Sep 16 2024
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Ethiopia’s Roza Dereje To Race 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Roza Dereje has raced just once in the last three years yet her commitment to the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a massive coup for this World Athletics Elite Label Race.

Twice she has dipped under the 2:20 barrier and can point to a personal best marathon time of 2:18:30 set when she won the 2019 Valencia Marathon. Moreover, she represented Ethiopia in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon – held in Sapporo, Japan in 2021. Under hot humid conditions she narrowly missed the podium finishing 4th that day. Then there is her incredible record at World Marathon Majors: a second place finish at the 2018 Chicago Marathon (2:21:18) and, six months later, a third place in the 2019 London Marathon (2:20:51).

Her one outing was a credible 6th place finish at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in Northern Ireland (August 25th, 2024) – a tuneup for her first visit to Canada. Never before has the Toronto Waterfront Marathon enjoyed the addition of an athlete sporting such credentials.

There is a good explanation for her hiatus from the sport ever since those Tokyo Olympics. A little over a year ago she gave birth to her first child, a son named Yobsan.

“Life has changed a lot,” the 27 year old admits. “Being a mom is a great thing to be in this world and life is so good after it.”

Roza’s husband is Dereje Ali, a former world class marathon runner, who finished second in the 2011 Ottawa Marathon. The couple and their infant live in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa and have reversed traditional roles in their household. Indeed,

Roza credits her husband’s sacrifice for her ability to compete at the highest level and to make her comeback at this year’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“He stopped running just to support me,” she explains. “We talked about it and he stopped to take care of the children and household and allow me the time to rest and recover in between training sessions and to prepare food etc. to help me to be a champion.”

Those training sessions involve meeting up with her elite training group under renowned coach Haji Adilo three times a week. She trains alone on other days. The meetups can be in a variety of different locations depending upon Haji’s objective for the session.

“Akaki, Sendafa, Entoto, they are great training places too,” Roza continues. “I drive with my husband Dereje to all of the sessions. We are very fortunate to have a good car and can travel freely to the sessions and not have to wait on public transportation.”

Normally, training sessions begin at sunrise before there is heavy traffic on the roads at these locations. During the rainy season (June to September) it is sometimes necessary to change locations since the majority of roads are unpaved and can become slippery underfoot.

Besides the sacrifices made by Dereje her greatest influence has been Haji her longtime coach whose career as a marathon runner was cut short due to health complications. He went into coaching with a personal best of 2:12:25 from 1999.

“Haji’s great support has taken me this far, his hard work and commitment to the sport is what brings me to where I am now,” she declares. “I started my career with him and I am who I am today because of him and my other coaches in the team.”

Choosing Toronto for her come back made sense as many of Haji’s athletes have competed here.

“I used to watch other athletes running there (on YouTube livestream) so I am excited to come and run,” she adds. “Last year one of my training partners (Amid Fozya Jemal) was part of an exciting race right to the finish so I am hoping to come and make an exciting race too.”

The Toronto Waterfront course record of 2:22:16 was set in 2019 by Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai. It’s a time that Roza had beaten four times prior to her Olympic marathon race in 2021. However, talk of record breaking in Toronto, at least this far out, is not discussed though she might be very capable of achieving this standard.

“Even though it is my first time to race since I gave birth, running is not new to me,” she declares. “So I am not nervous about it. I am preparing well for the race to make my come back fruitful.

“I am training well targeting this race and I have more time to prepare myself too.”

Asked for a specific goal her answer is concise: “Winning, with the will of God!”

Sep 12 2024
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Elvis Cheboi Aiming to Win TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Second Time

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by Paul Gains

Much was expected of Kenya’s Elvis Cheboi when he arrived in Toronto last year for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He did not disappoint.

Crossing the finish line first to claim the $20,000 winner’s prize he beat several international athletes who have run two to three minutes faster than his winning time of 2:09:20.

By today’s standards his personal best is not a quick time. But a victory at this World Athletics Elite Label Race against a terrific field – and by over a minute – has increased his prowess in the sport. Now he returns to Toronto hoping for favourable conditions and a world-class field where he can also run a time more representative of his ability.

Indeed, he ran a personal best of 59:15 at the 2022 Barcelona Half Marathon indicating he might be capable of a time closer to the Toronto Waterfront course record of 2:05:00 held by his countryman, Philemon Rono (2019).

Winning Toronto was a milestone in his career nonetheless.

