Friday, March 6, 2009

ScotiaBank Toronto Waterfront marathon

excerpted from http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/index.htm

The flat and fast features of this event (includes the marathon, half and 5k) have consistently been the reason for so many people reaching a personal best, qualifying for Boston, having a memorable but good first marathon or an outstanding one. Even power walkers or slower runners love this course because of its 6 hour 30 minute time limit.

New since '08: The events start and finish in the same spot in the heart of downtown, at City Hall, at Bay & Queen Streets, hosted by Mayor David Miller. They head out and back along the lakeshore on a flat course that Boston hopefuls and first-timers love. Toronto Waterfront was one of only 4 sub-2:10 marathons in North America in 2007 [2:09:30]; and has been awarded a prestigious IAAF Silver label for 2008, as one of the 50 best road races in the world!

There are bands and Neighbourhood Entertainment Centres every 2 kilometres, cheerleaders, numerous aid stations and "The Penguin", John Bingham, hamming it up on the mike after his finish in the half. Overall, there's a great, festive atmosphere. All marathoners and half marathoners get technical t-shirts and exciting finisher's medals (marathon & half) designed by Hasty Awards, who developed the world's first "spinner" for Miami Marathon.

Toronto Waterfront, however, is much more than just the run... it's a festive, full weekend that starts with gurus John Stanton, Coach Jenny Hadfield and John Bingham at the free 2-day Expo, Friday and Saturday. There's a Saturday morning (free) short International Friendship Run, hosted by the Running Room, a fun carbo load pasta dinner on Saturday night and a post-race Victory party in Nathan Phillips Square from 9am to 3pm on Sunday. It's all part of an "unforgettable" Toronto experience!


Other notes: Videotaped my running style with my handy Flip video camera. I am a regular 'pronator.' I do not have an under or over pronation problem. The sneaker type I should wear is called neutral cushioning shoes.

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