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May 18, 2024

Toronto Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 3.8

Organization 3.8

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 160 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 8 9 10 11 12 .. 16 > ]

T. M. from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (10/16/2006) "Lots Of Unrealized Potential" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon this year, after having run National Capital in Ottawa in May. I had heard many good things about this race from others who had run it in the past, and a few bad things as well, but I was determined to keep an open mind. The start was disorganized, with no real delineation of various starting groups other than the pace bunnies who were lined up wherever they felt like it, i.e.: the 3:45 was behind the 4:00 bunny by about 25 feet (250 runners). The first 18 KMs of the route were the worst of the course, mostly due to a complete lack of scenery other than high-rise apartments, condos and townhouses, sharing roads with traffic that obviously didn't like us being there. Police control was good with officers at every intersection, but the blaring horns of the motorists was a distraction, as were the catcalls. Personally, I thought the road closures were well advertised on my way into town on Saturday. The remainder of the route was actually quite nice, gently rolling but a net downhill overall with pleasant scenery and nice neighborhoods. The slow, steady climb to the finish up York and University were difficult, but not sufficiently so to cloud my overall positive impression of the course. I could, however, have done without the interminable run around Queen's Park - it just never stopped. Worst was the "You're Almost There" sign halfway around the bend. As I approached it, I thought that I'd be able to see the clock and the finish when I passed under the banner - NOT! A definite downer - if you can't see the finish, don't post the sign! The finish was well organized if a little chaotic and the massage wait was mercifully short and worth the brief pause. All in all, I enjoyed the race, but would like to see some organizational, advertising and sponsorship changes before I run it again. The declining numbers should be a clarion call to the organizers that some serious changes need to be made to allow this race to continue and to be healthy.
J. P. from Toronto, Canada (10/16/2006) "Better than expected!" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 After reading the other comments, I resigned myself to running this marathon, the only one I could do due to work commitments. I was very pleasantly surprised with this race. I thought the organization was excellent; there was a good expo, including lots of free food samples :), nice technical t-shirt; and the course was good, with the appropriate number of hills (only a couple of ugly spots) - running down Yonge Street rocks! The angry motorists were confined to a couple of intersections, and there were pockets with decent-size crowds of cheering spectators, regular aid stations and bands along the course. The Sponge Bob theme was cute and there was even a Sponge Bob mascot at the start line (although I didn't see him welcoming runners at the finish, which would have been even better). My only complaints (which are more suggestions than complaints) is that the course could be even better if the last part was redirected on Front Street instead of under the expressway and that there could be a greater variety of food at the finish area. I would not hesitate to do this one again!
S. K. from Whitby, ontario (10/15/2006) "A GREAT RACE" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Toronto Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 An enjoyable experience. The course is challenging and takes you through different parts of the city. It's fun to run on Younge Street. It was well organized and the volunteers were very enthuastic. Too bad there weren't more spectators out to support the runners. This is my annual marathon.... See you next year!!!!!!!!
M. W. from Toronto (9/25/2006) "Not worth the trip to Toronto" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As a Toronto resident, and having run both this marathon and the Waterfront Marathon that happens earlier in the season, I have to say that I found this event a real disappointment. The course is cumbersome and runs through some of the ugliest suburbs of the city. Likwise, much of the race is run on streets that are only partially closed, so runners have to put up with the shouts, curses and bullying of angry drivers. One car of angry church-goers charged at the group of runners in front of me in their aggravation - and this was at a police-controlled intersection. Call the traffic situation for this event "controlled chaos." The course is advertised as downhill, but it is actually rolling, with multiple hills throughout - including a long, consistent uphill grade of approx. 2-3 KM to the finish, which was quite demoralizing. The expo is meager, the on-course organization was disappointing, and the finish area was just plain disorganized and poorly laid out. It took me a 10-15 minutes after the race to find the baggage tent because it was so poorly marked and none of the volunteers knew where anything was. I really don't know how this race stays in business. Unless this is the only event that fits your schedule, choose another marathon. Not worth the trip and, as a resident, not the experience I'd like visitors to our city to have....
J. R. from Scarborough (2/8/2006) "Keeps getting better" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Toronto Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Some of these comments are really unfair. This is a good event. The expo was good, though they need more stores other than The Running Room. The kit was the best I've ever received. The carbo dinner was great with good speakers. Lots on the course and tons of food at the finish line. I don't know what some people are talking about.
A. M. from Toronto (10/28/2005) "Well organized and great entertainment" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I'm not sure what race some of the comments are from, but I liked this event. Only my 5th marathon, and I found the organization was great with wonderful volunteers. The hills were easy and course was fun and interesting. Lots of food at the finish and for those who complain about the lack of transportation, it doesn't make any sense. I guess they haven't run NYC or Boston. If you can drive downtown to the Holiday Inn to catch the bus, then why not to the start line? The subway works fine and is easy. I, for one, don't want to have to wait for a bus to fill up at the finish line for a trip to my car. Just hop the TTC and I'm there in 20 minutes. Lots of great fan support too!!
