Runners brave the rain to take part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Posted October 14, 2012 11:58 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It was a wet day for a run, but that didn’t stop 25,000 athletes from across 50 countries from taking part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Thousands of runners braved the rain to take part in the run, which is expected to raise more than $3.5 million dollars for more than 167 charities.
The run also brings millions of dollars to the Toronto economy.
Some runners were proven veterans, while some like Janelle, from New Brunswick, were running their first marathon.
“I’m just going to go out and enjoy it, I’m not going to worry about the time, it’s a first-time experience and I’m just going to let it be,” she said.
Some like Colin, from Newfoundland, were proven veterans and were back in Toronto to compete.
“It’s a well-organized race and Toronto is a fun city, so why not make a vacation and a run at the same time,” he said.
The run, which is IAAF and Athletics Canada Certified (meaning it can serve as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and Olympics), features a 5-kilometre run, half-marathon and full marathon.
While the road closures required for the run can be inconvenient for drivers, race director Alan Brookes said marathons help put this city on the map.
“Marathons have become signature events for cities, from London to Tokyo, all across the globe,” Brookes said.
“Just like having world-class museums or all kinds of special attractions.”
The 5-kilometre walk will began at 8 a.m. while both the marathon and half-marathon got underway at 8:30 a.m.
The marathon and half-marathon routes begin at University Avenue and Armoury Street and head north to Bloor Street before making their way down to Lake Shore Boulevard.
They then travel west to the High Park area before returning east and Bay Street. From there the full marathon continued east to the Beaches area before returning to the finish near Bay and Queen streets.
For the full map and route info click here.
For drivers, there will also be numerous road closures. For a full list of when the roads will open and close click here.
