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Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Feb 05 2016
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‘JP’s Team’ To Launch at Scotiabank Ottawa and Toronto Waterfront Marathons. By Paul Gains

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

TORONTO February 5th 2016. Jean-Paul Bedard made an incredible impact at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon last October when he successfully completed a ‘Triple Toronto’ in order to raise awareness for survivors of sexual violence.

STWM 2015, Photo Credit: Todd Fraser

Jean-Paul Bedard and Premiere Wynne at STWM 2015, Photo Credit: Todd Fraser

En route to completing this 126.6km odyssey he was joined by well wishers including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne who ran five kilometres with him to help promote her government’s #ItsNeverOkay campaign.

Remarkably, Bedard took just one day to recover from the twelve-hour run and was back training with renewed vigour.

Encouraged and, evidently, not satisfied with this fantastic achievement, Bedard has announced the formation of ‘JP’s Team’ and is inviting others to join him as part of a year-long fundraising initiative in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.  It will begin with what he has dubbed ‘the Ultimate Canadian Double Double’ at the 2016 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend May 28/29.

The 49-year-old Toronto resident will run the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon course twice on Saturday and then repeat that effort on Sunday, the official race day.

Training, team building and fund raising will continue as he then sets his sights on a return to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon October 16. Over the race weekend he will run the course – which by now he knows intimately –  twice on Friday, twice Saturday before completing the ‘triple-double’ on the official STWM race day Sunday. That’s an astounding 253.2km in three days.

“My wife, Mary-Anne, looks at me and I think it’s almost a simultaneous look of absolute horror and, at the same time, absolute love and awe for the fact that I am willing to put myself out there,” Bedard reveals with a laugh. “There’s nothing saying that I will be able to do this. But I believe I can do it.

“And that’s all the message has to be, is someone willing to try this?  Is someone willing to put herself or himself out there and do something that really pushes the boundaries of their emotional and their physical and their psychological boundaries? That’s what all this is about.”

Earlier this year Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Race director Alan Brookes met with Bedard and encouraged him to enlist support from the running community which has embraced him wholeheartedly as a survivor of sexual violence.

Bedard was forced to deal with addictions as a result of the violence which he was subjected to as a child. Three years ago he completed a victim’s survival program at The Gatehouse in Toronto.

Brookes pointed out that the New York City Marathon has a ‘Fred’s Team’ named for the late founder of the race, Fred Lebow, who died of brain cancer in 1994. It raises money for cancer research.  Bedard was impressed with the fact that Lebow’s legacy continues even after his death. This led to the formation of ‘JP’s Team’ through which Bedard hopes to raise $100,000 for two charities, The Gatehouse and the Edmonton based ‘Little Warriors’ which assists child victims of sexual violence.

12659576_10154063317536055_1425805014_n“We are launching ‘JP’s team’ and it will be hosted as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge on both the Ottawa and the Toronto Waterfront Marathon sites,” Bedard reveals. “People will log onto ‘JP’s Team’ and they will be able to register for these races. When they register for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, they will get a charity rate for being part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. They will be able to create their own fundraising page under the ‘JP’s Team’ banner.

“It will look identical in both places in Ottawa and Toronto. They will see a few buttons: ‘JP’s Team Run Toronto,’ ‘JP’s Team Run Ottawa’ and a third button ‘JP’s Cheer Squad.’   That one is for the people who are not running but who want to raise money in their own platform. But it will still enable ‘JP’s Team’ to raise money for The Gatehouse and Little Warriors.”

Brookes has clearly been one of his biggest supporters and it was he who initiated contact with President and Race Director of Run Ottawa  John Halvorsen in an effort to expand the reach.

“We’re greatly moved by JP Bedard’s decision to expand his crusade against childhood sexual abuse, and run a triple-double Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon 2016 as his grand finale,” says Brookes. “Last year, JP’s triple STWM showed the world that “victims” are not victims but “survivors” who are indestructible.

“This year’s message is to build a team, who will tell the stories of other survivors and provide team support, and to raise money for the broader cause at two important local charities. We’re honoured that STWM and the Scotiabank Charity Challenge can build a stage for ‘JP’s Team’, and look forward to sharing their journey.”

John Halvorsen was equally enthusiastic about the launch of ‘JP’s Team’ at this year’s marathon.

“We are very happy that JP has chosen the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon to complete his four marathon weekend in support of survivors of sexual violence,” Halvorsen declares. “His efforts are incredible and so helpful to generate both awareness of the cause and the race.  He has the incredible ability to take a cause for a difficult situation and turn it into something so positive.”

Since last year’s Toronto Triple Bedard has found himself popular with local running groups. ‘Fun Runs With JP’ have become a regular occurrence. Just this week he ran 10 kilometres with a group at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Eighty-five runners turned out to meet him.

In preparation for these ultramarathons, Bedard expects to increase his weekly training volume to roughly 215 kilometres in a week. On Saturdays and Sundays however he will be running 60km each day.  At this rate Bedard will go through a pair of shoes every three weeks.

The training also requires practice with fueling. He learned from the ‘Triple Toronto’ he ingested too many gels and not enough solid fuel. The final of those three back to back marathons he said was the worst. During the long training runs he will experiment with different combinations.

“It’s a bit nutty,” Bedard admits of his ambitions. “I started thinking, why are people kind of connecting to this? Literally, I get on average between 20 and probably 75 messages a day from people around the world talking to me about the stuff they are going through and what they have worked through.

