1. Introduction 

On October 19th, runners from around the world will chase their personal best (PB) along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, in the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The event attracts over 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators, boasting a flat and fast course that often translates into PBs. As a qualifier for the prestigious Boston Marathon, and as the Canadian Marathon Championships race, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon draws some of the most elite athletes and recreational runners from Canada and beyond. 

To get you in the racing spirit, we wanted to share real stories from runners who use Shokz headphones and whose running experience has been transformed by open-ear listening.    

2. Push through Challenges

We all run for different reasons, whether it’s to stay in shape, enjoy the outdoors, or satisfy a competitive drive. But every run has its challenges. And by nature, running is an exhausting sport. At a certain point, when your stomach’s cramping, your legs are sore, and you’re out of breath, it’s easy to give up. Sometimes, the thought of being that exhausted is enough to deter you from running in the first place. 

That’s where Shokz open-ear audio comes in. It motivates you to push through the early mornings, the hard miles, and the harsh temperatures. Its crisp highs and powerful lows remind you that you’re not alone, and that the next mile, like the next song, is just around the corner. 

Just ask Shokz user Ashley Chroniger. She started running longer distances at the encouragement of her best friend. Within two years, she was running in her first full marathon. Then, suddenly, she lost her best friend. The news was devastating. “I would sit in my workout clothes, ready for a run, and just burst into tears,” she said. 

The easy thing would’ve been to give up. “But why lose two things when I could keep his spirit alive by pushing forward in the sport I love?” she asked. Now, she runs in his memory, fueled by her goals rather than drained by them. “I know he’s with me on every run,” she said. “I know he’s proud that I didn’t give up when I so easily could have.” 

3. Stay Safe 

One of the biggest perks of Shokz open-ear audio is it allows you to stream music and podcasts without compromising your situational awareness. This is crucial when you’re running on busy streets with passing cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Andrew Long, a Shokz user who has run/walked over 7,000 miles while documenting his weight-loss journey, converted to open-ear audio for this very reason. “I was using Apple Airpods and couldn’t hear what was going on around me,” he said. “As I was crossing the street, a car came flying around this sharp corner and nearly clipped the back of me.” 

He called the moment his wakeup call.   

Now, he wears his Shokz wherever he goes. “I’ve run/walked in the rain, snow, heat, cold, tropical storms, even a hurricane,” he said. “I can certainly speak to the quality of Shokz and how great they are.”  

4. Connect with Nature

Aside from helping you stay safe, Shokz’s open-ear design also connects you with the sounds of nature. In the forest, you can hear birds trilling in the treetops. On the beach, you can hear ocean waves lapping against the shore. Instead of having to choose between your audio and the world around you, you can enjoy them both simultaneously. 

“The world is so noisy but if you listen closely, it’s just you,” said Baylee Seipel, a marathon runner. She started wearing Shokz during the Hood to Coast relay race, when she needed something safe yet comfortable to help her through the “dark, with zero cell service” parts.  

But these days, Baylee takes inspiration from her younger sister, who’s blind. “It amazes me [the way she] uses the echo and vibrations to get around the house.” This amazement has led Baylee to use a similar approach on her own runs, turning down her music to hear the world go by. “So much noise happens around us while we run, but if you listen closely, it’s just you slapping your feet against the pavement to get those miles in.” 

5. Find Community

“It’s never just about the miles,” said Theodor Lisitsyn, a Shokz triathlete. “It’s about the mindset, the grit, and the lessons that extend far beyond the racecourse.”

One of the most overlooked lessons is this: running doesn’t have to be a solo exercise. You can casually run with friends and chat along the way. You can join a local running club and meet like-minded people, who are just as passionate about fitness. And you can cheer on runners at events like the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. 

No matter where your run takes you, Shokz open-ear audio is there to support your journey and connect you to others chasing the same path. “What truly sets Shokz apart,” Theodor said, “is the incredible community they’ve built – dedicated, inspiring people supported by a brand that champions individuals and fosters connection.” 

6. Conclusion

On October 19th, runners from around the world will come to University Avenue to try and set a personal best at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. As you continue on your own running journey, we hope that Shokz open-ear listening takes your training to the next level. Whether it’s helping you push through challenges, stay safe, connect with nature, or find community – Shokz always has you covered. 

To learn more about how open-ear listening can transform your running experience, visit Shokz.

To learn more about Shokz’s partnership with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, visit https://ca.shokz.com/pages/2025TorontoWaterfrontMarathon.