“That (Toronto) race made me a great memory because I had never won a marathon or any race abroad,” he says from his living room in the village of Mororia, Kenya. “So it was memorable. That was my second marathon race and I won it.”

As he speaks, his two children – daughter Shaline, 6, and son Shalom, 2 – are watching a television program and he instructs them to lower the volume. Then he smiles.

“Tomorrow the small boy is two years old,” he reveals laughing. “There is a cake here. He is still young so doesn’t know it’s a birthday but I will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.”

Family is of the utmost importance and running, in order to earn money is a priority. Yet, Cheboi has not raced since Toronto.

He and his management team at Demadonna Athletics Promotion had him lined up to race in the Vienna Marathon this past April. But he had slight issues with both his hamstrings which interrupted his buildup. So the decision was made by him and his coach, Gabriele Nicola, to put all their energies into having him fully prepared for a Toronto Waterfront Marathon title defence.

For many years now Cheboi has lived in Mororia which is about three kilometres from the famed ‘running town’ of Iten. A local hotel serves as the Demadonna team camp and houses several of the twelve strong marathon training group during the week. They go home on weekends. But, since Cheboi has a young family, it was felt it was better for him to drive in for the training sessions and for massage therapy three times a week.

Several of his training partners have run much faster than Cheboi’s best – led by Philemon Kiplimo (2:04:56) – so he is benefiting from being in such a talented group.

Like most Kenyan runners he sees his running profession as a means for a brighter future for himself and his young family. He maintains a farm where he grows maize which is used to make the Kenyan staple, ugali. He also plants wheat and potatoes while keeping goats, sheep and cattle. It’s an exhausting lifestyle and so he has enlisted help from family members.

“Yes I have help with my farm. My relatives help; my brother and also my parents,” he reveals adding he doesn’t expect to rely on farming after he retires from competition.

“God willing, I will not depend on the farm only. I think I will also find another way. Somehow I will do another thing.”

Several times during the video call from Canada he thanks the caller for taking interest and expresses his gratitude for being invited back to Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Toronto very much. Yes,” he declares. “Firstly, I want to thank the organizers for inviting me back. I think I will try to win for the second time but I can’t promise.

“The good weather on the day will determine if I can run my best time.”

Sep 09 2024
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Natasha Wodak Commits to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Two-time Canadian Olympian Natasha Wodak has committed to racing the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20th.

The Vancouver native finished 13th in the Tokyo Olympics and also holds the Canadian marathon record of 2:23:12. Toronto Waterfront Marathon doubles as a World Athletics Elite Label Race and the 2024 Canadian Marathon Championship, still, her late decision caught many aficionados by surprise.

“I thought ‘why don’t I go run the Canadian Marathon Championships in Toronto?’ I haven’t been there in eleven years and that is where I started this marathon journey,” the Asics sponsored athlete says.

“It’s an Asics event, I am the Canadian record holder, I haven’t won the Canadian Marathon Championship’ I just really wanted to run in my country surrounded by friends and family. When I started thinking about it, it made me happy.”

Happiness with her running she insists is still a primary motivator as she continues her world-class racing at the age of 42. It has been a rough year for her. Four attempts at achieving the 2024 Olympic standards came up short due to factors beyond her control.

Her preparations for the 2023 London Marathon went perfectly but she got sick the week before and cancelled her flight the very day she was to travel. Then, another excellent training block gave her confidence that she could break her national record at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest – her fourth time representing Canada at a World Athletics Championship. Race temperatures reached 28c though, and she finished 15th. Nobody ran particularly fast.

A hamstring strain two weeks before January’s Houston Marathon impacted her result there and she struggled home 9th in 2:28:42. Then, a 12th place finish in Hamburg this past April led to her conceding that a third Olympic appearance was not possible. Gravely disappointed at first, she eventually saw the positives thanks to her friends and family.

“The Olympics is special for a reason because it is very hard to get there!” Wodak now says, “I didn’t make it this time around. I had a fun journey trying to get there and other doors are open and I got to do the CBC broadcast for the Women’s Olympic marathon which was an amazing opportunity. I loved doing that.

“I find myself in a really good spot, leading into the fall, and with going into Toronto Waterfront – which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.

Originally, she contemplated going for the national half marathon record at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon but then consulted with her coach Trent Stellingwerf. Despite her failure to achieve the Olympic standard she has maintained a high level of fitness, a fact which Stellingwerf emphasized when she wondered aloud if a shortened marathon build might indeed work.

