The Toronto marathon calendar is one of North America’s most active running event scenes, anchored by two major fall marathons (the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October and the Toronto Marathon in May), plus dozens of smaller distance races, fun runs, and themed events throughout the year. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon — held the second Sunday of October each year — is Canada’s largest marathon with 30,000+ participants and a flat, fast IAAF Gold Label course that has produced multiple world-class times. From half-marathons and 10Ks to mass-participation 5Ks and the iconic Toronto Marathon (the city’s second major fall race), this complete guide covers Toronto marathon options in 2026 — how to register, training tips, course details, and answers to the questions runners ask most. For broader context, see our complete Toronto events and festivals guide.

For the official Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon information, see the official marathon website.

Toronto Marathon: Major Toronto Running Events

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October)

Canada’s largest and most prestigious marathon. Held the second Sunday of October each year. IAAF Gold Label course. 30,000+ participants spread across the marathon, half-marathon, 5K, and Para-Athletics events.

Course: 42.2-km loop starting and finishing at Mel Lastman Square. Course winds through downtown Toronto, the Don Valley, Cabbagetown, and along the waterfront.

Times: Marathon, half-marathon, and 5K all start in waves; full event runs 6–8 hours.

Cost: Marathon $150–$220 depending on registration timing. Half: $100–$140. 5K: $50–$70.

Best for: Serious marathon runners, BQ (Boston Marathon Qualification) seekers, charity runners.

Toronto Marathon (May)

The city’s second major marathon, held in mid-May each year. Smaller scale than Scotiabank but well-organized.

Course: 42.2-km loop starting and finishing in north Toronto.

Cost: Marathon $80–$130. Half: $60–$90.

Best for: Spring runners; less competitive than Scotiabank.

Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon (October)

Smaller marathon and half-marathon held in early October. Provides an alternative for runners who can’t get into Scotiabank.

Pan Am Toronto Half Marathon (April)

Spring half-marathon. Connects to Toronto’s Pan Am Games legacy.

Beach Run Series (Various Dates)

Short-distance races (5K, 10K) along the Beaches boardwalk and along the waterfront. Great spring/summer training races.

Toronto Yonge Street 10K (April)

10K event running down Yonge Street. The annual spring tradition.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 5K (October)

Family-friendly 5K connected to the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon weekend.

Christmas Marathon & Half Marathon (December)

Indoor track events at the Toronto Track & Field Centre.

Themed Fun Runs

The Color Run, Santa Run, and various themed events run throughout the year.

Toronto Marathon: Registration & Pricing

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Registration opens October 1 (one year ahead). Early-bird pricing available through January. Final registration usually closes 1–2 weeks before the race or when capacity fills.

Most popular events sell out by April or May for the October race.

Charity Bibs

If the race is sold out, charity organization bibs are sometimes available. Charity bibs require a fundraising commitment ($1,000+ typical).

Pricing Tiers

Most events use early-bird, mid-bird, and late registration tiers. Marathon pricing typically $150–$220 depending on timing.

Toronto Marathon: Course Highlights

Scotiabank Course

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon course winds through some of Toronto’s most iconic locations. Highlights include:

Start at Mel Lastman Square: North Toronto suburban location.

Don Valley Section: Downhill section through the Don Valley with skyline views.

Lakeshore Boulevard: Flat, fast section along the waterfront with skyline views.

Cabbagetown: Historic Victorian residential neighbourhood.

Mel Lastman Square Finish: Return to the starting square with a celebratory atmosphere.

Course Profile

The Scotiabank course is widely considered fast and flat. The downhill Don Valley section is particularly favourable for fast times.

World Records & Fast Times

The course has produced multiple world-class times including Canadian records and competitive Boston Marathon qualifying times.

Toronto Marathon: Training & Preparation

Training Programs

Multiple Toronto running clubs offer training programs for the major marathons:

Toronto Running Club: Established club with marathon training groups.

Long Run Toronto: Weekly long-run group meeting Saturdays.

Run Club Toronto: Multiple chapters across the city.

Running Room Clinics: Toronto Running Room locations offer marathon, half-marathon, and 10K training clinics.

Training Routes

Toronto offers excellent marathon training routes:

Martin Goodman Trail: 22-km waterfront trail. Toronto’s most popular marathon training route.

Don Valley Trail: 7-km ravine trail with rolling hills.

High Park & Trinity Bellwoods: Park loops for shorter training runs.

Beaches Boardwalk: 3-km flat run.

Pre-Race Tips

Don’t experiment. Stick to your training nutrition and gear on race day.

Arrive early. Major marathons require early arrival for security, gear check, and start area access.

Bring layers. October Toronto can be 5–15°C at race start, 10–20°C by finish.

Hydrate strategically. Use the official water stations along the course; don’t over-drink.

Have a strategy. Whether for time, finishing, or charity — have a plan.

Toronto Marathon: Spectator Tips

Best Viewing Spots

For the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the best spectator spots are:

Mel Lastman Square: Start and finish area. Most concentrated atmosphere.

Lakeshore Boulevard at Cherry Beach: Mid-race viewing along the waterfront.

Cabbagetown: Late-race viewing as runners approach the finish.

