I decided on Saturday to register for the race, having just run Portland, OR Marathon two weeks prior. (Toronto was #24 for me). It was not the worst I have run, but at the bottom.
From a poor expo, to not taking credit cards to pay at the expo for registration (Americans had to use cash).
The start was un-inspiring.
The course was a sleeper, and very commercial.
No food on the course and a recovery sports drink were unacceptable, given the costs of entry.
I asked a first aid person about numb feet, and he said he was only trained in cuts and basic response. But the bike support generally was good given the cold conditions.
Not many people at finish line, and ran out of Mylar blankets which I needed.
Then, couldn't find a cab to get to hotel.
I do not recommend this race, especially for first-timers.

M.C.: It seems to me that your criticism could have been better worded. The great marathons of North America, in particular New York and Chicago, had most humble beginnings, similar to the Toronto Marathon. The Toronto Marathon is still in its infancy. While many hundreds of thousands line the streets of both NY and Chicago now, it was not the case for the first decade of either marathon. The same could be said of the organization I'm sure. The Toronto Marathon will one day be one of the top ten marathons in North America - but it will take time. I ran the race last year as well, and was pleasantly surprised by how many more spectators were out this year, and also how much better the organization was only one year later. In order to be a top ten marathon in North America, which we as a city most definitely have the potential for, let's give the organizers constructive, and less emotional criticism.

I did Vancouver in May (2273) and just did Toronto (777) on Sunday past. I found Toronto substandard. Only 1 aid station had any food: a small section of banana. The drink was watered down (the electrolyte). I was actually hungry in spite of carbing up at the start. The course I found very uninteresting. I think it was also a bit too hilly, especially at the end where you have to run uphill 3 miles or so to the finish line.

This was my second Toronto Marathon. The organization was second to none this year. Volunteers and doctors at the finish were fantastic. There were more spectators this year than last, and it made a big difference. This is a challenging course, make no mistake about it. The hills really take their toll on you. But that being said, I would highly recommend this race.

This was my first marathon and I found it a good experience (despite hitting the wall with about 6K to go)! It?s a point-to-point course, so I stayed at the Novotel near the race start in North York ? much more convenient than being bused from downtown Toronto and hanging around waiting for the start. Spectators were a bit scattered at times, but I didn?t mind ? I don?t need people shouting encouragement at me when I?m running. There were a few angry motorists upset by the road closures, but not that many ? the stories about all these Torontonians honking their horns and shaking their fists are overstated.

The loop around North York was a bit boring, though the part through the park was great. There is a stretch through Rosedale later in the race that is beautiful ? lots of trees and very peaceful (unless you don?t like the lack of fans). Don?t be fooled while running towards Queens Park and think you?re practically done ? you have to run all the way around the back and then some before you hit the finish line.

There were an adequate number of aid stations, though a few more would be good. The information on the web site about course entertainment must be from years ago ? I didn?t see the 20-30 entertainment stations, Boom bikes or humourous signs they promote there. There were lots of refreshments at the finish area, and one of the university buildings is open for showering right near the finish line.

A well-organized event, not too crowded a field ? worth considering.

The course is great and goes by so fast the spectators keep you alive and going. I have done this twice now and still look forward to all areas of this run. The volunteers keep you going!

Overall, the course is a good one and I ran my best time ever. Ok, so I've only completed 6 marathons, but managed to shave 16 minutes off my PR. The volunteers at the finish line were great and the food...amazing!! they had everything and I took full advantage. Thanks for a great race!

2002 was my first marathon ever. I somehow finished it. I dreaded having to start off at Sheppard seeing the eyes of drivers pissed-off at marathoners for ruining their sunday drive, the yonge st. strech was great then the dreaded lonely rosedale and bayview extension was very unpleasant. Not a soul around even the finish along university was very quiet. Not a great marathon for a first timer.

This marathon was very unpleasant due to the hundreds of angry motorists honking as we ran by. During the last few kms of the marathon police officers were directing cars to speed across the course right in front of runners! I am surprised there were not any accidents. The city clearly does not communicate the fact that some roads will be closed to traffic. It is also nerve racking running right alongside vehicles on Steeles Avenue and Yonge street. The huge backlog of traffic on Steeles also made for some very bad exhaust fumes. The marathon either needs to close down the streets entirely and appropriately notify residents, or select a route where traffic will not be such a problem. I think participation rates would be a lot higher if these improvements were to take place.

I ran this year's marathon & must say it was much better than last year.
The weather was perfect for running a marathon. The route was well marked & marshalled. Thanks to all the police & race volunteers.
I don't run for the expos or the shirts & medals. I run because I enjoy running & want to do my best.
This is the best marathon in Southern Ontario & I only hope it continues to grow in both size & status among the running community.
It may not be the most scenic or historic marathon, but it is our local marathon, so let's support it.
You must train hard for any marathon to make your experience a good one. I did & I ran a PB by more than 20 minutes. I qualified for Boston & I'll be back to run this again.

Thanks for the experience.