“So whatever I am doing seems to be resonating and I am trying to figure out why it’s resonating. It is resonating with survivors of sexual violence, that’s understandable, but it’s having a bigger impact on the broader community.

“I think they can somehow identify with the physical suffering I am going through during these extreme events. They are able to get into my head and see the suffering I was quietly going through for my whole life; the suffering that many survivors of sexual violence quietly go through their whole lives.”

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For further information: http://www.runjprun.com

The 2015 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend welcomed 49,439 participants in six races, including the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon, the Scotiabank Half-Marathon, the Ottawa 10K, the HTG Sports 5K, the 2K and Scotiabank Kids Marathon. The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is one of only two running events in the world to host two IAAF Gold-label races – the Ottawa 10K and the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon. The 2016 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will take place on May 28-29, 2016. www.runottawa.ca

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon:

An IAAF Gold Label race, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier, big-city running event, the National Marathon Championships, and the Grand Finale of the 8-race Canada Running Series. In 2015 it attracted more than 26,000 participants from 63 countries, raised $3.5 million for 173 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, and contributed an estimated $35 million to the local economy. The livestream broadcast regularly attracts viewers from over 100 countries, and in 2015 the event also hosted the international Bridge The Gap movement of running crews. www.STWM.ca

Nov 16 2015
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Important 2016 Canada Running Series Registration Update!

By | Alan's Journal, Banque Scotia 21k de Montreal et 5k, Oasis ZooRun, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments
A message from Canada Running Series Race Director Alan Brookes:

Hello fellow runners;

As 2015 fades into our log books, 2016 is coming up fast! Canada Running Series is ALMOST done – bar the wrap up! WHAT a year it was! In addition to 8 great Series races, we also had the Pan Am Games to organize and enjoy. A massive THANK YOU to all of you for the important part you played in an outstanding year. Almost 60,000 participants; more than 5,000 volunteers; 19 fabulous sponsors; tens of thousands of spectators and cheer squads; and a whopping $6 million raised for our 339 Official Charities. So many great stories, and reasons to cheer. Beyond EPIC!

Although there’s still a lot of tidy-up activity happening at the CRS offices – paying bills and prize monies, mailing out unclaimed awards, writing 2015 reports for our sponsor partners, we’re also full swing into 2016 – designing next year’s medals and t-shirts, fun new activations and more.

Are you ready?

We have some VERY exciting stuff in the works, including a new race. What will it be called? When will it be held? Where will it run?

Because of these tasty updates, we’ll be LAUNCHING online registration tomorrow for the following Individual Races:

  • Banque Scotia 21K et 5K de Montreal: Sunday April 24th 2016.
  • Oasis ZooRun, 10k, 5K & Cub Run: Saturday September 24th 2016.
  • Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-marathon & 5K: Sunday October 16th 2016.

COMBO PACKS, with multi-event discounts, for our full Eastern Calendar [including Toronto Spring races] will be coming SOON. We’ll have that up and available as soon as we have finalized our plans – and you’ll be among the first to know! ‘Til then, let’s keep running, keep in touch, and get planning for new goals, and thrilling new adventures together in 2016.

Alan, @alnbrookes

Oct 26 2015
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STWM 2015 Blog Round-Up

By | Digital Champions, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

A selection of race recaps from the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon:

“I ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon three times on the same day; that’s a total distance of 126.6 km. As a survivor of both childhood sexual abuse and rape, I was running to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence in our communities. But more importantly, I was running to demonstrate the resilience we all have inside to overcome life’s greatest obstacles and trauma.”
Author: Jean-Paul Bedard, iRun Magazine
Link to blog: http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/like-forrest-gump-meets-groundhog-day-a-triple-marathon-one-kilometre-at-a-time/ 

“This race represents a homecoming of sorts.  It’s the first half marathon I ever completed, so emotionally, it is near to my heart.  It is also so big that it attracts a lot of people from the running community, in-person and online.  In that respect, it feels like a big family reunion.  And much as I enjoy travelling around the province (and beyond) for races, there is a sense of comfort that comes from competing in your backyard. ”
Author: Darren Cooney
Link to blog: http://darrencooney.blogspot.ca/2015/10/race-report-scotibank-toronto.html 

“As for STWM, however, I’m a lifer. This race has changed my life. I was overwhelmed by this year. It was emotional for me. I realized that this race has brought amazingly positive people into my life.” 
Author: Karyn Cooper, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: https://tenminutemile.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/marathon-monday-14/ 

“To my surprise, witnessing 26,000 runners take on the course was much more powerful than any personal running experiences have been. I became obsessed watching each runner pass me wondering what their story was, how they got to the start line, and who they were they running for.” 
Author: Sasha Exeter
Link to blog: http://www.sosasha.com/2015/10/scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-marathon-btgyyz-weekend/ 

“I crossed the line in 3:18:33 – a PB of more than 20 minutes, a Boston Qualifier, but most importantly, a race effort I could be proud of. I started to cry in the finishing chute, which seriously creeped out a lot of the race volunteers. I couldn’t help it – like I said, I’m a giant wuss.” 
Author: Amy Friel, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://thelongslowdistance.com/2015/10/22/the-war-of-attrition-one-marathon-of-a-race-recap/ 

Steve’s Training Vlog: Episode 14 The Race
Author: Steve Lennon, STWM Digital Champion
Link to vlog: https://youtu.be/xIJsxDWrPkE 

