Toronto Marathon


The Toronto Marathon, held annually in May, is a race from Mel Lastman Square, in the north end of Toronto, to Ontario Place. The race was initially called the Canadian International Marathon, and was first held in 1995 under its current organizer. The origins of the event trace back to 1977. In 2003, its name was changed to the Toronto Marathon. In 2008, it was again renamed for a new primary sponsor, GoodLife Fitness. It was held previously on the third Sunday in October, the first Sunday after Canadian Thanksgiving, for 16 consecutive years. Because of concerns that the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was being held three weeks prior lead to too many road closures, the Toronto Marathon is now run in May, beginning in 2011. The event was temporarily held mid-May in 2011, due to other events in the City of Toronto that year. The event is now held on the first Sunday in May, beginning in 2012.
In addition to a full marathon, the event also includes a half marathon, a 10K run, a 5K run, and an eight-person relay across the marathon course. The marathon meets international standards and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Criticism

In 2018 the Toronto Marathon was accused of having an incorrect distance. Participants believed that the marathon course was 43km even though it was supposed to be 42.2km. The organizers claim that this is not true and that "the distance is 100 per cent correct" Also it was believed by some runners that the 5km race was actually 3.5km, and there were other complaints such as runners being misdirected, and runners sharing the Martin Goodman Trail with other trail users.

Cancelation

The race scheduled for 3 May 2020, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who had already paid were allowed to defer their entries to the 2021 race.

List of Marathon winners