TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon guide

Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · Toronto, ON, Canada · Start 8:00 AM

What to know when planning this race

Start, finish & getting there
The start (University Ave at Queen St) and finish (Nathan Phillips Square) are a few blocks apart downtown.
Convenient areas to stay
Downtown Toronto near City Hall and Queen St; the expo has been at the Enercare Centre (Exhibition Place).
Confirmed vs. carried over
The race date and start time were checked against official race information on Oct 15, 2026. The expo venue and hours follow prior years.
Plan around before race morning
  • Take the TTC subway to Osgoode or Queen station.
  • Corral gates close about 9:25 AM.
  • Lake Shore Blvd and downtown streets close early.

Sources for TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon:

Race overview

Organizer
Canada Running Series
Date
Sun, Oct 18, 2026
Distance
Marathon
Start time
8:00 AM
Start location
University Avenue at Queen Street
Finish location
Nathan Phillips Square
Official race website

Last verified Oct 15, 2026. Source

Course

Cumulative elevation, mile by mile. Amber bars are the significant climbs.

Significant climbs

  • Mile 0–1 · +31 ft
  • Mile 16–17 · +31 ft
  • Mile 17–18 · +31 ft

Significant descents

  • Mile 0–1 · −31 ft
  • Mile 16–17 · −31 ft
  • Mile 17–18 · −31 ft
Mile-by-mile course notes
  • Mile 0–1 +31 / −31 ft · Course totals ≈ 380 ft gain / 380 ft loss (approximate, from published course data). Gentle downhill from the University Ave start.
  • Mile 1–2 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 2–3 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 3–4 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 4–5 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 5–6 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 6–7 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 7–8 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 8–9 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 9–10 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 10–11 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 11–12 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 12–13 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 13–14 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 14–15 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 15–16 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 16–17 +31 / −31 ft · Out-and-back along Lake Shore Blvd East with small rises.
  • Mile 17–18 +31 / −31 ft
  • Mile 18–19 +31 / −31 ft
  • Mile 19–20 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 20–21 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 21–22 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 22–23 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 23–24 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 24–25 +10 / −10 ft
  • Mile 25–26 +31 / −31 ft · Climb up Bay Street to the finish at City Hall.
  • Mile 26–26.2 +2 / −2 ft

Aid stations

  • Mile 3.1

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 5

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 6.2

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 8.1

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 9.3

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 11.2

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 12.4

    GEL

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 14.3

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 15.5

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 17.4

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 18.6

    GEL

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 20.5

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 21.7

    GEL

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 23.6

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

  • Mile 24.9

    Approximate — typical every-5-km pattern; confirm on the official course map.

Rules & important information

Race rules
Bib on the front; follow corral assignment. Walking corral closes at the start line around 9:31 AM. Clear bag policy for gear check.
Cutoff times
Marathon time limit is about 6 hours.
Transportation
TTC subway to Osgoode or Queen station; Lake Shore Blvd and downtown streets close early.
Other notes
Gold Label road race; corral gate entry closes about 9:25 AM. Course segment, aid station, expo and hotel details are compiled from published race information and prior years and are not yet officially verified — confirm with the organizer.

Last verified Oct 15, 2026. Source

Race week & expo

  • Health & Fitness Expo — Enercare Centre (prior years)

    100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON

    Fri, Oct 16, 202611:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Sat, Oct 17, 20269:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Packet pickup
    Bib, timing chip and event shirt are collected together at the expo. Bring your registration confirmation.
    ID requirements
    Government-issued photo ID required. Hours and venue are based on prior years — confirm on the official site.
    Parking
    Limited paid parking; public transport recommended.
    Transit
    Use public transport where possible; see the official site for directions.

    Verification date unavailable. Source

Ready 2 Race recommendation: visit the expo on the first day it opens if your travel allows — final-afternoon queues are the longest. This is guidance, not an official requirement.

Athlete tracking & results

Open tracking & results

Tracking and results come from the race organizer.

Hotels near the start, Airbnb and travel planning are available when you create your account.

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