“The course was fairly wide open from the beginning and there was always plenty of room to run the pace I wanted. There were more spectators out than I expected, and I was even surprised to see people cheering along the Spadina Road overpass. I finished in 2:07:02 (9:41 min/mile), which was much better than I anticipated.”
Author: Vicky Leung, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://menubyvicky.com/2015/11/02/2015-scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-half-marathon/ 

“Since running this race I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support of friends, family and other runners in the community. It has been incredible.  If I had one word to describe this race experience, it would be “gratitude.” I’m so grateful for everything (and if you made it to the end of this very long post, thank you for reading it!). Marathons are hard. But we did it. I am so proud of all of us.”
Author: Mei Ling, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://plaincanbelovely.com/2015/10/24/chafing-the-dream-scotiabank-toronto-waterfront-marathon-stwm-2015-race-recap/ 

“Jean-Paul ran the marathon three times so people would learn that lesson. A lesson that should never even need to be taught. So, I got to run with this man. This great, wonderful, funny, fantastic, superhero of a man. I got to cross the finish line with this man and share in this glorious victory, and I had fun. I had so much fun! We laughed, we joked, we shared funny and stupid stories.”
Author: Michael Lobsinger, Get Out Do More
Link to blog: http://getoutdomore.com/2015/10/running-with-heroes/ 

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this community we have in Toronto is really something special and I am at a loss for words when it comes to the many friends and strangers who reached out to me last week on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and in person at local runs to thank me for cheering at STWM. While it is humbling for people to be appreciative of me being out on the course, truthfully I feel that it is what I should be doing and I don’t do it for the thanks or appreciation. I do it because if we aren’t running we should be cheering.”
Author: Allison Miceli
Link to blog: https://kmhungryyogi.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/stwm-2015-wrap-up/ 

“I now officially hold the Guinness World Record for fastest half-marathon in a suit with an adjudicated time of 1:35:47 (1:35:48 chip time), just a little more than four minutes faster than the 2012 record I set out to break. It was as tough as you’d expect. Even training in my Indochino suit didn’t entirely prepare me for how I’d feel during the attempt. When Coach gave me my race plan, I actually laughed out loud. Thankfully, my Pace & Mind teammates refused to let me settle for less and encouraged me every step of the way. It would result in the personal best of a lifetime.”
Author: Nicholas Mizera, Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest Half-Marathon in a Suit
Link to blog: http://thegentlemanjournalist.com/2015/11/01/photo-finish-how-i-set-the-world-record-for-fastest-half-marathon-in-a-suit/ 

“On one hand all I can think about is how much I’ve accomplished and how I only have 5 kilometers to go, and on the other hand every 100 meters feels like a kilometer and I am almost ready to fall over and cry. I am holding back tears and I can feel myself getting more vocal with my breathing. I am huffing and puffing but I will not give up.”
Author: Katie Neilsen, iRun Magazine 
Link to blog: http://www.irun.ca/blog/index.php/experiencing-the-marathon-for-the-first-time/

“When I was selected as a Digital Champion, I never thought I’d be thrown so deeply into the race, and into the running community. Over the summer, I was asked to be part of a photo series for the race, featuring runners from across the city. As I entered the race expo on Octber 17th, I was greeted with a giant version of myself on the wall, where people were signing their names and writing messages to fellow runners. Is this real life?”
Author: Danielle O’Hanley, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://runhanley.com/post/131748943206/toronto-waterfront-marathon-race-weekend-report 

“When I crossed the 40k check point, I knew it was gonna be a PB. And that was my goal! I needed it so badly after trying so many times to break my previous PB of 3:50 from the very first marathon I ran. What a feeling crossing that finish line and watching over your head the numbers you imagined in your training dreams! 3:42:57 is my new PB.”
Author: Jarek Pachocki, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: https://frjarek.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/chasing-pb-at-stwm-what-a-journey-it-was/ 

“I turned onto Bay Street with it’s multiple meter markers of agony. With about 400 meters to go, I totally started to struggle and slowed my step. A tall guy running next to me glanced back and with a big smile pointed to the finish. I nodded, smiled and picked up my pace. We ran side by side until 50 meters before the finish when he smiled again, waved and zoomed ahead, leaping up in the air repeatedly. Thank you random stranger, I thought laughing. I had no kick left to give but I smiled and trekked across the finish with pride. And a personal best of over 4 minutes!​​” 
Author: Cathy Vandergeest
Link to blog: http://www.runningdesigner.com/blog/more-than-a-race-stwm 

“The last 2k were the great!  We ran through the Parkdale Roadrunners cheer section then made our way up Bay street.  Going up Bay street was a sea of cheers and spectators.  We again saw Allison and the Tribe Fitness cheer station; Thank you all again for the cheers during the last 200m.  From then on I grabbed Karen’s hand and we crossed the finish line!”
Author: Mike Van Mil, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://paramedicmike.ca/2015/11/04/we-are-now-marathoners-runcrs-stwm-recap-a-marathon-of-a-post/ 

“The Canada Running Series group does a great job at the finish line with cameras going and an announcer to tell you how the elites were doing. I totally stuck around to see how Lanni was doing. Someone at the finish line said she was super close and lucky for a couple of us, they let us stick around to watch Lanni cross. Lanni came in at 2:28:09 or so, just 10 seconds off her own Canadian record. BUT – she did qualify for Rio 2016! YAY!”
Author: Rebecca Wemyss, STWM Digital Champion
Link to blog: http://runningfoodbaby.com/2015/10/stwm-half-marathon-race-recap/ 

“The last part of the race was extra special, a feeling I will never forget. As we make our way up Bay St., a few hundred metres from the finish line, all I hear is someone screaming “GO VICTORIA GO!” and jumping up and down from the corner of my eye.  It was Maya and the rest of the Blacktoe cheer squad!! It was so great to see them at the 6km mark but I didn’t expect to see them again at this point. All that energy helped me push to the finish.”
Author: Victoria
Link to blog: http://victakes.com/stwm-half-marathon-race-recap/ 

Oct 22 2015
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Bedard Accomplishes Triple Toronto Waterfront Marathon. By Paul Gains

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

TORONTO October 22nd 2015. Runners waiting nervously for the start of last weekend’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon had little idea that one man amongst them was about to successfully complete his third successive run around the 42km course.