Winning a national championship offers generous World Athletics points – useful in qualifying for next year’s World Championships – which was another factor in her decision.

“What we are thinking is that if I win and run decently in Toronto it’s really good points and I don’t need to run the standard. I then could possibly run a marathon in Japan in early March,” she reasons.

Wodak is a very sociable individual and enjoys spending time with friends and family when she is not piling on the mileage. She has also been doing some coaching and whenever possible joins her twelve or so charges for their workouts. Another passion is for her volunteer work at the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association.

“I go on Friday mornings. The shelter has at the moment probably 30 cats, so my job is to go in with other volunteers, we feed the cats, we clean their cages, we clean the litter box, we do laundry, do dishes and take the garbage out,” she reveals. “When we have time left over we get to snuggle the cats to help socialize them which, obviously, is our favourite part.

“It is very sad because there are so many cats that we have taken from not good situations and they are scared and sad and we just want to find them homes. People are getting cats from breeders instead of rescuing. I try to encourage people to ‘adopt don’t shop’ and rescue.” Wodak practices what she preaches. Both her cats are rescues.

At the age of 42 she has become aware that her marathon success serves as inspiration to other women who might think of retiring from competition in their mid-thirties. When asked about this she offers a humble smile.

“Malindi and I have talked about this and we just run,” she says, referring to 44 year old Malindi Elmore a fellow Olympian. “We don’t think about our age and we are loving it. And the fact that that is inspiring to the younger generation is really cool.

“And it’s not lost on me that we are setting an example of what can be done in your forties and showing women you don’t need to retire from the sport in your mid-thirties as it used to be done. Sometimes I do feel like I am running out of time to do all the things I want to do while I am still fast. I don’t know when the shoe is going to drop and I am going to slow down. I want to get the most out of myself while I can still.”

Wodak is due another spectacular marathon performance. Organisers of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon join her in hoping it comes October 20th on the streets of Canada’s largest city.

Sep 09 2024
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The Impact of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Toronto’s Economy and Community

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Presented by Wawanesa.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (TWM) is a highlight of the international running calendar and a key event that substantially impacts Toronto’s local economy and community. Beyond the physical endurance it tests and the personal milestones it witnesses, TWM acts as a catalyst for economic activity, charity fundraising, and community engagement, leaving a lasting imprint on Canada’s largest city.

Marathons Boost the Local Toronto Economy

Tourism and Spending

Annually drawing thousands of participants and spectators from over 50 countries, TWM significantly boosts local tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses see a surge in activity as visitors explore the city, dine, shop, and celebrate the event. This influx of visitors translates into substantial economic benefits, injecting millions into the local economy each year.

Business Engagement and Sponsorships

The marathon also fosters strong partnerships between the business community and the event organizers. Local and international sponsors, from athletic brands to technology firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), contribute financially through innovative collaborations that enhance the race experience. These partnerships are pivotal in elevating the profile of the marathon and, by extension, the city itself.

#ChooseTOCelebrate

2024 will be the second year for the marathon’s #ChooseTOCelebrate campaign. The program highlights local businesses by providing an opportunity to drive traffic to locations along the route and surrounding neighbourhoods over race weekend. Businesses celebrate marathon week and weekend with us by offering special promotions or events for participants and spectators, involving the entire city in the weekend’s events. 

Fostering Community Spirit and Engagement

Charitable Contributions

One of TWM’s most significant impacts is its capacity for charitable fundraising. Over the years, the marathon has successfully raised millions of dollars for various causes. Organizations like Engineers Without Borders have leveraged the event to fund initiatives extending far beyond Toronto’s borders, showcasing the global reach of the marathon’s positive impact.

Volunteerism and Local Participation

The TWM fosters a strong sense of community through volunteerism. Thousands of volunteers contribute their time and energy each year, crucial to the event’s success. This volunteer spirit is a testament to Toronto’s community values and the marathon’s ability to unite people to support a common goal.

Cultural and Social Impacts of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

A Showcase of Diversity

Reflecting Toronto’s multicultural identity, TWM is a melting pot of cultures, bringing together runners and spectators of diverse backgrounds to celebrate sport and spirit. This diversity enriches the event and promotes inclusivity and mutual understanding among participants.

Promoting Health and Fitness

By highlighting the achievements of runners like Ed Whitlock and Fauja Singh, TWM inspires people of all ages to engage in physical activity and pursue their fitness goals. The marathon serves as a powerful reminder of the benefits of an active lifestyle, encouraging residents to take up running or other forms of exercise, thus contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.

