Toronto’s Downsview gets half-marathon

Toronto’s Mayor Rob Ford should be happy about this one.

The community of Downsview has announced it will be hosting a half-marathon on Sunday, Nov. 11. Back in 2010, frustrated with traffic woes caused by Toronto’s two fall marathons, Ford suggested the race promoters take their marathons and half-marathons to Downsview (or High Park).

Ford likely didn’t realize it would mean about 10 or more laps of High Park to make it work, or that marathons need to be run entirely on pavement. That said, Downsview still remained an option. A wide-open space with a military airport and training ground, the community got behind the project.

“This new event will not only take runners twice through the incredible new parkland in Downsview Park, it will pass historic Downsview hangars, go through the Canadian Forces Base and then travel the length of the Downsview Airport taxiway as part of the 21.1-kilometer running race in and around Downsview Park,” a news release stated.

Bombardier has granted permission for runners to use its taxiway and the company will place aircraft along the route.

“We’re thrilled about using all of Downsview,” said race director, Michael Brennan. “The whole of Downsview is famous for its aircraft production during the Second World War and later, so now the race encompasses the new and the historical part of it. People are buzzing about the route.”

The event will also include a 5K race inside Downsview Park.

There are discounts for military and emergency workers. The race will support two major charities: SickKids Foundation and the Toronto Military Family Resource Centre.