Jean-Paul Bedard stood next to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne when she fired the starter’s pistol looking haggard and pale then joined her in the second wave. They would run the first five kilometres together before the 49 year old Torontonian pushed on, completing a staggering total of 126.6 kilometres.

Bedard was running to raise awareness of campaigns to combat sexual assault. As he ran with the Premier, the pair discussed ways Bedard could be part of the Liberal government’s #ItsNeverOk campaign. The Premier was interested in having a male voice and she could not find a more articulate nor, sadly, a more appropriate candidate.

When he was 12 years old two men took Bedard to a ravine and raped him. For years he suffered psychological issues including depression, drug and alcohol addiction. He attempted suicide.

Two years ago he finally revealed to his wife Mary-Anne and their adult son what had happened to him. He entered a treatment centre for victims of sexual violence. Running, he says gave him back his life.

STWM15_JP Bedard Night Running

Photo Credit: Edison Yao

Initially he was going to embark on his epic run around midnight Saturday.  But when Premier Wynne’s office confirmed she’d be delighted to run with him it meant he had to alter plans slightly for security purposes.

“I started a bit earlier,” he recalled. “It is not a great thing to have a lot of gap time between marathons. I had no down time between 1 and 2 and I planned a very short gap time between 2 and 3 but because of this we had to go a bit longer. And then when we saw the weather forecast and how cold it was going to be we realized it was not going to end well.”

He laughs at that statement. The temperature was hovering below freezing when he began with only his wife in support around 10:30p.m. Saturday night. A photographer, Edison Yao, accompanied them recording the adventure. Bedard says he often experiences a dodgy stomach and had to be careful with his refueling during the race.

“I ate my big meal at noon Saturday and then had some toast later in the afternoon before I went out,” he continues. “Then it was just gels and PowerBars every once in a while. And between each of the marathons Mary-Anne gave me rice cakes and peanut butter.

“I was trying to run each of the first two marathons in 4 hours 15 to 25 minutes – in that  range. That would include the time of running, the time of running towards a car to get something to eat and then time to get to the start because the start and finish aren’t in the same place.”

Twice he stopped to do live television interviews. Mostly he ran on the roads. He chose to run the first ‘lap’ alone but was joined on the second by runners of different abilities.

“The hardest part of this whole thing was getting the first one done,” he says. “I had my phone on me and it was just beeping the whole time I was running. There were messages coming in all night.

“The second one went really well. I finished that and I got in around 7:30 a.m. and then I got the second medal put on me. Then we had to try to make our way to an area to get changed. I was quite wet from running in the damp for so long.”

Shivering and suffering from the effects of having run 84 kilometres in freezing cold temperatures he had to be ready to meet the Premier before security was further heightened. When he reported to the official start with the 26,000 other runners he was warmly greeted by the Premier.

“I was walking towards her and she saw me,” he recalls. “I was completely pasty, my lips were blue and I was shaking and wrapped in blankets. She had her staff around her and she pushed them aside and just wrapped her arms around me and said ‘we have got to warm this guy up.’”

Photo Credit: Todd Fraser/Canada Running Series

Photo Credit: Todd Fraser/Canada Running Series

After she and her security team reached the 5 kilometre mark he ran with another victim of sexual assault, named Athena. This young lady was a ‘friend of a friend.’ She had been sexually assaulted while running in a Toronto park just two months before the marathon. And she was tormented by the ordeal.

“Every time she ran it would bring up all the issues with the sexual assault,” Bedard explains. “So I said ‘why don’t you run with me and I promise I will stay with you.’ She was worried about slowing me down. I said ‘I will have run two marathons, it’s not about time, it’s about getting it done.’ After the Premier pealed off Athena and I ran together.

“There were points where I wanted to stop and there were points where she wanted to. Then we hit a really low point after about 22km. We were on an isolated part of the course on Bayview. It’s quiet there. It’s nice to run on but when you are suffering it’s not the place to be.”

As they slowed to a walk and contemplated dropping out, a group of runners dressed as characters from the Justice League comics literally came to the rescue. They recognised Bedard and offered support.

“They were supporting us and so I just said to Athena ‘listen I am not crossing that finish line without you,” Bedard continues. “If it takes us five hours to get through this last two k it takes us five hours, I don’t care. We are crossing this line together. So stop crying and let’s not talk about this again.”

Bedard texted Canada Running Series staff to keep them abreast of their location.

“When we came up Bay Street with 300 metres to go I looked over at Athena we both started to cry,” Bedard reveals. “We crossed the finish line holding hands with the ‘Superheroes’ right behind us.”

Photo Credit: Canada Running Series/Christine Spingola

Photo Credit: Canada Running Series/Christine Spingola

“It was the most emotional thing. We wrapped our arms around each other hugged and kissed. It was a special moment. It was exactly why I was doing this.”