Plus, with the 5K event now occurring on Saturday for a complete race weekend experience, there are fun options for the entire family. 

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The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is more than a race; it’s vital to Toronto’s economic and social landscape. Through its contributions to the local economy, its fundraising efforts, and its ability to bring together people from all walks of life, TWM exemplifies the positive impacts that large-scale sporting events can have on their host cities. 

As Toronto continues to evolve and grow, the marathon will undoubtedly remain a key highlight of the city’s annual calendar, celebrated for its economic contributions, community spirit, and countless personal stories of determination and triumph that unfold along its waterfront course.

Sep 09 2024
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How Canada Running Series is Changing the Face of Sustainability in Running

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We all love to run – that’s why we’re here, right? We love it for our physical and mental health, to thrive within our run community, and oh! that endorphin rush! We love that big gulp of fresh air after the final push to the finish line, and we LOVE that well-deserved cold drink at the end of a long run.

But as we watch our streets flood, forests burn, and local communities literally in the line of fire suffer devastating consequences, it’s not hard to picture a time when running might not be as simple as stepping out of the house with a pair of shoes on our feet.  

Did you know that in 2023, the number of air quality bulletins issued by Environment Canada spiked to unprecedented levels, more than double those of 2021, the next highest year? 

In some parts of Canada, summer has become “fire season,” prompting us to ask: What can we do to ensure we can continue participating in the sport we love for future generations?  

At Canada Running Series, we’re serious about supporting the communities we run through. That means supporting their health, well-being, and natural environments. We’ve put our money where our mouth is and made some big sustainability commitments, including certifying with the Council for Responsible Sport. 

Here are the top five sustainability programs you can find at all Canada Running Series events: 

1. Waste management at races

Forget dumping everything in one big dumpster and letting it go to the landfill. We’re BIG on waste sorting and do our best to divert as much event waste away from landfills as possible. This effort includes using compostable cups at all water stations, donating all leftover food to local food security programs, donating clothing to local charities, and sorting all the waste that comes through our events into recycling, compost, or landfill.  

In 2024, we aim for our biggest waste goal yet: a zero-waste event* at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

*Note that “zero-waste” is commonly referred to as any waste diversion efforts that result in 90% more waste diversion.  

2. Sustainable running medals 

Our medals, including ribbons, are made of 100% recycled content! We order medals in two stages to make our orders as accurate as possible and reduce waste. All leftover medals are recycled after the event to ensure a full-circle life cycle product.  

3. No more bottled water at running events

That’s right—you won’t find any single-use plastic water bottles at our events! The regions where our events occur are fortunate to have safe and reliable drinking water sources on tap. 

That means we can avoid plastic and provide our participants with a delicious sip of water from a delightfully compostable cup straight from city sources. We are fully committed to this goal and request our stakeholders, partners, participants, and spectators to help us and do the same!  

4. Bring your own bottle to Canada Running Series races 

Did you know you can BYOB (bottle) at all our events? That’s right! Stop by our water stations with your own bottle, hydration vest, or cup, and we’ll refill it on the go. You’ve been training like that anyway; why not try it on race day and send fewer cups to the organics bin?  

5. Introducing the Green Bib Registration Program

No shirt, no medal, no problem! All Canada Running Series events offer participants a green bib registration option, giving them a choice around what items they want to receive for their race day. 

Instead of receiving a shirt or medal, green bib participants can donate $10 to one of our sustainability charities, Trees for Life or Trans Canada Trail – and you’ll get a charitable receipt for your donation, too. 

So, if you’re running your umpteenth marathon and don’t have the space on your trophy rack for more hardware, now you can help our planet while saving that closet space for that coveted Boston jacket.  

Making Sustainable Choices Every Day

We know sometimes it’s inconvenient or impossible to make sustainable choices every day, but we’re here to help you reduce the impact of your race day and make responsible choices that still get you to that finish line. By making conscious lifestyle choices and choosing events that prioritize environmental responsibility, we can all do a little bit to make a big difference in the future of our running communities. 

Sep 05 2024
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Tristan Woodfine Chasing Canadian Title at TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

The past two years have been mostly good to Tristan Woodfine as he has recorded personal bests over several distances most significantly with his 2:10:39 finish at the 2024 Houston Marathon in January. That makes him the sixth fastest Canadian marathoner of all time.

