Determined Runners Gear Up for a Rainy Race in Toronto
The upcoming TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is set to attract over 30,000 runners, facing a rainy forecast this Sunday. This marquee event is one of Canada’s largest running weekends, featuring races from 5-kilometres to the iconic marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres.
Marathon Debut for Ben Flanagan
One notable participant making his marathon debut is Ben Flanagan from Kitchener, Ontario. At 30 years old, Flanagan aims to transition from shorter distances, having previously represented Canada in the 5,000 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won the Canadian 10K championship three times. He believes this shift to marathon running is essential for maximizing his potential for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Focus on the Canadian Championship
In addition to its international appeal, the TCS Toronto Marathon also serves as the Canadian Marathon Championships. Flanagan’s primary training goal has been to claim the national title. He stated, “Winning the Canadian title is a very realistic goal and that’s mostly what I’ve trained for.”
Training Regimen
Flanagan has been training in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, balancing his running with family life, as he and his wife care for their six-month-old child. Despite the lack of a professional running community nearby, he receives support from friends who help pace him and provide water during his training sessions. His remote coaching arrangement with Jon Green has also proven effective.
Advice and Expectations
As race day approaches, Flanagan has been heeding advice from seasoned marathon runners. He emphasized the importance of the 32-kilometre mark, noting that this is a pivotal point where early race decisions impact overall performance. “I want to feel like I have another gear when I hit it,” he remarked.
Competitive Field
The marathon features a strong international lineup, including defending champion Mulugeta Uma from Ethiopia, who finished last year in 2:07:16. Other top contenders include Kenyans Dominic Ngeno and Noah Kipkemboi. Prime Canadian competitors include Andrew Alexander and Phil Parrot-Migas.
Women’s Race Highlights
The women’s division is led by two-time Toronto champion Shure Demise of Ethiopia, who has a career-best time of 2:20:59. She last won the race in 2019 and has expressed fondness for the Toronto course and its supportive spectators. Among notable Canadian female runners are Dayna Pidhoresky, Rachel Hannah, Salome Nyirarukundo, and Eliyah Brawdy.
Unique Challenges and Records
Some non-elite participants will aim to break world records by running in costumes, including one runner attempting the fastest marathon in full hockey gear, minus skates. The rainy weather may influence race outcomes, especially for competitors not accustomed to running in wet conditions.
Race Details
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is set to commence at 8 a.m. on Sunday. The route will take runners along Yonge Street and Bloor, down Bathurst, and mainly along the waterfront, culminating next to Toronto City Hall.
