The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, one of our country’s most popular racing events, has been sold out for weeks. But if you weren’t quick enough to secure a race entry, don’t despair–southern Ontario is loaded with fall marathons, half-marathons and race weekends, and in most cases, with some modifications, your Waterfront training schedule should still work. Here are four of our favourite Waterfront alternatives, all either in the Greater Toronto Area or within a reasonable driving distance.
PEC Marathon, Oct. 5
Distances offered: marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K fun run
The point-to-point PEC Marathon course (which stands for Prince Edward County, the 1,000-square-km peninsula just south of Belleville) is relatively flat, with a few rolling hills, and quite scenic, with bustling villages, picturesque wineries, gorgeous beaches and lake views–and at this time of year, the fall colours are just starting to peak. With abundant wineries, restaurant options and lush fall foliage, Prince Edward County (affectionately referred to as “The County”) is an excellent weekend marathon destination.
The marathon starts in Wellington, and the half starts just outside Sandbanks Provincial Park, which attracts campers and beachgoers well into the fall. All races finish in Picton.
Or if you’re not up for the marathon, consider the half-marathon, or gather your friends and sign up for the two- to five-person marathon relay. New this year: a 5K fun run!
For more information or to register, click here.
Muskoka Marathon, Oct. 5
Distances offered: marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, kids’ fun run
Central Ontario’s cottage country is home to this relatively new marathon event with a family vibe, in Bracebridge, Ont., centred around the Santa’s Village theme park. The marathon course is relatively flat and fast, and the fall colours along the Muskoka River are breathtaking. Half-marathoners run a single loop, marathoners run it twice.
The race began during the pandemic, and saw its popularity grow by a factor of 10 from its first year to its second. It’s as appealing for competitive runners as for those who are just in it for fun; Branna MacDougall set the U23 Canadian half-marathon record here at 1:11:42 in the event’s first year, while a runner in his 70s ran it as his 50th marathon, with his wife finishing her first.
For more information or to register, click here.
Niagara Falls Marathon, Oct. 26
Distances offered: marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K
What could be more exciting than racing past Niagara Falls? The marathon and half-marathon start in Rapidsview Park, just above the falls, and turning left onto the Niagara Parkway, passing the falls on your right. Runners will turn around at Fallsview Casino, heading back along the same route (this time with the falls on your left) and along the Niagara River for quite some distance before the second turnaround. The route is flat and offers a spectacular opportunity for a 2027 Boston qualification. Note: all races start and finish in Canada, and have not crossed the U.S. border since before the pandemic.
For more information or to register, click here.
Hamilton Marathon, Nov. 1 & 2
Distances offered: marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 1K kids’ run (combos available)
A net downhill point-to-point course, the Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope marathon is considered one of the fastest Boston-qualifying courses in Canada; participants run two loops of the half-marathon course along the city’s historic waterfront, finishing in Confederation Park.
For more information or to register, click here.