This uplift in fortune coincides with his seeking coaching advice from none other than two-time Canadian Olympic marathoner Reid Coolsaet.

Now the 31-year-old Woodfine has confirmed he will race the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20th, with the objective of running both a fast time and earning the Canadian Marathon Championship title. The event doubles as a World Athletics Elite Label race as well as the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships.

“It’s local, close, the support is good,“ he says of his choice for an autumn marathon. “The Canada Running Series (team) always does a great job. I have run the course before.

“Getting under 2:10 would be nice, finally. We will see how the rest of the build goes. Ten weeks is still a long time and things can change for better or worse – hopefully for better – and by the time Toronto comes around I’d definitely love to get a PB and make another step forward there.”

Woodfine, who is currently living just outside of Eganville, Ontario with his wife Madeline, ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon once before. That was in 2019 when he finished 13th in a time of 2:13:16. But he has twice won the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon (2022 and 2017) – run concurrently with the full marathon – and has also had success at the Toronto Waterfront 10K. That race includes a long section of the marathon course too.

Credit for his upward trajectory goes to Coolsaet.

“Reid has had so much experience in the sport,” Woodfine says of his coach. “He has got a lot of valuable insights on the training front and beyond. He has done a lot of races and he knows the deal with which races might work well for your goals, that kind of thing.

“He has got so much experience on any aspect of training, racing, nutrition, injuries, he has seen so much he can really help out.”

One of the differences in Woodfine’s program since his association with Coolsaet comes as a surprise but might well be a valuable lesson for all runners.

“Some of the workouts in the base training period are almost a bit easier than what I was doing (before),” he explains. “I think maybe before I was pushing a bit too hard too early in the training base. So backing off a little bit when coming into the marathon block was probably one of the bigger things.”

Like most runners he has had his share of hiccups, most notably a nagging case of plantar fasciitis that saw him drop out of the Boston Marathon back in April. He blames a mechanical deficiency in his running form. But that is behind him now and as he enters his marathon specific buildup phase he is full of optimism.

Recently he raced the Falmouth Road Race in Massachusetts finishing 11th in 33:33 over the 7-mile course. A successful result at the shorter distance has added to his confidence.

“The last few weeks leading into Falmouth I did get my longer mileage in,” he reveals. “I got a 37km long run in there just to get things ready. The week before Falmouth was 220km. In this (Toronto) buildup block I would like to get up to a maximum of 250 or 260km.”

Besides a personal best, Woodfine is fully aware that a national championship offers the chance for maximum World Athletics points that would count heavily in 2025 World Championships qualifying. Those Championships are set for Tokyo.

“I talked to Reid about trying to qualify for Tokyo,” he admits. “I have had a few sit- downs (with him). I’d get a fair amount of points with another good performance with a strong time. A solid finish in Toronto would put me in a good position.”

Unlike many elite runners Woodfine doesn’t have a shoe sponsor. After completing his paramedic studies at the Ontario Health and Technology College he has put on hold a career in that field to focus on his running. To make ends meet he has been doing some online coaching, a sideline that continues to grow.

“I definitely love helping other runners achieve their goals,” he adds. “I also do some remote work for a pharmacy in the area. It’s best described as inventory and purchasing. It’s very flexible and works great with running.”

Like many elite runners the Olympic Games has been a target for Woodfine. In 2020 he beat the Tokyo Olympics qualifying standard running 2:10:51 at the London Marathon and thought he’d achieved his dream of being an Olympian. But when Cam Levins ran 2:10:14 in Austria six months later it was Levins who was chosen for the team and not Woodfine. This, despite the fact Woodfine had beaten Levins in London by well over a minute.

Despite falling short of the Paris Olympic standard with his Houston Marathon personal best he still harbours an Olympic dream.

“Yes it is still a goal. I try not to put as much emphasis on the Olympics being an ‘all or nothing’, a defining factor of success for my career,” he declares. “I think that can kind of end up making you miserable. Whether you are going to the Olympics or not. For sure, it’s a goal.

“I am in this for another Olympic cycle and hopefully I can be on the start line in LA – the third time is a charm. But I am really focused on each year and trying to enjoy each race for what it is.”

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is an obvious step forward in his career path.

Aug 28 2024
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Is Mulugeta Uma the Next Great Ethiopian Marathoner

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By Paul Gains

Ethiopia has been blessed with exceptional marathon talent beginning with 1960 Olympic champion Abebe Bikila and continuing on to the present. There are always prospects waiting to emerge. Among the most exciting newcomers is Mulugeta Uma.

