Since launching in 2000, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon has grown into one of Canada’s premier running events, earning World Athletics Label status, a distinction awarded to leading road races around the world.
Its reputation is reflected in both its role and its results. The event has served as Canada’s national marathon championship and helped athletes qualify for major international competitions. It has also produced standout performances, including Philemon Rono’s men’s course record of 2:05:00 (2019), Waganesh Mekasha’s women’s record of 2:20:44 (2024), and Cam Levins’ 2:09:25 run in 2018, which broke a Canadian marathon record that had stood for 43 years.
Race Weekend
The weekend unfolds in two stages. The 5K takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 17, starting and finishing at Nathan Phillips Square.
On Sunday, October 18, marathon and half-marathon runners will set off from Yonge Street north of Gerrard Street before following a route through the waterfront and eastern Beaches neighbourhoods, ultimately returning downtown for a finish at Nathan Phillips Square.
The marathon course remains open until 3:30 p.m., while half-marathon participants have until 1 p.m. to complete their race.
Bay Street will close to east-west pedestrian crossings between Lake Shore Boulevard and Dundas Street beginning at 8:45 a.m., so plan accordingly by crossing at Dundas or using the pedestrian passage through Union Station.
Road closures will affect several major Toronto streets on Sunday, October 18, including Yonge Street, Bay Street, Bloor Street, Bathurst Street, Queen Street East, Eastern Avenue, Bayview Avenue, and Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Vehicle access will be restricted along sections of the route, while pedestrians may experience temporary delays or restrictions at crossings as runners pass.
Closures will be lifted progressively as the race moves through the city, with motorists and pedestrians advised to check the official interactive road-closure map before travelling.
If you missed out on a race bib, there’s still a way to take part. Virtual registration remains open through Race Roster, and next year’s event will offer another chance to secure a spot. Otherwise, race day is worth experiencing as a spectator.
The Details
- What: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K)
- When: October 17–18, 2026
- 5K: Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m.
- Marathon & Half Marathon: Sunday, October 18 at 8 a.m.
- Start Line (Marathon & Half Marathon): Yonge St., north of Gerrard
- Finish Line: Bay Street just north of Queen Street at Nathan Phillips Square
- Where: Downtown Toronto and Toronto waterfront, with the event hub at Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St. W.)
- Distances: 42.2K Marathon, 21.1K Half Marathon, 5K
- Registration Status: Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K are sold out; virtual options remain available
- Website: TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