With three finisher’s medals hanging around his neck he set about answering the thousands of messages sent from victims and supporters around the world. Three days after the run he was still dealing with them. People were asking where they could donate money.

Running four consecutive Toronto Waterfront Marathons is not in the cards, Bedard says. But fundraising is very much on his mind for 2016.

“I have talked to Alan (Brookes) about this,” Bedard says. “In New York they have Fred’s Team (named after New York Marathon co-founder Fred Lebowitz). I would like to find a way of bringing more people in and make a team. I want to raise awareness while tapping into a huge way of raising funds.”

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Oct 18 2015
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Chemtan and Demise Emerge Victorious in Toronto. By Paul Gains

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

DSC_2869TORONTO October 18th 2015. On his second visit to Canada Ishhimael Chemtan of Kenya won the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon today in a time of 2:09:00 narrowly outsprinting his countryman Gilbert Kirwa who finished a second behind.

Chemtan was 3rd in the 2014 Ottawa Marathon.

The defending Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront champion, Laban Korir, struggled with a stitch at 35 kilometres faded badly before recovering to battle his way back into 3rd place in 2:09:20.

Kirwa, who has three times dipped under 2:07 in his career was not disappointed with his narrow loss in this IAAF Gold Label race.

“I was very confident that I could win the race but maybe the other guy has prepared himself very well,” Kirwa said. “We used to train together a long time ago so he knows me very well and also I know him very well.”

The affable Kirwa agreed to act as translator for the victor who preferred to speak Swahili rather than English at the post race press conference.

Defending champion Laban Korir also of Kenya suffered a stitch at roughly 35km and after fading from the picture recovered to amount a fast finishing charge. He finished 3rd in 2:09:20.

DSC_2938The women’s race was won by Ethiopian sensation Shure Demise who ran away from the world class field to win in 2:23:37. Behind her the course record holder Kenya’s Sharon Cherop and Fatuma Sado of Ethiopia, battled elbow to elbow finishing in the same time of 2:24:16.

Officials took several hours to study the finish line video before deciding they had tied and will each receive $12,000 prize money.

Conditions were less than ideal with temperatures hovering around freezing point at the start and so it was only Canada’s Eric Gillis and Lanni Marchant among the elites who achieved what they had set out to do timewise:  finish under the Olympic qualifying standard.

Gillis ran 2:11:31 to finish 7th overall while Lanni Marchant was on pace to beat her own Canadian record (2:28:00) until 30km when her left calf cramped once again. It has been a problem throughout her marathoning career. But she was all smiles realising she  has now got Olympic qualifying standards in both the 10,000m and the marathon.

“It feels really good,” she concluded. “I came in here with DSC_2980less pressure on me. I tried to go for my record and I was good until about 30k then, like typical me, the left calf went and I was running on borrowed time at that point.

“It was the Rio standard that was the ultimate goal and if I got the record that was going to be icing on the cake. I came pretty close. I came around the bend (with 250 metres remaining) and thought ‘you gotta be kidding me but I am well under the Olympic standard and that’s a good place to be especially in 2012. I was almost there and now for certain I am going to be there and I get to my pick of events.”

Both Gillis and Marchant were well supported by their respective families as well as by the crowd to whom they have become certifiable stars since racing in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Indeed, Gillis’s five fastest times have all come on this course and Marchant’s Canadian record was set here two years ago.

DSC_2894Gillis and his training partner, Reid Coolsaet, who was busy driving to and from the airport on behalf of the event, both have the Olympic standard. Barring two other athletes achieving the time, Rio will mark Gillis’ third Olympic team. Amongst distance runners only Kevin Sullivan, Leah Pells and Paul Williams ran in three Olympic games.

A year ago Gillis ran a personal best of 2:11:21. Now at the age of 35 he is still showing good form.

“I probably got Plan ‘C’” Gillis joked afterwards. “If I was starting with plan ‘A’ would probably go to break 2:11 plan ‘B’ a personal best and then plan ‘C’ 2:11:30 something right where I have run before. Feels good. Thats more than acceptable to do that here today.”

“It feels great to have a qualifying time under my belt and I wanted to run sub 2:12 and get it by at least a minute and I did that. So what I could control I controlled and I hit the time that was in the ball park I wanted. It’s a good feeling right now to execute and get that first checkmark.”

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Oct 15 2015
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Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta

By | Community Leaders, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments
Train With Grains Recipe: Chickpea, Barley and Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Feta. By Heather Gardner. 

This year we’re teaming up with the Grain Farmers of Ontario to bring you the best pre and post-run recipes to fuel your marathon training! Each week we’ll feature a new and unique recipe from one of our CRS Community Leader Ambassadors. Our final recipe is a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad from Heather Gardner. Do you have a recipe you’d like to share? Share a photo on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a “Good in Every Grain” Prize Pack valued at $50!

Barley isn’t as well know as oats or wheat, but it’s a great addition to many grain-based dishes. Did you know? Barley appears in plenty of baked goods, and barley flakes can be eaten cooked like rolled oats! And of course, barley malt, made by soaking and drying barley kernels is a key ingredient in the production of beer! Here’s a fresh, tasty and nutritious salad originally posted on thekitchn.com that uses pearl barley as it’s main ingredient.

