The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada's premier marathon and one of North America's fastest courses. Running along the shores of Lake Ontario with Toronto's impressive skyline as a backdrop, it offers an ideal combination of speed and scenery.
The Course
The course follows Toronto's waterfront, creating one of the flattest marathons in North America. The route heads east along the lakeshore before looping back through the city's beaches and finishing near the CN Tower.
Waterfront Running
The course showcases Toronto's lakefront:
- City Hall (Start) - Nathan Phillips Square
- St. Lawrence Market (mile 2) - Historic market district
- The Beaches (miles 8-15) - Scenic eastern waterfront
- Cherry Beach (mile 11) - Turnaround point
- Distillery District (mile 17) - Historic brick buildings
- Harbourfront (miles 23-26) - Lake Ontario views
- Exhibition Place (Finish) - Near the CNE grounds
Fast and Flat
Toronto's waterfront geography creates ideal marathon conditions:
- Elevation change of only 60 meters total
- Smooth, well-maintained surfaces
- Wide roads for easy navigation
- Lake Ontario breezes can help or hinder
Why Toronto?
Toronto offers everything a marathon runner wants: a genuinely fast course, excellent organization, and a world-class city to explore. The October timing provides near-perfect racing weather, and the flat profile makes it an ideal choice for personal bests and Boston qualifying attempts.
The race has quietly become one of North America's best marathons, attracting runners from across Canada and the United States who appreciate its quality without the lottery hassle of the majors.
Boston Qualifying
Toronto Waterfront is an official Boston Marathon qualifying race. The fast, flat course and ideal weather make it one of the best BQ opportunities in North America.
Getting In
Toronto uses simple open registration:
- Registration opens early in the year
- No lottery or qualification required
- Early bird pricing offers significant savings
- Multiple distances available (marathon, half marathon, 5K)
Race Day Tips
- The wind off Lake Ontario - Can be a factor, especially on the exposed sections
- Beaches neighborhood is spectacular - Enjoy the scenery
- Second half can feel lonely - The crowds thin after the turnaround
- CN Tower is your beacon - You can see your destination for miles
- Canadian crowd support is genuine - Expect lots of encouragement