Canadian marathon fans will have the chance to witness his prowess when he lines up for the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20th, as one of the favourites in this World Athletics Elite Label Race.

Earlier this year the 26-year-old won the Paris Marathon with a new personal best of 2:05:33 but nearly didn’t make it to start line. Like most runners he suffered nerves in the days leading up to his excellent performance likely due to travel but also due to his new professional circumstances.

“I was stressed,” he admits. “It was my first race under Moyo Sports Management and my new sponsor ASICS. Thus I had had to run carefully.

“I was drinking plenty of water, I was determined to finish. When I reached 25 km I felt better and I was thinking of making the podium. After 35 km I was confident I would win the race. I won the race with a new personal best. Jesus, my Lord, helped me for glory.”

Few people knew that on the evening before the race he and his management huddled together to decide whether he should even start the race due to his upset stomach. They were glad he persevered. The victory earned him $55,000 USD.

Although he is now a world-class marathoner, Mulugeta began his athletics career as a 1,500m runner earning silver medals for his country in both the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China and in the 2015 World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia. But injuries from training in spiked shoes halted his progress. Over the following five years the problems with his achilles tendon persisted, hence the decision to take up road racing.

Last year he finished 7th in the Seville Marathon finishing in a time of 2:06:07. He followed that up with a second-place finish in Frankfurt last October 29th. His time on that occasion was 2:06:47. Together with his Paris victory that makes an impressive triple over a fourteen-month period. It is safe to say most marathoners would be happy with even one of those results.

Mulugeta grew up on a farm in Wolisa about 100 kilometres southwest of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa before joining a club in the city. Asked what he would be doing if not for his running career he is quite emphatic.

“I’d be a farmer, because I am the only son in the family,” he explains. “My parents do farming for a living.”

Mulugeta and his wife have no children. Between training sessions he says he enjoys time with his wife and friends and also listening to spiritual songs. He believes he has a good future in marathon running.

“As with any world-class athlete I want to run a fast time and win big competitions like the World Championships and Olympics,” he declares.

For now, his training and his mental focus is set on performing well at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This will mark his first time in North America. Ten weeks before the journey he admits he has not studied the Toronto race in detail though he is confident of another great performance.

“I don’t know anything (about it). I only know that the course record is 2:05,” he offers. “With God’s help I want to break the course record and win the race.”

Aug 27 2024
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WAGANESH MEKASHA RETURNS TO TCS TORONTO WATERFRONT MARATHON

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By Paul Gains

Ethiopian marathon star Waganesh Mekasha has unfinished business at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and returns with the intent of achieving victory in this World Athletics Elite Label Race, October 20th.

A year ago she went toe to toe with her compatriot Buze Diriba finishing one second behind Buze’s winning time of 2:23:11. Second place on that occasion was bittersweet.

“Yes it is frustrating to lose by a second,” she admits. “I prepared well and wanted to take the course record. Unfortunately it did not happen. I thought if we had a strong pacemaker I would win that race because at 35km I was so comfortable.

“I had to go all out and sprint to make the podium. If the girls helped me I wanted to push from 35 km after the pacer dropped out.”

Waganesh has known Buze since they were both members of the Ethiopian junior team competing at the 2011 World Cross Country Championships in Punta Umbria, Spain. On that occasion Waganesh finished 4th overall to help her country win the gold medal while Buze was 10th.

“We are not friends and we do not train together; but we see each other in different training locations,” Waganesh says of their relationship.

Aside from missing out on the $20,000 first place prize money – she collected $10,000 for second – Waganesh’s recollections of her initial visit to Toronto are all positive.

“Toronto is such a beautiful city,” she declares. “The crowds are amazing and we had a beautiful racing experience.

“The race was fantastic but the pacers did not do as we needed. After 35k I wanted to push but the (other two) ladies did not help. That’s why we three had to finish in a sprint.”

The third-place finisher on the day was another Ethiopian, Afera Godfay, who finished in 2:23:15. The four seconds separating the top 3 was an anomaly in marathon racing and made for a dramatic finish although, clearly, Waganesh has another perspective.

Waganesh was able to explore downtown Toronto on her first visit albeit while keeping close to her hotel so as not to expend unnecessary energy. A shopping excursion to a nearby mall was one outing she prioritized – to buy clothes for her children.

