Big changes ahead for TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend

October’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon can now call itself a race weekend. On April 16, Canada Running Series announced it has been granted a permit from the City of Toronto to host the annual Waterfront 5K race on Saturday, rather than on marathon Sunday.

The 5K event will still be run in conjunction with Sunday’s marathon and half-marathon, but will now be held on Saturday morning, bringing a true event weekend vibe to Toronto this fall as the race celebrates its 35th anniversary.

In the past, the 5K event has followed a point-to-point course, starting at Ontario Place on Toronto’s Lakeshore Blvd. and finishing in front of Toronto City Hall in Nathan Phillips Square. According to race director Alan Brookes, the 2024 5K route has not yet been finalized, but will likely be a looped course starting and ending at Nathan Phillips Square.

Registration for the Toronto race weekend 5K opened on Tuesday and will have a cap of 8,000 participants. Runners can also enter multiple events, combining Saturday’s 5K with Sunday’s marathon or half-marathon. Those already registered for the marathon or half-marathon will receive an email with a $10 discount code if they choose to register for the 5K.

“We are thrilled with this development and believe it will take the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the next level,” said Charlotte Brookes, national event director for Canada Running Series. “It signals the next era of running in Toronto, with a complete weekend of races, as seen at other world marathons in New York City, Boston, London and Chicago, and here in Canada in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Regina.”

Brookes expects Saturday’s 5K to create a full weekend of energy and excitement in Toronto: “It will bring more people into the city, enhance the economic impact, and provide an opportunity for anyone supporting a loved one doing the marathon and half on Sunday to also participate in the 5K on Saturday,” she said.

This year’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, with the 5K on Saturday, Oct. 19. For more information and to register for Toronto race weekend, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.