I ran this marathon the first time this year and was somewhat surprised how hilly the first half is, since they say it's a downhill race. A lot of "ups and downs" for the first 10-15K. The organization was great, with water and Gatorade almost every 2-3K. A real disappointment are the spectators (there were hardly any, except for the first couple of kilometers, and there was no comparison to the Berlin Marathon. And I have never been shouted at from passing cars, which was new to me. Would I run it again? Well, probably, but maybe in a couple of years to see if the Torontonians are more enthusiastic then.

This was my first time in Toronto. The marathon was a great introduction to the city. It took runners through interesting neighborhoods (from leafy residential to downtown to the waterfront). The course is flat and fast. (I got my PR.) There was plenty of water, and they had three GU stops. Spectators were light from around miles 16-24, but it didn't bother me. The organization was excellent, I thought. Expo was medium-sized. Weather was perfect - upper 30s at the start, and sunny, mid 40s at the finish.

This race will give you the feel of a race in a big city without the big city (Chicago) crowds.

Pluses:
1.) The course is a great mix of city, neighborhoods and along the lake shore.
2.) The hill early in the race is rough, but after that, it is mostly flat or downhill!
3.) I did not find the incline at the end that bad and I'm no fan of hills!
4.) Spectator support was enthusiastic, but sparse in places if you depend on it.
5.) Very nice tech. race shirt - maybe long-sleeve next time?
6.) Medal is ginormous!
7.) Weather was perfect! Thanks, Toronto!

Minuses:
1.) Although I did not personally experience this, there were reportedly six busses that showed up late for the start. This will undoubtedly be rectified.

Overall, I would highly recommend this event as a destination race!

I ran the half marathon. We got to the shuttle point an hour early and were still a half an hour late to the race! There was no organization at the shuttle pick up; marathoners (whose race was an hour later) were getting on the buses with the half marathoners. When we were dropped off, no one pointed the way to the start, so we walked a half-mile following the path of the runners who had already started. The water stops were well organized and plentiful, but the after-race food was sub par. The course was nice but where was the on-course entertainment that was promised on the website?! Toronto is a beautiful city, but I would not run this race again.

This was my second Toronto Marathon. It's got a lovely course that runs through different neighborhoods, downtown and along the lakeshore. I love the crowd and the entertainment. It's well organized and of decent size. I will do it again.

This was my first marathon. I found issues from 2008 regarding water stations to be a non-issue this year. Support was pretty much consistent. Bananas were a nice treat about eight miles in. The course has one major ascent early, with the rest predominantly downhill until the final two miles - a long, slow ascent back into the core of the city. Nice neighborhoods in the city, and nice waterfront route. The crowds were sparse, but those that were there were enthusiastic. Medal was great. I would definitely do this again. Only possible complaint: many half-marathoners experienced significant transportation issues, as many missed the start - they need to seriously rectify this in the future. Message: get to the buses early or find your own alternative transportation to start.

It's impossible to run negative splits on this course. It's got a great, fast front half, and then it's got a nice and flat out-and-back on Lakeshore. But the final 3K-stretch uphill to Queen's Park is a killer. Save some for that. If they got rid of that finish, it could be one of the fastest out there. Unfortunately, the support from Toronto is brutal. The few fans are great, but the cars and radio stations are terrible.

I loved the course and the organization. The size was perfect - large enough to have support, but small enough so we didn't have to dodge people.

The course is the best around with fantastic support from the volunteers and musicians. I particularly like it because it's my PB again this year. NO other city marathon gives a tour like this while remaining mostly downhill, allowing for some fast times. Most of the runners I know who ran achieved PB's, whether running the marathon or half marathon. The finish area - combined with shirts and medals - continues to be the best out there.

This was my 1st Canadian marathon, and what an experience. Even though I hit the wall around the 15 mile-mark and couldn't get back into the swing of things, I did my best and completed it. At 5:53, it was not my best, but the crowds and encouragement were out of this world, so that's why I'm doing it again in 2009. Thanks for a great day.