“I did go shopping to buy clothes for my children. And I did see my friends (Canadian residents),” she confirms.

Like most Ethiopian runners she runs to help support her family which is comprised of her two young children, Benjamin, 7, and Amen, 4 and her husband, Anwar Arega.

“I want to give them a better opportunity,” Waganesh explains. “But I do not encourage them to be a runner. I want them to do what they enjoy.

“My husband is always on my side. He drives me to training, cooks me food and, if necessary, he acts as my physio. Generally he is always there to help me push beyond my limit.”

Along with her training partners and under guidance of Coach Nigatu Worku, she has already begun her buildup for Toronto Waterfront. Her personal best marathon remains the 2:22:45 she ran at the 2019 Dubai Marathon. Could this be the year she surpasses it?

Experience counts immensely in marathon racing and at the age of 32 she has plenty. On her first visit to Canada she was the 2023 Ottawa Marathon champion. More recently, on February 25th of this year, she won the Osaka Marathon in 2:24:20.

Like many athletes who have raced Toronto Waterfront she continues to eye the course record of 2:22:16 set by Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai in 2019.

“I know the course now and want to come back stronger,” she declares. “If things go as I wish and, if we have a strong pacemaker, I will do my best to break the course record and run fast and win the race. I do believe i will run faster than that (record).”

Asked about her running future she is clear: “Age is a number, I do believe I will have another ten years ahead.”

Aug 20 2024
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Canadian Championship Lures Leslie Sexton to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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By Paul Gains

Adding to her growing list of Canadian championship titles is an objective when Leslie Sexton returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, October 20.

Once again, the World Athletics Elite Label race doubles as the 2024 Athletics Canada National Marathon Championship.

Sexton was crowned national marathon champion here in 2017, the year she also finished 5th overall in the women’s category behind three Ethiopians and a Kenyan – all experienced international runners.  And, she has a handful of national titles at shorter distances on both the roads and track.

The importance of racing the national marathon championships is even greater now as she explains.

“Since World Athletics has switched to this points ranking system it’s even more important than before,” the 37 year old declares. “Now the bonus points from a national championship are significant across all events and in the marathon, where you might only get two or three attempts in a cycle, it’s an important consideration in qualifying for the world championships in Tokyo next year.”

Sexton represented Canada at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon finishing a credible 13th place in the marathon (2:28:52). More recently she was a member of the Canadian team at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Beograd, Serbia. That latter event came on the heels of her personal best marathon performance at the 2024 Houston Marathon.

In the Texas city she finished 8th in a world class field, racing to a clocking of 2:28:14, although missing the Olympic standard of 2:26:50 made her achievement bittersweet.

“I think I went through halfway in about 1:13:15,” she remembers. “So I went there with the intention to go for the Olympic standard but I had a bit of a rough patch between 20 and 30km then rallied for a PB in the final 12km. I am happy with the effort that day but it wasn’t what I was looking for. “

Originally from Markham, Ontario, Sexton moved with her coach and partner, Steve Weiler to Vancouver two years ago. Clearly it has had an impact on her running career. Personal bests from 5,000m up to the marathon have since helped rewrite her resume.

“I really like it out here,” she explains. “The weather has been really good for running – I really don’t miss the Ontario winters. I am in a really good spot about a kilometre from Pacific Spirit Park. I run through the trails in there and being able to get there in the winter has been a big plus.

“I am doing some stuff on my own and with my coach Steve, we are starting to form a post collegiate group.  Back in the winter we had four people from our group qualify for the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia. So we did a lot of workouts together. I have been training with Glynis Sim who beat me in the Vancouver Sun Run in the spring; good training partners within my own club.”

Sim won the Sun Run in 32:17 with Sexton a close second in 32:25. It’s a race Sexton won in both 2022 and 2023. The pair obviously benefit from their training sessions together. Occasionally she also goes for easy runs with Canadian marathon record holder and two-time Olympian Natasha Wodak, who is now 42 years of age.

As Wodak and fellow B.C. resident Malindi Elmore, 44, have proven, world-class marathon running is now possible into the 40’s. Their performances have served as inspiration for Sexton as she contemplates her running future.

“Yeah definitely (they are inspirational) and I know that the Australian Sinead Diver was running great times in her 40’s as well,” she confirms. “So definitely it inspires me to keep going. Going into this year my intent was always to be going through to LA in 2028.