Yonge Street: Various spots along the route.

Cheering Etiquette

Encouraging cheers, signage, and snacks for runners are welcomed. Stay on sidewalks; don’t cross the course.

Toronto Marathon: Toronto Running Culture Year-Round

Toronto Running Clubs

Multiple year-round running clubs welcome new members. Most clubs run Tuesday or Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Toronto Marathon Stores

The Running Room (multiple Toronto locations), Walter’s, Sports Excellence, and Brooks running specialty stores serve the Toronto running community.

Toronto Track & Field Centre

Indoor track facility for winter training. North York location.

Toronto Marathon Expo

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Expo runs the Friday and Saturday before the race. Free admission. Vendors, race-day clothing, and pre-race carb-loading.

Toronto Marathon: For Different Runners

First-Time Marathoners

Train with a Toronto running club for 16–20 weeks. Target Toronto Marathon (May) or Scotiabank Waterfront (October). Goal: finish.

Experienced Marathoners

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon for fast times and Boston Marathon Qualifying. The course is among the fastest in North America.

Casual Runners

5K and 10K events throughout the year. Toronto Yonge Street 10K (April), Beaches 10K (June), and Scotiabank Waterfront 5K (October).

Charity Runners

Most major Toronto marathons offer charity bib programs. Combine training with fundraising for a meaningful goal.

Spectators

Watch the elite runners at the start and finish. Cheer at multiple points along the course. Plan transit between viewing spots.

Toronto Marathon: Tips for Visitors

Plan ahead for the major races. Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon books up by April or May for October.

Stay near the start. Hotels in north Toronto (near Mel Lastman Square) are most convenient for Scotiabank Waterfront. Yonge-Bloor area for Toronto Marathon.

Use Pace Bunnies. Major marathons have pace runners for various target times. Helpful for first-timers and BQ-seekers.

Pre-race carb-loading. Pasta dinner at restaurants like Spaccio, Pizzeria Libretto, or any Toronto Italian restaurant.

Train in Toronto. The Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront is one of North America’s great marathon training routes.

Connect with Toronto running clubs. Most welcome visitors and new members.

Plan post-race recovery. Toronto’s spa and wellness options are excellent. Most luxury hotels offer post-race spa packages.

Toronto Marathon: History

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was launched in 1990 as a small Toronto race. By the early 2000s, it had grown to one of Canada’s largest. In 2007, the race earned IAAF Gold Label status — the highest international marathon designation.

The course has hosted multiple Canadian record performances and serves as an unofficial World Athletics qualifier for Canadian distance runners. The Toronto Marathon (May) was launched as a separate event in the 2010s to provide a spring marathon option.

Today Toronto’s running calendar is one of the most active in North America with year-round events, training programs, and a vibrant running community.

Frequently Asked Questions: Toronto Marathon

When is the Toronto Marathon?

Two major Toronto marathons annually: Toronto Marathon (mid-May) and Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (second Sunday of October). The Scotiabank race is significantly larger.

How do I register for the Toronto Marathon?

Through the official race website. Scotiabank Waterfront registration opens October 1 (one year ahead). Toronto Marathon (May) registration opens late summer.

How much does the Toronto Marathon cost?

Marathon: $80–$220 depending on race and registration timing. Half-marathon: $60–$140. 5K: $50–$70.

Is the Toronto Marathon difficult?

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon course is considered relatively fast and flat. The downhill Don Valley section is particularly favourable. The course has produced multiple Canadian record times.

Where does the Toronto Marathon start and finish?

Scotiabank Waterfront: Start and finish at Mel Lastman Square in North York. Toronto Marathon (May): Start and finish in north Toronto.

Can I qualify for Boston at the Toronto Marathon?

Yes — the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a popular Boston Qualifier course due to its flat, fast profile. The downhill Don Valley section helps.

Is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon worth it?

For experienced marathoners and Boston-Qualifying-seekers, yes — the course is one of the best in North America for fast times. The crowd support, post-race amenities, and overall organization are also excellent.

When should I start training for a Toronto marathon?

16–20 weeks of training is typical for a marathon. For October Scotiabank, start in May or June. For May Toronto Marathon, start in December or January.

Where can I train for marathons in Toronto?

Martin Goodman Trail (22 km waterfront), Don Valley Trail (7 km ravine), High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Beaches Boardwalk. Toronto running clubs and Running Room clinics are excellent training resources.

Is the Toronto Marathon family-friendly?

Yes — the 5K events are family-friendly. The marathon spectator experience also works well for families. Strollers welcome.

Plan Your Toronto Marathon

Toronto’s marathon and running event calendar is one of the most active in North America. For first-time marathoners, the Toronto Marathon (May) or smaller Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon (October) offer accessible entry points. For serious runners, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (second Sunday of October) is among the best Boston Qualifying courses in North America with its flat, fast profile and 30,000+ participants. For visitors, time your Toronto trip around marathon weekend to experience the city’s running culture at full intensity. Whatever your goal, plan early, train consistently, and enjoy one of North America’s most active running cities.

For more event inspiration, see our complete Toronto events and festivals guide, our Toronto waterfront guide, and our things to do in Toronto guide.