Makes 2 servings as a main dish, 4 servings as a side dish

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini11222555_10156155506175475_7606881267581100037_o

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for salting water

1/3 cup pearl barley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups (or 1 15-ounce can) chickpeas, drained

2 tablespoons feta cheese

Freshly ground pepper

Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut in half crosswise. Using a mandolin or a knife, cut the zucchini into thin matchstick strips. Place strips in a colander in the sink in drain excess moisture. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and massage lightly with your hands to evenly disperse the salt. Let sit as long as it takes to prepare the rest of the salad.

Next, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the barley. Cook, stirring occasionally, until barley is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

12087705_10156155506280475_8425192442077811610_oWhile the barely is boiling, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, barley and about half of the dressing. Once cooled, stir and transfer to a serving bowl. Crumble the feta over the top and serve.

It’s the FINAL week to WIN! Share your favourite pre or post run snack or meal on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to win a $50 “Good In Every Grain” prize pack! 

Oct 09 2015
0

My Run Barbados Experience. By Kim Goff, 11-time marathon winner!

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Did you know? We are giving away two trips to Run Barbados Marathon Weekend, including hotel accommodations by Sugar Bay Barbados and Bougainvillea Beach Resort, airfare, race entry, shuttle and food! Winners will be drawn from all entrants in the full marathon distance and announced after STWM Race Weekend! 

American Kim Goff has won the Barbados Marathon a record-breaking 11 times! This year, will be Kim’s 25th consecutive visit to Run Barbados Marathon Weekend and in the post below she shares how special this event has been to her running career.

My Run Barbados Experience. By Kim Goff, 11 time marathon winner!

Run Barbados Kim Goff

Photo Credit: Sporting Barbados

My first visit to Barbados was in 1991.  I read about the event in the back of a Runner’s World magazine under the marathon schedule.  I emailed the race director, told him of my success as a marathon runner, and expressed interest in competing in the marathon.   I traveled to Barbados for 4 days on that first trip. I was captivated by the beautiful island so soon after my arrival.  I left behind a dreary and cold winter and was suddenly on a lush tropical island with the most beautiful aqua water that I had ever seen.  The race went very well for me.  I had stiff competition with two other female runners for the majority of the race but held strong for the win.  I was so touched by the many spectators along the route even though the race starts as early as 5 am.  I’ll never forget how lovely the women and children looked dressed in their Sunday’s best awaiting their buses to church.

Those four days passed so quickly. I knew I would return the following year and I did.  We came to make friends with many locals that year and another win was such a surprise. The third year,  we decided to make Barbados our holiday and to take the children. They too fell in love with the beauty of the beaches and the friendly locals and another win in the women’s race was again icing on the cake!  The years passed swiftly, and every December was so exciting as it held another visit to our second home.  My many new friends would come out early to greet me along the course on race day and I came to know many by name.  The tenth year was particularly exciting for me as it was said to be a world record for most consecutive wins in an international event.

It was not long before I would be diagnosed with breast cancer.  After discussions with my physician, it was decided that radiation treatment could begin after I competed.  I felt I owed it to my Bajan friends to set the world record and I did!  Originally, I had planned to compete just for the 10 years, but decided to keep going.  My daughter and son continued to return with me each year until they reached university.  I was very sad when the marathon didn’t take place several years ago.  I had planned on going for the 20 year mark but only made it 19.  Since then, I have competed in all of the events during race weekend.  I am a seasoned runner now, the legs are slow, but my spirit soars.

I have always encouraged others to visit Barbados and to Run Barbados Kim Goff 2partake in the Run Barbados series. It is a truly wonderful event with incredible participation of locals and visitors.  I have had many travel opportunities during my running career.  Barbados is a special place for me.  I have been blessed with making lifetime friendships.  I am very excited about competing in my 20th Run Barbados Marathon this year.  This will mark my 25th consecutive year competing in the event.  Last year my son returned, he was 6 during his first visit.  Now at 25, he still feels the same excitement he did as a child.  We did all of the events on race weekend in 2014.  The Run Barbados organisers have been most supportive during my visits over so many years.  I am truly grateful for the warm hospitality shown me by this great event.

Oct 08 2015
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“Bridge The Gap” Urban running Crew Movement comes to Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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TORONTO October 8th 2015. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is excited to welcome the “Bridge The Gap” urban running crew movement to this year’s event, and have them as an important part of our 26th edition. A total of 29 crews from 13 cities in 7 countries, representing more than 300 runners, will descend on “The 6” for the October 15th-18th weekend. Bridge The Gap Toronto is being hosted by the city’s largest crew, Parkdale Roadrunners (pictured above), with the marathon and half-marathon as a focal part of the experience.

Now a decade old since its beginning with Bridge Runners in New York City and Run Dem Crew in London, England, the movement is dominated by millennials in big cities from Berlin to Amsterdam, Paris to LA, and is a powerful force in driving the current running boom and re-shaping it. BTG members bring both new energy and new values.

