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Jul 2, 2024

Toronto Waterfront Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Toronto Waterfront Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.4

Number of comments: 228 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 8 9 10 11 12 .. 23 > ]

D. K. from Pennsylvania (9/27/2005) "Toronto Waterfront and Industrial Marathon" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organizers and organization were first-rate and helpful, as were the more-than-sufficient number of volunteers. All made the day fun, and logistically easy, which is all greatly appreciated. If I lived in the area, I'd be back. However, from 800km (500 miles), to choose the T. Waterfront on the strength of the words 'waterfront,' 'scenic,' etc., is a mistake. If you prioritize scenery when selecting a long-trip marathon, the route for the runners is less than extraordinary. Despite the delightful nature of the city, the running route's scenery was a disappointment. Sections early were fine, but they were not more than half of the day. About 4 good miles were in town among the finer buildings, and about 6 to 8 of the expected and delightful pretty miles along the picturesque western side of Toronto's waterfront park area were very pleasing. But the second half of the course on the east side was among industrial plants and railroad tracks, or under an elevated expressway, or on a peninsula that needs an infusion of care and clean-up to become as beautiful as it could easily be. Nothing against anyone involved at all; all folks connected to the race were wonderful to us. But to invest the traveling money and time, there are prettier courses.
E. G. from Toronto (9/27/2005) "Flat and well organized." (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Course is very flat and the people are great. Lots of encouraging cheering and many bands and drummers. I could have used power gets at the 22km mark. Weather was perfect and there was lots of water and Gatorade.
d. g. from toronto, ontario (9/27/2005) "fifth year in a row..." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Toronto Waterfront Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 2005 marked the fifth straight year that I have run the half marathon here. The primary draws are the timing (it fits very well into a fall marathon training schedule) and the very flat course. The organization is quite smooth and the aid stations are abundant and well-staffed. The only drawbacks are the low spectator turnout and less-than-beautiful scenery. This is not a destination marathon, but it is an excellent opportunity for seasoned runners to chase a PB. I don't know where the narrow course comments come from. (???)
Keith Archer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (9/27/2005) "No-Hassle and Pleasant entry into Marathon Running" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I enjoyed my first marathon. The weather was perfect (overcast), the volunteers were friendly, the aid stations were plentiful, I received a medal at the end, and there were absolutely no problems on the route. It is unfortunate that the Leslie Spit is so isolated - but the great support from the Beaches area made up for it a little. I think it would be more fun to run further west along the Lakeshore than run the Leslie Spit. Especially with the fan support that would then be available during the second half of the race. Suggestions for next year would be to mark the bunnies better, and provide written directions during the kit pickup and race starts. Thanks for a very well organized and fun run. ps. Nice meeting you, Roger.
B. c. from detroit,MI (9/27/2005) "The worst I've run" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I've run a number of marathons in a lot of different cities and this was by far the worst. The course was plain at best. We ran down a freeway with basically no view of the water. The course than came back down the same stretch of freeway to a sharp right out on a boring, brushy island. Finally, we ran under a bunch of overpasses until we ended up at the finish. The course was also point-to-point with sharp 180 turns. Horrible. No food at the finish and no space blankets. A really long finisher's chute with no support staff. My wife couldn't even be at the finish and get to me at the end of the chute. One last issue was that the 3:20 pacer did not show up. We ended up with a rather bitter 3:10 pace guy who took us out doing sub 7:05's. Oh well. The whole experience stunk and I would recommend everyone stay away from this unattractive, poorly run marathon. Spend your money, training, and time on Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, Detroit, etc. Love Toronto; just hate their marathon.
S. H. from Wisconsin (9/25/2005) "Very dissapointing" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 After reading the official website and comments here about the race, my wife and I decided to run the half in 2005. We found the course very poorly marked. We could only spot about 5 or 6 of the km markers. The course was also much too narrow for the number of runners. The only water on the waterfront marathon course was at least a hundred yards away from the road. We were closer to the highway than the water. There were VERY few spectators lining the course and no space blankets at the end despite a cool rain falling. We found the event OK, but nothing special.
Patricia Hildebrand from Niagara-on-the-lake Ontario Canada (12/27/2004) "Great experience for my first full marathon!" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I had only run a 5K and 1/2 marathon before this. I trained well and enjoy the marathon distance. The organization was great, lots of volunteers and very helpful. The port-o-pots were supplied and ample. Power gels were given on first water stop and then not until after the halfway mark which was frustrating. Gatorade was also lacking during the middle of the run. Scenery was beautiful and the course is very flat. Great experience in all. I under ran my first, but going over the finish line I said to myself 'I can do that again.' I was advised by a vetran triathloner on the way to the race to drink chocolate milk before and after the race in order to cut recovery time. It worked exactly as he said. (If you read this, thanks!) Also they had great timing devices - mats at start, 21KM and finish and you had to cross all three. This is a Boston qualifier. I would recommend this race to anyone who wants to do a marathon - especially for a 1st marathon.
P. L. from Waterloo, Ontario (10/23/2004) "Course - terrific! Volunteers - wonderful!!!" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I really enjoyed the whole Waterfront Marathon experience. The race was well organized; I felt really comfortable with the start, the finish, the expo and support on the course - volunteers, bands, aid, fluids, signage and controls. I want to come back next year.
A. C. from Canada (10/13/2004) "A Marathon for a lifetime" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Waterfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A great course held at the perfect time of year. I will make sure to run this marathon every year.
m. w. from buffalo, ny, usa (10/5/2004) "This marathon rocks" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Toronto and it's people represent the best in Great Lakes cities. The marathon was challenging, scenic and well-managed - fans were numerous and supportive and genuine.

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