The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is on this weekend. Here’s what drivers need to know

Mulugeta Asefa Uma of Ethiopia, who won the men's division, leads the pack while running the course during the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, in Toronto, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Canada’s premier running event, TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, is back this weekend with a numbr of road closure along with citywide celebrations.

More than 30,000 participants, including elite and recreational athletes, 100,000-plus spectators from more than 70 countries along with charity fundraisers and community members, are set to come together for the race’s 36th annual edition, which its organizer, Canada Running Series, is dubbing a celebration of “health, inclusion, and city pride.”

The race’s five-kilometre run will take place on Saturday, while its full marathon (42.2 km) and half marathon (21.1 km) are set for Sunday.

As a result, there will be several road closures. They include:

The race will also require some closures/access restrictions of ramps on the Gardiner Expressway on Sunday.

Eastbound:

Westbound:

Further, drivers should also note that there will be a number of road closures starting on Friday at 7 p.m. for pre-event set-up at race’s finish line area, including Bay Street from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West; Hagerman Street from Elizabeth Street to Bay Street; Elizabeth Street from Dundas Street West to Hagerman Street; Albert Street from Bay Street to James Street; and James Street from Albert Street to Queen Street.

This year, there have been some changes made to past road closures to reduce the number of them on Saturday, avoid closures during the Friday evening rush hour, and accommodate a new start line for Sunday’s events, with the goal of “allowing for more efficient road management throughout the weekend.”

Organizers say they’ll be working closely with the city, police, the TTC and city council to “minimize disruptions, ensure smooth planning and enhance festivities for residents and businesses.”

Participants should note the TTC does not provide subway service until 8 a.m. on Sundays.

Organizers are urging everyone taking part to plan ahead in order to arrive on time for the event.

Marathon’s impact goes beyond finish line: organizers

The impact of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon goes far beyond the finish line, organizers noted in a release.

A 2024 Economic Impact Study showed it generated $50.3 million for Toronto and $56.3 million for Ontario, while supporting 349 jobs and attracting over 66,000 out-of-town visitors.

“Through the TCS Charity Challenge, participants have raised over $55 million for 150+ Canadian charities since 2003, with another $3 million expected this year,“ organizers said, adding the marathon is a ”leader in responsible sport” as participants are offered a green choice through the Impact Bib Program, which earns them an Evergreen Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, and is“expanding its focus on accessibility for all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities.”

The city’s biggest marathon and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon serves as a World Athletics Elite Label event and the Canadian Marathon Championship. Since 2017, it has also served as the Athletics Canada national marathon championship race and an Olympic qualifier.