I went with the early-bird start at 6:15 a.m. Course support was great even that early. Early registrants had their first names printed on their race bibs, so fans called out your name as you passed. That was really special. The only complaint would be drab, limited food at the end of the race. They were out of bananas when I got done.

This was my first-ever marathon! I set the goal after I began running just two years ago. When I began, I couldn't run on the treadmill for longer than 2 minutes without stopping to 'recover.' Over time, and with some encouragement along the way, I increased my endurance.... Ran a 10K in May '04 to start and then my first half-marathon in May '05. It was a challenge to maintain training over the summer with temperatures well over 30C. But I persevered, knowing that I wanted to achieve the goal of running a marathon in my 50th year. (This even after I developed plantar fasciitis on my last long run three weeks before the race date.) By God's grace, I was in good form on race day. Although I had to stop running, I kept up my fitness level by cross-training and entrusted the results to Him. How exhilarating to accomplish my goal by completing the course on September 25! I was even able to help a charity along the way! PTL!

I picked this marathon to be my first for a couple of reasons; partly its proximity to western NY, but mostly because it was described as a scenic, flat course with great spectators. The route was very boring and lonely in places, especially on the Leslie Spit (6 or so barren miles of scrub and no spectators). However, the people that did come out in support made up for it and the bands (mostly percussion) certainly gave me a lift. Overall, organization was great, including lots of friendly volunteers, adequate water & Gatorade stops, and visible markers every 2k or so (but no times except at the half). Gel stations were sometimes a little harder to spot. I think some changes in the routing of the course, would be a great improvement. That said, I had such a great experience, I'd do it again.

I just ran the marathon for the second consecutive year. I enjoyed it more this time around (knowing the course from the previous year helped). There are really 2 slight inclines; otherwise it is flat. I was a little disappointed with the KM markers (hard to find or missing) and as one runner pointed out... it's called the Waterfront Marathon, yet you don't run along the water! Great idea to have names on bibs. It was very encouraging to have people cheer you on using your first name, especially when you are struggling! Water and Gatorade stations were plentiful and I had a great time in Toronto. Will be back.

My wife and I plan our vacations around roughly four marathons per year. We get to see new parts of North America and the world and get some running in. My point is, our feelings about a marathon are based upon our overall experience. In our case, we had a blast. We arrived Thursday and the weather couldn't be better. It stayed temperate until Sunday, race day, when it got cloudy and grey, which we like for running.

I have no complaints about the organization or the course. The spectators were a bit sparse, but that's what Boston and Chicago are for. I'm not sure what the the previous comment was complaining about. I saw all km markers, and had a medal at the end. Maybe the half was a bit disorganized because they had many more runners.

I have mixed feelings about out-and-back courses, but at least you get to see other runners, including the elites.

All in all, it was pretty much as advertised: a mid-sized, big-city marathon. Mostly, we loved Toronto and would happily go back there (great food!). It's like New York, without the trash!

The organizers and organization were first-rate and helpful, as were the more-than-sufficient number of volunteers. All made the day fun, and logistically easy, which is all greatly appreciated. If I lived in the area, I'd be back.

However, from 800km (500 miles), to choose the T. Waterfront on the strength of the words 'waterfront,' 'scenic,' etc., is a mistake. If you prioritize scenery when selecting a long-trip marathon, the route for the runners is less than extraordinary.

Despite the delightful nature of the city, the running route's scenery was a disappointment. Sections early were fine, but they were not more than half of the day.

About 4 good miles were in town among the finer buildings, and about 6 to 8 of the expected and delightful pretty miles along the picturesque western side of Toronto's waterfront park area were very pleasing. But the second half of the course on the east side was among industrial plants and railroad tracks, or under an elevated expressway, or on a peninsula that needs an infusion of care and clean-up to become as beautiful as it could easily be.

Nothing against anyone involved at all; all folks connected to the race were wonderful to us. But to invest the traveling money and time, there are prettier courses.

Course is very flat and the people are great. Lots of encouraging cheering and many bands and drummers. I could have used power gets at the 22km mark. Weather was perfect and there was lots of water and Gatorade.

2005 marked the fifth straight year that I have run the half marathon here. The primary draws are the timing (it fits very well into a fall marathon training schedule) and the very flat course. The organization is quite smooth and the aid stations are abundant and well-staffed. The only drawbacks are the low spectator turnout and less-than-beautiful scenery.

This is not a destination marathon, but it is an excellent opportunity for seasoned runners to chase a PB. I don't know where the narrow course comments come from. (???)

I enjoyed my first marathon. The weather was perfect (overcast), the volunteers were friendly, the aid stations were plentiful, I received a medal at the end, and there were absolutely no problems on the route.

It is unfortunate that the Leslie Spit is so isolated - but the great support from the Beaches area made up for it a little. I think it would be more fun to run further west along the Lakeshore than run the Leslie Spit. Especially with the fan support that would then be available during the second half of the race.

Suggestions for next year would be to mark the bunnies better, and provide written directions during the kit pickup and race starts.

Thanks for a very well organized and fun run.

ps. Nice meeting you, Roger.

I've run a number of marathons in a lot of different cities and this was by far the worst. The course was plain at best. We ran down a freeway with basically no view of the water. The course than came back down the same stretch of freeway to a sharp right out on a boring, brushy island. Finally, we ran under a bunch of overpasses until we ended up at the finish. The course was also point-to-point with sharp 180 turns. Horrible.

No food at the finish and no space blankets. A really long finisher's chute with no support staff. My wife couldn't even be at the finish and get to me at the end of the chute. One last issue was that the 3:20 pacer did not show up. We ended up with a rather bitter 3:10 pace guy who took us out doing sub 7:05's. Oh well. The whole experience stunk and I would recommend everyone stay away from this unattractive, poorly run marathon. Spend your money, training, and time on Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, Detroit, etc. Love Toronto; just hate their marathon.