Next race
Sunday, 18 October 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Net downhill · 149 m gain
149 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 14k finishers on an urban road in Toronto, Canada. The course starts and finishes at Nathan Phillips Square. The route follows the Lake Ontario waterfront through the Beaches, High Park, and downtown Toronto. Mostly flat with minor rises leaving the lakeshore.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 14k finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:05:00 — Philemon Rono (2019)Women: 2:20:44 — Waganesh Mekasha (2024)
Course & terrain
Toronto Waterfront Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a flat waterfront and downtown loop starting on Yonge St north of Gerrard and finishing on Bay St near Nathan Phillips Square, with Race Central and bag check at Nathan Phillips Square. The route follows Lake Ontario through the Beaches, High Park, and downtown Toronto. The waterfront and park sections are the easiest because the course stays level and quick, while the tougher challenge is holding pace across so many flat miles rather than climbing. Spectator support is strongest at Nathan Phillips Square, along the Beaches waterfront, and through the High Park approach.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon route map
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 149 metres of climbing and 242 metres of descent, with a net descent of 93 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Net downhill · 149 m gain — approx. 161 m above sea level
↑ 149 m · ↓ 242 m · net −93 m
Registration
Toronto Waterfront Marathon entry requirements
For the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, registration opens on the official race website (torontowaterfrontmarathon.com) and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The race fills quickly — early sign-up is strongly advised.
Getting there
Toronto Waterfront Marathon travel
Airports closest to Toronto for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Best for most flights
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
19 km / 12 mi
- Closest airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
9 km / 5 mi
Race footage
Toronto Waterfront Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2025 Course Preview
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon elevation profile?
- The Toronto Waterfront Marathon has 149 metres of total climbing and 242 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 93 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Toronto Waterfront Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Toronto Waterfront Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Race Central and bag check are at Nathan Phillips Square.
- How long is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon?
- The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From Yonge St north of Gerrard (facing northbound) to on Bay St near Nathan Phillips Square.
- What time does the Toronto Waterfront Marathon start?
- The 2026 Toronto Waterfront Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Toronto Waterfront Marathon serve as the Canadian Olympic Trials?
- Yes. The Toronto Waterfront Marathon has regularly hosted the Athletics Canada Olympic and Paralympic Trials marathon, making it the most prestigious road race in Canada for elite athletes chasing national team selection.
- What is the course like at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon?
- The course hugs the Lake Ontario shoreline through downtown Toronto, taking runners past Harbourfront Centre, the CN Tower skyline, and the Eastern Beaches before returning along the waterfront. Total elevation gain is approximately 149 metres, with a net drop of about 93 metres — ideal for fast times.
- When is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon held?
- The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is typically held on the third Sunday of October, capitalising on cool autumn temperatures that favour personal bests.
- How do I enter the Toronto Waterfront Marathon?
- Registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis when sign-ups open. The race fills quickly — early sign-up is strongly advised.
- Is the Toronto Waterfront Marathon good for a personal best?
- Absolutely. The flat lakeshore course, cool October weather, strong elite field, and frequent use as an Olympic Trials qualifier combine to make Toronto one of the faster marathon courses in North America.
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Toronto.
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Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
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How to Choose a Marathon
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