bold and vibrant 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon medal last night at STACKT Market, marking another milestone for Toronto’s premier running event.

This year’s medal design pays tribute to the city’s renowned Graffiti Alley, capturing the energy of Toronto’s dynamic street art culture. The medal was designed by Toronto-based graffiti artist Durothethird, known for his colourful and community-inspired work, in collaboration with Canada Running Series’ Inge Johnson.

The evening kicked off with a community run from Stackt Market to Queen West’s Graffiti Alley and back, followed by a live art activation by @durothethird and the official medal reveal. To access photos of the 2025 medal and event, click here

“TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon race weekend not only brings the world to Toronto, but showcases our vibrant city to the world,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director, Canada Running Series. “The 2025 design highlights the dynamic streets that inspire and challenge over 30,000 participants each October. We’re thrilled to celebrate Toronto’s creative spirit through this year’s medal.”

This year’s race is already record-breaking: both the marathon and half marathon distances are completely sold out, the earliest in event history, and the TCS Charity Challenge includes more than 150 official charity partners, the highest number ever at this point in the season.

This October 17 to 19, 2025, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon will welcome more than 100,000 athletes, enthusiasts and supporters. The event has raised over $53 million for Canadian charities since 2003, and generated $50.3 million in economic impact for the City of Toronto last year, further cementing its reputation as one of Canada’s largest and most impactful marathons.

“We’re so proud of our continued partnership with Canada Running Series, and excited to once again celebrate Toronto and its incredible community of runners,” said Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, Canada, TCS. “This year’s medal beautifully honours Toronto’s culture and is a symbol of community and creativity. Graffiti Alley turns public space into a canvas for connection, bringing people together. The 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is already making history and we can’t wait to see what race weekend brings!”

Participants can expect to pass through the Queen West neighbourhood, home to graffiti alley, on race day, making this year’s medal a unique, lasting symbol of their journey through Toronto’s iconic streets during what is sure to be a world-class weekend.

Join the excitement this fall:

 

-30- 

 

About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). 2025 will be the 36th edition of the event. Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and has doubled as the Olympic trials. Using innovation and organization as guiding principles, Canada Running Series stages great experiences for runners of all levels, from Canadian Olympians to recreational and charity participants. With a mission of “building community through the sport of running,” CRS is committed to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. To learn more about the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com. 

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services (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 $30 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.  For more information, visit www.tcs.com 

Media Contact:

Emma Hunt

Director of Strategic & Business Communications, Sutherland Corp. 

emma@sutherlandcorp.ca

Jul 03 2025
0

Flair Airlines Joins the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

By | Partnership, Races | No Comments

Flair Airlines Joins the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

Canada Running Series is thrilled to announce that Flair Airlines will be joining the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon as their official airline partner. Flair, Canada’s most reliable airline with a strong focus on affordability, sustainability, and service excellence, makes them an ideal partner for one of Canada’s most celebrated annual running events. 

Flair’s commitment to providing safe, dependable, and environmentally responsible travel options aligns perfectly with Canada Running Series’ broader mission of building community through running. Their dedication to excellence ensures that every passenger—and every runner—can reach their destination and personal goals with confidence. 

“Flair Airlines shares our vision for excellence and sustainability,” said Charlotte Brookes, CEO of Canada Running Series. “Their focus on reliability and environmental responsibility reflects our shared values, and their partnership will continue to connect us with runners from around the country and beyond. We’re excited to work together.” 

Participants can look forward to exciting elements added to race weekend from Flair Airlines, including Flair’s very own CEO, Maciej Wilk running in the marathon, travel discounts for runners, contests, and race weekend experiences designed to make the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon unforgettable.  

“Flair Airlines is committed to on-time performance, and what better way to align this objective than with Toronto’s biggest road race, where runner’s push themselves to keep pace, and achieve goals” said Eric Tanner, VP of Commercial at Flair Airlines. “We’re proud to support the running community and wish all the best to this year’s participants.” 

