Spring in your step

There are distances between 5K and the marathon, and the course is fast and a popular qualifier for the Boston Marathon. This year, in an effort to enhance the experience for Canadian and American participants, bibs and shirts can be sent out to racers in the weeks prior, adding to the general ease of attending the event.

What makes the race so popular both with Canadians and race participants from all over the world is the energy and the enthusiasm of the runners along with over 1500 volunteers and thousands of spectators who support the event.

“I find so much gratitude in seeing the faces of all our participants, from the kids running their first 5k to the elite marathoners trying to set records,” says race director Jay Glassman. Incremental improvements and attention to detail has set his race up for success. “Putting on a big city race takes massive organization and a huge team. After so many years of working together and working with the city we’re all in sync and poised to make 2023 something special.”

The pandemic has only added to the pool of potential race participants. While the numbers are still being tallied there’s no doubt that the sport of distance running is seeing a big boom. With so many new runners coming into the sport, and so many people discovering running but who have never raced before, Glassman says it’s a tremendous opportunity to welcome everyone to the beloved Toronto Marathon.

“After so many years of hosting participants at our events the excitement of seeing someone achieve their dreams never wanes,” says Glassman, who famously bestows massive medals and the sport’s best runner’s shirt to every participant in every distance at his event. “We treat each participant as a VIP and every single member of our organization is determined to ensure that every participant has an unforgettable time.”

Thanks to a long-term partnership with Sportstats friends and families are able to track each racer in real time. They can easily follow participants along the course by taking advantage of Toronto’s subway system. The course has eighteen water and aid stations, a dedicated medical team and the world-famous psyching team. Given the unpredictable nature of Ontario’s spring, after crossing the finish line runners enter a large, heated building where they find their bags, food, nuun hydration and massage.

The end result is fanatical energy, and the buzz across North America around the Toronto event is huge. Glassman says that 2023 is shaping up to be the biggest and best year in the event’s history.

“I think by surpassing racers’ expectations we’ve set the standard for how a big city running event should be held,” says Glassman. The event has raised millions of dollars for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and other charities, and hosted running luminaries like Kathrine Switzer, Roger Robinson, and Bill Rodgers. “We know how much races mean to our community and how proud our runners are of the event and the city. We take our responsibility of hosting the event very seriously and continue to find inspiration from our participants. We look forward to welcoming the world to Toronto.”