Destination race: Goodlife Toronto Marathon

The Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon is a staple of the region’s spring race schedule, but it also draws runners from all over the country, and world to race south into the city and out along the lakeshore.

“I looked this morning and we’ve got 41 countries represented right now for the event, which is pretty good. In the end, we’ll likely have over 50 countries,” said race director Jay Glassman.

The race is fast and it follows a route that does a good job of showcasing the city, so it’s not a big surprise it’s popular. The route runs south down Yonge Street before turning into Forest Hill for a loop around Upper Canada College and Casa Loma. The route then moves back to follow the scenic Don Valley into and through downtown, past Ontario Place along the lakeshore before turning around in the west end of the city to finish back at Ontario Place.

“It’s a great course. It’s a fast course, a PB course,” said Glassman. “We’ve got great medals in all the categories. Our marathon medals has become iconic. And then, at the finish line, we’ve got 300 massage therapists and there are shuttles to take runners back from the downtown core to the startline and it’s a great finishing area down at Ontario Place.

For those looking for a fast time, the route has a net drop in elevation, but it doesn’t mean the route isn’t a fun one for those interested in a great event and less interested in a finishing time. The course is also a great Boston qualifier.

The race is big, but it’s not so large as to be overwhelming. Last year between the marathon, half-marathon and 5K there were about 10,000 runners.

There have been a few changes. In previous years the 5K run and walk have started at the same time, but they’ve moved the run to earlier in the morning this year. Both started at noon in previous years, but this year the run will get started at 8:00 a.m. and the walk will stay at noon.

Also, the turnaround at the west end of the marathon route sneaks up a bit sooner than in previous years.

“There’s always great spectator support,” said Glassman. “Of course more spectator support would always be great, but the last few years it’s been really great.”

Registration is discounted until the end of March, but interested runners can sign up right until the expo before the event.