R. B. from Ottawa, ON (10/26/2005) "In need of improvement" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 This was my fifth marathon and 31st race overall. I can say without hesitation the Toronto Marathon was the least satisfying of any. There have been few races that have left me with a negative feeling, but this one was quite different. Several points need to be addressed very soon or this race will, if it already hasn't, become insignificant. 1- Battling with traffic should not be one of the obstacles challenging runners along the course. If not for quick action by a police officer a taxi would have taken out my running partner as it attempted to cross our path. Along with this one incident there were many examples of rude motorists upset over not being permitted to cross the running route as fast they wold like. Honking and shouting at us all the way, but not to be mistaken for encouragement. 2- Location of aid stations and the liquid surprise. Noticed the aid stations were a fair bit farther apart than at other races I've been in. I'm OK with that as I bring some of my own supplies, but this could be fatal for a first-timer. The liquid surprise was something the volunteers called Gatorade, but was definitely not. This stuff was retched and by the reaction of other runners around me the feeling was mutual. That no gels were offered on the course was also a surprise, as I'm use to seeing them at other races. The supplies (or lack thereof) at the end of the race were also a concern. Considering the cool conditions a Kevlar blanket would have been nice - some appeared to have received one, but none were around when I arrived. The water with specks in Styrofoam cups was also a bit lame. Add this to the limited supplies of juice, dry bagel, orange and banana it appeared costs were being kept to a minimum. This being said, there were plenty of food products for SALE. It's been said before and I'll say it again. As runners, we don't expect having to buy food at the end so we don't typically carry cash. 3- Limited and uninterested spectators along the course. It appeared the city either didn't care that a race was on or were frustrated that it was interrupting their day. Quite surprising to be approaching the end of a marathon (e.g. the last 5K) and seeing few people cheering us on. In fact, it was strange to see so many people on the streets oblivious to a race in progress. 4- Transportation for the race is also a problem as you have to figure out for yourself how to get back to the beginning of the course to fetch your car once you're done. Other races seem to realize that you're not quite yourself at the end of a marathon, so they make it easy to find your way back. It also seems a bit strange that Toronto would have two marathons so close together. Many large cities in the U.S. only host one event in the whole year. Toronto may want to consider getting their forces together and have one solid race over the option of two races and many disgruntled runners/city dwellers. Having completed both the Ottawa and Quebec City courses, I'd highly encourage these races as better alternatives. Well organized events with a real focus on the runners. Toronto is not a race I'll be planning any return trips any time soon.
T. R. from Winnipeg (10/21/2005) "Disappointing" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I came here expecting a mostly downhill half marathon which would lead to a personal best. I thoroughly enjoyed the race while on Yonge street. Even Hogs Hollow was a nice challenge. There were enough spectators to keep you motivated during this stretch also. However after turning off Yonge it turned into a boring and uninspiring course. I started to struggle on Lakefront and had to reach inside myself for motivation because there sure was nothing else around me to provide me with it. The final climb up University was not too bad but in my opinion very taxing, especially if you are not in tip-top shape. I am sure this is a major factor in the 3 deaths in 4 years. I was also thrown a surpise at the finish line. It was not where I thought it would be and I found I surged way too soon (as much as you can surge going uphill), resulting in an excruciating final half K. Mind you I have only run marathons in Winnipeg, so I find any hill challenging! All in all, though, I did finish just 6 seconds off my PB!
L. M. from Montreal, Canada (10/18/2005) "Superb Organization and Volunteers!!!" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the Toronto Marathon for the first time and was certainly not disappointed in the organization ! The weather was crappy (very windy and cold), but I don't think organizers can do anything about that. ;-) BEFORE THE START - Transportation to the starting line was well planned. - It was very nice to be able to stay warm by waiting for the gun in a mall right by the starting line. - There were plenty of portable johns and regular restrooms. - I really enjoyed the music and warm-up segment before the start. - Very easy to check our bags (and also very easy to pick it up after the race). THE COURSE - Not as flat as advertised on their website; the hill at km 22 was quite something! - One thing I would suggest is to have Yonge Street closed completely on one side. There were long car line-ups waiting to turn here and there while we were running (some of them being impatient) and I thought this was somewhat distracting. I have to say, though, that policemen at intersections did a fabulous job. WATER STATIONS - A lot of them. - A lot of volunteers - YOU GUYS DID A AWESOME JOB, especially in that kind of weather!!! FANS - About the same number of fans at the Marathon Des Deux-Rives (Quebec City) and less than Ottawa. - Those that were there were very cheerful - THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU !!! Even if we were not always smiling, your support was appreciated more than you will ever know... FIRST-AID - So many first-aid people on bikes to watch us making sure we were doing ok while we were running, especially in the last 1/4 of the race. - 'Unfortunately,' I had to use the first-aid facilities after the race (hypothermia and low pressure), but 'fortunately,' there were so many doctors and other competent volunteers taking care of me during about 1 1/2 hour that I turned out to recover very well. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR STAYING THE EXTRA TIME to make sure I was ok. I would recommend this marathon if you don't mind running downtown, not having the whole street dedicated to runners. Since I am from Montreal, please allow me to give this small piece of advice to MONTREAL ORGANIZERS (marathon in September): PLEASE ASK TORONTO HOW THEY DID IT!!!!
A. K. from New York (10/12/2005) "Fun fun fun" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Toronto Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first trip to Toronto and 1st marathon. The weather wasn't great, but the people more than made up for it with all the support. Nice route and well organized with some really great entertainment. Am doing it again this year.

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