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

 

For more information and to register, visit torontowaterfrontmarathon.com 

For more information about Flair Airlines or to book your travel to the event, visit flyflair.com 

Apr 10 2025
0

TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Generates $50.3M in Local Economic Impact, Uniting Global Runners

By | Announcement | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (April 10, 2025) – The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is pleased to announce their 2024 Economic Impact Study, which reinforces the role of major events in positioning Toronto as a world-class city and a hub of homegrown tourism. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon generated $50.3 million in economic impact for the City of Toronto, $56.3 million in Ontario economic activity, and welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from across Canada and around the world.

The race is Canada’s largest marathon, and highlights how Canada’s identity as a global community is reflected in its local events by fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability initiatives. With over 30,000 participants and 150,000 spectators, the race weekend filled hotels, restaurants, and businesses across the city, proving that major Canadian events remain a powerful draw for both domestic and international travelers. The marathon contributed $23.2 million to the city’s GDP and supported 349 jobs in 2024 alone, a testament to the lasting impact of investing in events that celebrate our communities. 

“Canada has always been a meeting place of cultures, and our marathon embodies that spirit through the strong community built by our participants. Racers from over 70 countries come together bringing their stories, families, and energy to our city, all united in the spirit of sport and philanthropy” said Charlotte Brookes, Canada Running Series. “This event is proof that local tourism is thriving, and that our global connections strengthen us at home.”

2024’s marathon brought in over 66,000 out-of-town visitors, accounting for nearly one tenth of the total tourism in Toronto that month, with 60% indicating the event as the sole reason for their travel. With 83% of visitors staying overnight, and aggregate visitor spending reaching $30 million, the event bolsters local businesses, accommodations, restaurants and more with the economic boost. 

“As a proud partner of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, we are thrilled to see the positive economic benefits this race has on the city,” said Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, Canada, TCS. “The impact that this marathon has made is a testament to the power of sport in uniting communities and fueling growth; showcasing what can be achieved when we come together.”

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a symbol of unity and purpose beyond its economic impact. In 2024, it raised $2.5 million for local charities, achieved Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport for its sustainability efforts, upheld its World Athletics Elite Label status and became Canada’s largest marathon, securing its place among the top marathons in the world. The world class race energizes and unites the city through sport every year, bringing together not just the running community, but a global one as well. As Canada continues to define its place on the global stage, events like the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon remind us that our strength lies in our diversity, and our economy flourishes when we celebrate it. 

The 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, set to take place October 18-19, has already seen record numbers in early registration with projections for the highest race attendance yet. The 2025 race is gearing up for even bigger and better, with race organizers Canada Running Series taking more strategic steps to keep the community moving. With organizers working toward expanded public transportation options for participants and enhancing race accessibility, this year’s record numbers are sure to bring the community together and make an even greater economic impact on the region. 

See how the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is contributing to Toronto’s local economy in the full 2024 Economic Impact Report. 

-30-

About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Tata Consultancy Services (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 $30 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.  For more information, visit www.tcs.com 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Laurel Bury 

Sutherland Corporation

laurel@sutherlandcorp.ca

Mar 11 2025
0

2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Welcomes Voltaren as Topical Pain Relief Partner

By | Partnership, Races | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (March 11, 2025) – Canada Running Series is excited to announce that Voltaren will be joining the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This new partnership will see Voltaren provide runners with additional resources to help them stay active and perform at their best.

Their commitment to restoring the joy of movement makes them the perfect partner to support runners, walkers and wheelchair participants throughout their marathon journey. Whether it’s a sprain, strain, or muscle pain, Voltaren can help participants get back on their feet by relieving pain from sports injuries and sore muscles.

“Voltaren shares our dedication to sport and building community,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director for Canada Running Series. “They’ll be there to support runners through the ups and downs of training, helping them to keep moving. We’re thrilled to have them onboard!”

“We understand the importance of movement in maintaining a healthy and happy life, and how pain can get in the way,” said Syed Zeeshan Shams, Head of Marketing for Haleon Canada, makers of Voltaren, “What could be more motivating for getting people back to their active selves than a scenic waterfront run? We’re pleased to be a 2025 Toronto Waterfront Marathon partner.”

Participants in the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon can look forward to enhanced race support, with a warm-up before the event and a recovery area in Nathan Phillips Square.

This year’s event weekend will take place October 17-19, 2025. To learn more and to register, visit torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

*To be sure this product is for you, always read and follow the label.

