The Toronto Waterfront Marathon course is mostly flat and fast and the typical race day weather is close to ideal for marathon running. The race presents very good opportunities for PRs and BQs.
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon was the 2nd largest marathon in Canada last year and was the 2nd largest in 2022.
This year 8.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 13.1% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Toronto Waterfront Marathon the 13th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in Canada last year and the 18th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.37 ranks it as the 10th fastest marathon course in Canada and the 5th fastest course in Ontario.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Toronto Waterfront Marathon a PR Score of 99.37. This PR Score ranks it as the 10th fastest marathon in Canada and the 5th fastest in Ontario.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 379 feet (115m) Min Elevation: 245 feet (74m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
View available accomodations around the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Clocks every kilometer, great cheering zones and support stations water, gel, nun. The sponsor hotel was right outside the door of the start line. The next day I watched the race on Youtube! Participants are all well treated. You could see the professional athletes racing as they turned to head back. We enjoyed the pre-event expo athletic choices. World Class Marathon organization, Half Marathon and 5km.
Race Tips
Fall marathon. Perfect racing temp. start 8c (44degrees F). Previous years race temperature we also good. First 1.5 km gradual up hill but next 8km gentle down hill.( be careful not to run to fast early) Running along waterfront with Half Marathon to 20km. Section 25km-32km flat but can feel quiet until the being greeted at the turnaround 33km with lots of cheering people and aid stations. Pacers for the Half & Full Marathon.
Must enter the corrals from the very back and move forward to your bib colour. Stayed at the Sheraton Hotel - situated at the start and finish line of the races. A blessing.
Javier's review of 2016 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Beautiful city, excellent organization. Unfortunately the weather was warm and very humid on race day and that made it impossible to race well.
Michael's review of 2016 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Fast course, well organized and lots of drink stations. A fast elite field and an interesting course through many big city neighbourhoods. Not much bad to say, really.
Race Tips
This course is advertised as flat, but it really has quite a few long long gentle slopes. Also you change direction frequently, which can be a good thing if you're running into a headwind.
The half marathon participants start at the same time, so it's best not to get caught up in their faster pace off the start. The final 2 km is fantastic, big crowds and you're right downtown in Toronto.
You can get a discount if you book through the race website, but downtown Toronto hotels are very very expensive. Very few amenities and a hefty price tag. Instead find an Airbnb apartment or share a room with a couple of other runners to split costs.
Transportation is very easy, with lots of shuttle buses to the expo and start line area. Also public transit in Toronto is cheap and easy, plus taxis and Uber. No problem getting around!
Rosemary Simone's review of 2016 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Very well organized. I wish My family could have bee accessible right at the finish instead of having to walk a long distance to meet them. The crowd support was really good. The metal was really nice. The tech t-shirt was a profit fit and so comfortable but I'm not really a fan of black.
Cathy C's review of 2014 Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great race through many diverse neighbourhoods. Very well organized and run. Just received IAAF gold standard - only 4th such race in North America, along with Boston, Chicago and New York.
Race Tips
There are several sections of the course that run roads with streetcar tracks that runners must watch carefully for.