“Missing this Olympics was a disappointment but I still have big goals to represent Canada at the Worlds and Olympics in the future and seeing other women do that in their early 40’s gives me confidence I can do that too.”

For now her focus returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“I am still pretty early in the training cycle. This is going to be a shorter buildup than I have done previously. I had some setbacks in July but I am healthy now,” she reveals.

“I will be looking to run a competitive time, something to maximize those Canadian championship points, but not necessarily going for a PB this time. I will have to see how the training goes.”

Then of course there is the thrill of possibly adding yet another national championship gold medal to her collection.

Jun 19 2024
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Get Moving for the Cause that Moves You with the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge

By | Announcement, Charity Challenge | No Comments

2024 TCS Charity Challenge officially kicks off with over 120 Canadian charities and a new green way to give back

TORONTO, ON (June 19, 2024) – The annual TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is returning to the city’s streets this fall for the iconic run’s 35th edition and as of today, registration is officially open for the TCS Charity Challenge, giving participants the opportunity to run, walk or wheel for the cause that moves them. The TCS Charity Challenge has raised over $53 million to date for more than 150 Charity Partners each year making a lasting impact in our communities. 

The TCS Charity Challenge unites the spirit of runners with a unique fundraising program that supports local charities and empowers participants from across Toronto and around the globe to build a community of support around the cause that moves them. This year, race organizers are challenging those partaking in the marathon, half marathon and 5k distances to help reach their fundraising goal of $3 million, to bring the cumulative total over $56 million since the inception of the program.  

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier running event offering participants a unique race experience along Toronto’s beautiful waterfront, parts of the Trans Canada Trail and through the heart of the city. The race takes place in-person over the weekend of October 19 to 20, 2024, with the marathon and half marathon taking place on Sunday and the 5k on a new course and time the day prior, providing even more opportunities to choose to run and fundraise this year.

“We are so excited to be kicking off the TCS Charity Challenge again this year,” said Charlotte Brookes, National Event Director at Canada Running Series (CRS). “Our Toronto Waterfront Marathon community has raised millions for incredible organizations over the years, leaving a legacy of lasting impacts in our own communities. Race weekend brings an infectious energy to Toronto and the Charity Challenge adds a meaningful boost to the excitement as Torontonians, Ontarians and Canadians everywhere choose to run, and choose to give to support so many important causes each October.”

“This year, we are pleased to introduce the Green Bib Program, which allows participants to choose to wear a green bib on race day and have a donation made to a participating sustainability charity in lieu of receiving a race shirt and medal,” continued Brookes. “The program combines our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact, to join philanthropy with sport, and to provide our participants with more ways to personalize their race experience.”

The marathon has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for sustainability Charity Partners in recent years, including Trans Canada Trail and Trees for Life who are returning once again as the 2024 feature Charity Partners. 

“Each year, we’re reminded how powerful the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon community is and what an incredible impact the TCS Charity Challenge has,” added Soumen Roy, Executive Director and Country Head, Canada, Tata Consultancy Services. “Having raised nearly $3 million last year, we’ve seen what a difference the challenge can make for local organizations and those they support. We’re proud to be part of the TCS Charity Challenge and look forward to another great year of fundraising!”

“For me, fundraising for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through the TCS Charity Challenge was a cause incredibly close to my heart as a cancer survivor,” says Brandon Throop, the top TCS Charity Challenge fundraiser in 2023, the top 2023 TCS Charity Challenge fundraiser, raising over $100,000. “It was an important opportunity for me to pay it forward, and to be able to do so through running, something else close to my heart for many years, makes it that much more personal. I hope that others will choose to run for the cause that moves them, or support those running, because every little bit really does make a difference.”

Registration and fundraising for the TCS Charity Challenge officially opens today. Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Register online for one of the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K events.
  2. Fundraise by signing up for the TCS Charity Challenge and selecting the charity you’d like to raise funds for.
  3. Donate by visiting the TCS Charity Challenge website and selecting the Official Charity you’d like to donate to.
  4. Support the TCS Charity Challenge, our Charity Partners, and participants by following along on social media and using the hashtags #chooseTOrun, #chooseTOgive, and #TCSCharityChallenge, and come out on October 19 and 20 to cheer on your friends and family along the race route and at the finish line!

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About the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

2024 marks the 35th edition of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Canada’s 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 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 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. 

For more information, 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 601,000 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:

Emma Hunt, Sutherland Corp.

emma@sutherlandcorp.ca