The top 10 marathons in and around Toronto for 2015
The top marathons in and around Toronto for 2015 will test your limits and push you to beat your personal best. Whether you choose to do the lengthy 42.195km full marathon or the less intimidating half marathon, start your training now to get those legs ready to run, run, and, um, run some more.
Here are my picks for the top marathons in and around Toronto for 2015.
Around the Bay (March 29)
Nestled somewhere between a half-marathon and a full-marathon, Hamilton's Around the Bay Road Race takes place on March 29 this year. Starting and fishing at First Ontario Centre, it's encouraged you sign up early for this 30K race or relays as they tend to fill up fast!
Mississauga Marathon (May 3)
Encompassing much of Mississauga, this race starts near the Square One Shopping Centre and ends at the Lakefront Promenade Park. The beauty of this run is it's pretty much all downhill, so your legs will definitely thank you.
Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon (May 3)
The popular Goodlife Toronto Marathon is a downhill course (phew!) starting at Mel Lastman Square in North York and ending at Ontario Place. With an expected 2500 participants, you'll have lots of running buddies to keep you going.
Toronto Women's Half Marathon (May 24)
If you're looking to run with only your fellow females, the Toronto Women's Half Marathon is the perfect race for you. Taking place at Sunnybrook Park, you and your girlfriends can run (or walk) to the finish line, while stopping at their chocolate station to fuel up along the way.
MEC Toronto Marathon (September 13)
Another marathon with a view is the MEC Toronto Marathon. Starting and finishing in Tommy Thompson Park/the Leslie Spit, this race is noticeably cheaper than average to participate in, with the marathon length only setting you back $25.
Island Girl Half Marathon (September 20)
Another just for women event is the Island Girl Half Marathon. This race, which is more like a party with your girlfriends, is held on Toronto Island - the perfect place to hold this Caribbean-style event. You're rewarded after with grass skirts, tropical fruit and fun, obviously.
Oakville Half Marathon (September 27)
If you're not up for running a full marathon just yet, the Oakville Half Marathon is the perfect starting ground to build up to a full race. Taking place along Lakeshore Rd. outside of Coronation Park, you'll need to get up bright and early for the 7:45am start time.
Collingwood Half Marathon (October 3)
When the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, it's time to get out of the city and into nature! The Collingwood Half Marathon takes place outside 150 km out of Toronto, where you'll run from the heart of the town out to the countryside towards the Niagara escarpment.
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 18)
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon returns once again this October (meaning you'll have plenty of recovery time from the Goodlife Marathon), gives runners the benefit of a pretty view while they make pace. The event recently earned a Gold Label from the IAAF World Athletics Club - so you'll be participating in one of the best marathons in the world.
Hamilton Marathon (November 1)
If you missed out on all of Toronto's marathons, Hamilton has you covered with an end-of-season half- and full-marathon race. The course begins at Dofasco Park before wrapping up at Confederation Park.
Did I miss any? Leave your suggestions for marathons and half-marathons in 2015 in the comments.
Follow Chynna on Twitter @chynnawilson.
Photo by Bryan Wilcox in the blogTO Flickr pool.
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