North America / Canada / Toronto
TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2026
At the starting line
A race worth the journey.
The TCS Toronto Waterfront marathon is the October Canada Running Series road race through central Toronto and its waterfront. The current event starts on Yonge Street north of Gerrard Street.
Know the course
Race route
Explore the course and the climbs before you get to the starting line.
Marathon
Official course mapThe organizer’s course map is ready.
Open the official map to see the route, start and finish.
Elevation data not available
Organizer course source · Checked
Event history
The Toronto Waterfront races belong to Canada Running Series’ October festival. This is distinct from the Toronto Marathon held in May; a distance-specific inception year was not verified from the sources checked.
Previous winners
The last ten completed editions where results can be verified. Overall men's and women's winners for this distance.
| Edition | Men | Time | Women | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Leonard Langat | 2:08:04 | Shure Demise | 2:21:03 | Results ↗ |
| 2024 | Mulugeta Asefa Uma | 2:07:16 | Waganesh Mekasha | 2:20:44 | Results ↗ |
| 2023 | Elvis Kipchoge Cheboi | 2:09:20 | Buze Diriba | 2:23:11 | Results ↗ |
| 2022 | Yihunilign Adane | 2:07:18 | Antonina Kwambai | 2:23:20 | Results ↗ |
| 2019 | Philemon Rono | 2:05:00 | Magdalyne Masai | 2:22:16 | Results ↗ |
| 2018 | Benson Kipruto | 2:07:24 | Mimi Belete | 2:22:29 | Results ↗ |
| 2017 | Philemon Rono | 2:06:52 | Marta Megra Lema | 2:28:20 | Results ↗ |
| 2016 | Philemon Rono | 2:08:27 | Shure Demise | 2:25:18 | Results ↗ |
| 2015 | Ishhimael Chemtan | 2:09:00 | Shure Demise | 2:23:37 | Results ↗ |
| 2014 | Laban Korir | 2:08:15 | Mulu Seboka | 2:23:15 | Results ↗ |
Ten completed October Waterfront marathon editions through 2025. No in-person marathon in 2020 or 2021; the 2021 10km programme is excluded. World Athletics full-marathon results/reporting used, including gun/official marks where rounded chip results differ. The Canadian national champions are not substituted for overall winners.
Runner perspectives
Selected summaries of public runner reviews. These describe the editions and distances noted, and experiences may change.
In his 2023 half-marathon report, Randy recommends planning around weekend road closures and arriving early. He praises the festival and describes a crowded start and Lake Shore headwind. This is a shared festival perspective from the half distance.
Randy C. · Read review ↗2023Half marathon; shared festival perspective
A 2015 half-marathon runner praises shared festival volunteers and organization but describes a congested finish exit. Her account does not cover the full-marathon course.
Vicky (Menu by Vicky) · Read review ↗2015Half marathon; shared festival perspective
The 2025 first-time marathoner praises lively city and Beaches spectators and helpful pacing support. Warm weather, cobblestones and narrow sections around the middle of the marathon made passing harder.
u/sheesaker · Read review ↗2025Marathon
Typical race weather
October in Toronto
- Average daytime high
- 14.1°C
- Average overnight low
- 9.0°C
- Average monthly precipitation
- 74 mm
October averages suggest cool daytime running conditions and cooler nights. The waterfront model cell can differ from inland streets, so use the averages as packing guidance rather than a start-time prediction. Average daily highs are 14.1°C and overnight lows 9.0°C. Average precipitation totals about 74 mm over the whole month. Rain preparation is sensible, but the total does not give the chance or timing of rain during the race. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Toronto city station series shows very little average October snowfall, although it has occurred; the snowfall records used extend from 1991 to April 2017. These are historical regional averages, not a forecast or race-hour temperatures; the coast, hills and start line may differ.
Climate source ↗ · NASA POWER / MERRA-2 grid near Toronto (43.65°, -79.38°); not a weather station · October 2001–2020 (20 years) · Additional weather context ↗
Historical averages describe typical conditions, not the forecast or the temperature at the starting line.
What to wear
- Racing: consider a technical T-shirt with shorts or light tights; removable sleeves or a thin long-sleeve layer may suit a cooler forecast.
- Waiting at the start: bring a removable warm layer and, if rain is forecast, a rain shell or poncho. If the start-time forecast is cold, consider light gloves and a hat or headband that you can remove.
- After finishing: keep a dry top and an extra layer in your finish bag.
- These are editorial clothing suggestions. Check the forecast close to race day and adapt to your own comfort.
Check the forecast close to race day and adjust your clothing to the start time and your own comfort.
Guide sources checked on .
Checked on 4 Oct 2026 · Event source
Map pins locate the host city, not the start line or race course.