-30-

About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s largest marathon and premier running event, and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). Since 2017, the race has served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and is a World Athletics Elite Label. 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 participants. 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 Haleon

Haleon (LSE / NYSE: HLN) is a global leader in consumer health, with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity. Haleon’s product portfolio spans five major categories – Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health and Other, and Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements (VMS). Its long-standing brands – such as Advil, Sensodyne, Voltaren, NeoCitran, Polident, and Centrum – are built on trusted science, innovation and deep human understanding.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ian Cater, Canada Running Series

media@canadarunningseries.com

Mar 05 2025
0

2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Achieves Evergreen Certification for Sustainability Excellence

By | Announcement, Sustainability | No Comments

TORONTO, ON (March 5, 2025) – The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has officially been awarded Evergreen Certification by the Council for Responsible Sport for the second time, reflecting the event’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and its leadership in sustainable race management. This milestone places Canada’s largest marathon in the same sustainability category as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, which is widely recognized for its environmental certifications and green initiatives. 

As part of the event’s growing list of environmental initiatives, the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has achieved zero waste status, with over 90% of event-related waste diverted from landfill. To achieve this goal, race organizers ensured waste reduction and diversion measures were in place through all stages of race planning and implementation, including sending almost 4,000 kg of organic waste to a commercial composting facility to ensure its proper disposal.  Additionally, nearly 2,000 kg of discarded clothing was donated to local charities, while 3,769 kg of leftover food was redirected to local food programs to help address local food insecurity. The marathon also transformed 150 kg of heat sheets into a park bench through their partnership with Green Event Ninjas and GreenWell Plastics. The bench will be donated to a local community space for use by the public.  

“Canada Running Series is dedicated to putting on premier running events that leave a meaningful impact beyond race day, and our hope is that with this Evergreen Certification, the marathon can set a benchmark for responsible event management while demonstrating that large-scale races can be both high-performance and low-impact,” said Charlotte Brookes, Race Director of Canada Running Series. 

Environmentally conscious decisions are carefully considered through all facets of the event, from selecting sustainable venues, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place to host the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo, down to the implementation of policies banning all single-use plastic water bottles. The event sourced local produce for the 5K race, such as apples from an Ontario-based farm in Newcastle, to provide participants with fresh, locally grown food post-race. A plogging event was also held along the Martin Goodman Trail ahead of the marathon in partnership with Trans Canada Trail, directly combining running with environmental stewardship to create lasting impacts beyond the race itself. 

The marathon’s 2024 edition marked the introduction of the Green Bib Program, allowing participants to forgo receiving a race shirt and medal in favor of a donation to sustainability focused charities. In its inaugural year, 6.7% of participants opted in, raising over $20,000 for Trees for Life and Trans Canada Trail through the Green Bib Program, and contributing to the $72,000 raised across all Canada Running Series races in 2024.

“Sustainability has always been a major focus for TCS, and we are proud to work with Canada Running Series to implement innovative solutions to create a greener event,” said Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, TCS Canada. “When we became the title sponsor of the event, we pledged 32,000 person-hours to set a new standard for environmentally responsible racing. It has been incredible to witness how much the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon has been able to accomplish on this front.”

“Sustainability is just one way we aim to show the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s broader commitment to positive community impact, and we are proud to lead the way in environmental responsibility while also championing inclusivity and engagement in sport,” continued Brookes. “The Women’s Training Program and Women’s Panel continue to promote gender equity in the sport, and our Athletes With Disabilities (AWD) Program works toward accessibility for all. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference for both runners and the city we call home.”

As the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to balancing elite competition with environmental and social responsibility. With the 2024 Evergreen Certification now secured, race organizers look ahead to further innovations that will enhance sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement in the years to come. This year’s event weekend will take place October 18-19, 2025.

-30-

 

About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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

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

About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

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

As part of the Tata group, India’s largest multinational business group, TCS has over 607,000 of the world’s best-trained consultants in 55 countries. The company generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and is listed on the BSE and NSE in India. TCS’ proactive stance on climate change and award-winning work with communities across the world have earned it a place in leading sustainability indices such as the mSCI Global Sustainability Index and the FTSE4Good Emerging Index. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Laurel Bury, Sutherland Corporation

laurel@sutherlandcorp.ca