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The visitor’s guide to Toronto: Six recommendations for marathon weekend tourists

Visiting Toronto for marathon weekend? We have some recommendations on what to take in during your stay.

Toronto’s fall marathon isn’t far away now and just like years past, the 2017 race weekend will see crowds of runners visiting the city to run and play tourist for the weekend. If you fit that description, here are some of our suggestions on what to take in while checking out Ontario’s capital. 

The event: The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Oct. 22, 2017

The night before: Little Italy. The stretch along College Street westward from Bathurst Street is populated with restaurants serving the best pastas the city has on offer. Groups of runners looking to get their carb load on should head to Vivoli – one of the neighbourhood’s best-known dinner spots. 

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The post-race meal: Lady Marmalade. Nestled in Leslieville, one of Toronto’s most Pinterest-worthy neighbourhoods, Lady Marmalade is ranked one of the city’s favourite brunch spots. Runners who put in an honest effort deserve to settle in for a mouth-watering eggs Benny and coffee. And yes, it’s Instagrammable. 

The after party: Indie Alehouse. You trained, you ran and now it’s time for a juicy burger or satisfying bowl of creamy mac and cheese. Indie Alehouse is your best spot for post-race festivities. Indulge in a pint of Broken Hipster wheat beer and celebrate your accomplishment. 

The hidden gem: Evergreen Brickworks. This place is one of the city’s best kept secrets. If you’re visiting for a weekend, consider stopping by the farmer’s market or going for a shakeout run on the forested trails nearby and finishing the route at the cafe. An afternoon spent in nature here is the perfect thing to settle the nerves before a race or to chill out after a marathon. 

RELATED: Take a virtual tour of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon course

Accommodation: Luckily, the city is flooded with a grand selection of AirBnB rentals. Runners looking for a quiet, quaint location should check out the Riverdale neighbourhood to ensure a restful stay in Toronto. For those looking to stay closer to the start line, the downtown core’s skyscraper condos will offer both breathtaking views and convenience.

Don’t forget to pack: Waterproof shoes. It’s looking like marathon day is going to be a rainy one so don’t make the amateur error of packing just one pair of footwear – and certainly don’t count on wandering the city’s downtown core in the same sneakers you raced in. If visiting runners are going to act like a true Torontonians for marathon weekend, that’s going to involve a lot of walking so whether it’s Goretex-lined running shoes or waterproof rain boots, be ready. 

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