Most important, the movement is about “community”. It is about sharing and caring, and actively engaging to shape the kind of cities millennials want to live in. Participants eschew the traditional name and format of “running club” in favour of “crew”, who welcome all, most-often with no membership fees to be paid – “everyone welcome; no-one left behind.” According to Charlie Dark, the charismatic founder of Run Dem Crew, “‘crew’ is about family first and foremost and the running is actually secondary. Crew is about supporting and elevating everyone in your crew, particularly newcomers, beginners, and making everyone the best that they can be.”  It is also about using running and social media – especially Instagram – as a vehicle for creative expression, and for discovering your city, connecting with it, often at night. It’s about #crewlove, and members are “bonded together by similar values and perspectives on physical activity, community and culture,” says the Parkdale credo. Charlie Dark, who recently gave a TEDx presentation at Canary Wharf, will be speaking about the movement and its values at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon [Free] Expo, on the Main Stage at 1:30pm on Saturday, October 17th.  “You have to have style and learn to be original,” says Charlie. Some of this original style is nicely captured in RDC member, Steve Lennon’s series of VLOGs he’s produced on the road to Toronto Waterfront: http://ow.ly/STTde

Alan's Journal - Run Dem Crew

Run Dem Crew

“We’re thrilled to play a part in hosting #BTGYYZ and the Bridge The Gap weekend in Toronto,” said Race Director Alan Brookes. “Our mission at Canada Running Series is ‘building community through running,’ so this is a perfect fit. We also share BTGs values of inclusion and innovation and ‘style’. Several of our CRS event medals this year have featured bridges, as bridges connect and unite us.” The STWM 2015 Finisher’s medals feature the Humber Bay Bridge near the 12km turnaround on the course.  “We are also pleased to have an Official Race Cap #STWM from Montreal company Ciele, who are a part of crew scene in Canada,” added Brookes.

“Hosting the first Canadian Bridge The Gap is an honour and privilege,’ said Steven Artemiw, co-founder of Parkdale Roadrunners. “ We are so excited to host a few hundred members of our international running family here in Toronto. We are flattered so many of them are making the trip from Europe as well as across the USA. This is an opportunity for us to showcase what a great multi-cultural hub Toronto is, with a thriving running scene to boot. We have numerous events planned through the weekend, but the highlights will certainly be Sunday’s race and our post-race party. Look out for that on-course Cheer Squad too!”

The on-course Cheer Squad is a key feature of the movement and BTG gatherings. As Charlie Dark says, “If you can’t run you MUST cheer.” Cheer Squads are famous for their music, inspirational signs and confetti that are all part of ‘community’ and supporting fellow runners!

Marathon weekend in The 6 will begin on Thursday evening 15th at 7pm, with a Marathon Flame Torch Relay from Alexander the Great Parkette on the Danforth, led by Parkdale Roadrunners, and including several of Toronto’s other key crews:

Everyone is encouraged to join in the Bridge The Gap Toronto experience by using the hashtags #BTGYYZ and #STWM.

For further information on Bridge the Gap Toronto, see bridgethegaptoronto.com and
parkdaleroadrunners.com

For entry, spectator information and information on Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront marathon see http://www.STWM.ca

Oct 07 2015
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2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Start List Released

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TORONTO October 7th 2015. There are just eleven days remaining until the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and the Elite Start List is revealed below.

Several of the elite men are capable of challenging Deressa Chimsa’s course record of 2:07:05 while Sharon Cherop’s course record of 2:22:43 could be under threat by athletes – including the star Kenyan herself!

This IAAF Gold Label race will double as the Canadian Championships also. For many athletes this is a chance to beat the Rio Olympic qualifying standards.

Race fans all over the world will have access to the live broadcast of this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon via Athletics Canada TV! Our live stream broadcast will begin at 8:15am and can be accessed via our homepage at http://STWM.ca

Real-time runner tracking will be available on our homepage so you can follow your favourite runners throughout their race. Just visit http://STWM.ca on race day and you’ll see the link!

You can also join the conversation on race day and interact with our Twitter Team, including @RunCRS, Pan Am Games Bronze medalist Sasha Gollish @SGollishRuns and the team at @CanadianRunning! Use hashtag #STWM on Twitter and Instagram to see your content live on our Social Hub: http://ow.ly/T7SYw

Men’s Start List

BIB NAME COUNTRY AGE RECENT PERFORMANCES NAME ON BIB
1 KORIR, Laban KEN 30 2:07:54 Paris 2015 KORIR
2 SOME, Peter KEN 25 2:05:38 Paris 2013 SOME
3 KIPYEGO, Michael KEN 32 2:06:58 Tokyo 2014 KIPYEGO
4 KIRWA, Gilbert KEN 30 2:07:44 Paris 2015 KIRWA
5 ASEFA, Belay ETH 23 2:07:10 Hamburg 2014 ASEFA
6 CHEMOSIN, Robert KEN 26 2:08:05 Warsaw 2015 CHEMOSIN
7 CHEMTAN, Ishhimael KEN 24 2:08:25 Ljublijana 2014 CHEMTAN
8 KIPTOO, Edwin KEN 22 Debut. 60:11 Half RAK 2015 KIPTOO
9 EL QADY, Najim MOR 35 63:26 Marrakech Half, 2015 EL QADY
10 GILLIS, Eric CAN 35 2:11:28 STWM 2011 ERIC
11 RIZZO, Patrick USA 32 2:13:42 Houston 2012 RIZZO
12 KANGOGO, Kip CAN 36 2:15:35, Victoria, BC 2013 KIP
14 JIBRIL, Sami CAN 26 Debut SAMI
15 MOORE, Joe USA 32 2:18:22 Duluth 2015 MOORE
16 CANCHANYA, Wily David PER 24 Debut 64:51 STWM Half 2014 CANCHANYA
17 BOWEN, Mathew KEN 32 2:10:57 Rennes, France 2013 BOWEN

Women’s Start List

BIB NAME COUNTRY AGE RECENT PERFORMANCES NAME ON BIB
F1 CHEROP, Sharon KEN 31 2:22:28 Berlin 2013, 2:22:43 STWM 2010 Champion CHEROP
F2 DEMISE, Shure ETH 19 2:20:59 Dubai 2015 DEMISE
F3 SADO, Fatuma ETH 24 2:26:25 Warsaw 2015 SADO
F4 CHEPCHIRCHIR, Flomena KEN 34 2:23:00 Frankfurt 2013 CHEPCHIRCHIR
F5 HABTAMU, Atsede ETH 27 2:24:25 Berlin 2011 HABTAMU
F6 MARCHANT, Lanni CAN 31 2:28:00 STWM 2013 LANNI
F7 DAVIES, Mary NZL 33 2:28:56 STWM 2012 Champion DAVIES
F8 DRAZDAUSAKAITE, Rasa LTU 34 11th World Championship, Beijing 2015 DRAZDAUSAKAITE
F9 JEPKOECH, Monica KEN 30 2:30:53 Beyrouth 2014, 69:44 Paris 2014 JEPKOECH
F10 LABEAUD, Natasha CAN 28 2:35:33 STWM 2014 NATASHA
F12 KORIR, Tarah CAN 28 Debut. 73:39 Prague Half 2015 TARAH
F14 SEXTON, Leslie CAN 28 2:39:34 Virginia Beach 2015 LESLIE
F15 JOHNS, Rhiannon CAN 25 2:40:24 Birmingham, AL 2014 RHIANNON
F16 DE LA CRUZ, Jovana PER    23 Debut DE LA CRUZ
F17 ARIAS, Kellys COL 26 Debut. 74:43 Palmira Half 2014 ARIAS
F18 VAIL, Eva CZE 31 2:45:54 Victoria, BC 2014 VAIL

 

Oct 06 2015
0

Kenya’s Peter Some Looking for Redemption at Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. By Paul Gains

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Photo Credit: Photo Run

Photo Credit: Photo Run

TORONTO October 6th 2015. A year ago Peter Some found himself at the front thirty kilometres into the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon battling the cold and windy elements. Confident and empowered by the appearance of his rivals the Kenyan pushed on expecting to win the race.

But within the next two kilometres his compatriot Laban Korir appeared on his shoulder and then went on to a surprise victory in 2:08:15.

Some faded to 6th place in a time of 2:10:07. Despite being in top shape he left Canada’s largest city very disappointed with his performance vowing to learn from the experience.

The 25 year old will have his chance at revenge as the pair will renew their rivalry at this year’s event October 18. The Toronto event will be, for the first time,  an IAAF Gold Label race.

“Like last year, my fitness is very good,” Some reports from his training camp in Kenya.  “Last year I was pushing too early.  I am more experienced now and hope to be better.

“I felt very good and decided to push it. Later on I realized that it was too early. I was disappointed that I lost. I don’t care who was beating me I just wanted to win myself.”

Some has a terrific personal best of 2:05:38 from the 2013 Paris Marathon making him the fastest man in the elite field in Toronto. And any man who can keep up in training with world record holder Dennis Kimetto and Geoffrey Mutai, a Boston and New York winner, is himself a talented athlete.

He comes by his gift honestly, after all, he is the son of the great Some Muge the man credited with starting the Kenyan dominance at the 1983 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Gateshead, UK. There he earned the bronze medal the country’s first individual medal in cross country. Though he died when Some was a child, the son remembers he and his brothers being encouraged to be a runner also.

“My father was a famous and well known athlete in Kenya,” he declares. “He became national champion in 10,000m and cross country in the years 1982, 1983 and 1984.

“Unfortunately, my dad passed away when I was eight years old. My mother encouraged me to run and she always watched and inspired me when I was running in training or races.”

Photo Credit: Photo Run

Photo Credit: Photo Run

Inspiration these days comes closer to home. Some and his wife have a two year old daughter named Sheerlen Jebet and he runs to ensure a bright future for his family.  The winner’s prize in Toronto is $20,000. Again, he also has his eyes on Deressa Chimsa’s course record of 2:07:05 and the accompanying $35,000 bonus that comes with it.

Until this week Chimsa had been expecting to run also but an injury has hampered his preparations and he withdrew at the beginning of the week. Some knows the field will be strong, nonetheless.

“Like in past years Toronto always has some great athletes running,” Some says of the field he will face. “I hope we can work together and do something special. I was happy with the 2:07:22 I ran in Tokyo (February 22, 2015). I tried my best and hope to improve now in Toronto.”

The Kenyan star, when he is not training or caring for his family, enjoys following Manchester United Football Club with England International and club captain Wayne Rooney his favourite player. This is something he had just learned he has in common with Toronto Race Director, Alan Brookes.

“Yes, I have watched them play and I am happy with most of their performances,” Some says. “I did not know (Brookes was also a fan). But it’s great that we share this. I watch the games mostly at home or in the training camp with my friends and training mates.”

Preparations for Toronto have been going as well as expected and he has interrupted his buildup only once and that was to race the Chemususu Dam Half Marathon in Kenya two weeks ago. He finished 3rd in a strong field that included other leading Kenyans preparing for a fall marathon. Now he begins the tail off in mileage to ensure he is primed and fit for the battle with Korir as well as an outstanding support cast – any of whom could be dangerous on the day.

For a man who has seen much of the world he admits that he takes his meals in the hotel and rarely ventures outside except for press functions and to race.

“I like traveling, but when I am traveling for a marathon, there is no time to see the city. When my career is over I hope I can visit Toronto again to do some sightseeing,” he offers.

“We eat at the hotel and did not do any visits. I liked the Toronto marathon, that why I am happy to be back again.”

Of course he will be much happier if he can cross the finish line first on October 18th.

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For More Information:

www.stwm.ca