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Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Healthy Eating: Smart Nutrition Tips for Runners

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TORONTO August 11th 2015. Digital Champion Vicky Leung started running in 2008 to lose weight, and now she does it because it makes her feel better both physically and mentally. Vicky loves the sense of accomplishment she feels after crossing the finish line, knowing all her training and hard work has paid off. When she’s not running, you’ll find Vicky road biking, exploring new places to eat, watching films and travelling. Connect with Vicky on Twitter and Instagram.

Healthy Eating: Smart Nutrition Tips for Runners. By Vicky Leung 

_MG_8954Many people know I started running to lose weight. It was easy, and for a while I was able toshed the pounds. But over time, I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I was putting in the miles but rewarding myself with food. Wasn’t I allowed to eat whatever I wanted if I was running four to five times a week? The truth was, I was taking in more calories than I needed, and not making the best food choices either. That meant I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted on the scale or out on the road . Does this sound familiar? Here are several suggestions I used to clean up my eating and stay on top of my nutritional game.

Watch your sugar intake

These aren’t the naturally occurring sugars you find in fruits and veggies. It’s the refined sugar that’s hidden in processed foods. It all adds up over the course of a day – the sugar you put into your morning coffee, granola bars, salad dressings, fruit bottom yogurts and pre-packaged oatmeal to name a few. The best way to avoid eating excess amounts of sugar is to not buy highly processed foods in the first place. Keep your fridge and cupboards stocked with healthy foods and you’ll be less tempted to eat badly. Moderation is the key – eat healthy and nutritious meals for a majority of the week and you won’t feel guilty about indulging in an occasional treat.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water in addition to any other fluids you consume. Water is beneficial for the body in many ways – it helps with digestion, keeps your joints lubricated, flushes out toxins, prevents fatigue and, most importantly it helps with weight loss management. Drinking water will keep you feeling full, which controls your food cravings. So stay hydrated even when you aren’t exercising. I aim for a minimum of eight glasses of water a day; you may need more depending on your level of activity.

Eat protein

Your protein requirements will increase as you are training for your race so make sure to have a source of protein with every meal. The two major benefits of protein are that it helps to rebuild lean muscles, which aids in recovery time. Secondly, it keeps you feeling satiated longer, which can help to prevent overeating. Some of my favourites include eggs, quinoa, chicken, fish, lentils and edamame.

Re-fuel post run

Your body needs carbs and protein to begin the recovery process after a long run. Try to eat a small snack within 30 to 60 minutes of your workout session. On my runs that are shorter than an hour, I keep it simple with a glass of milk or peanut butter and apple slices. For longer runs, I have the glass of milk along with a small snack like a hardboiled egg or yogurt. And, if you like having treats, be mindful of what you’re eating post-run. Just because you ran for 30 minutes, doesn  mean you’ve earned a donut. As my physiotherapist Dev says, “You can’t out-train your eating.”

Eat breakfast

There’s a lot of discussion over whether eating breakfast makes a difference when trying to lose weight. For me it’s a no brainer – I eat breakfast because it gives me energy to get through the day. It also keeps me from snacking on sweets later on. Most mornings, I go with a protein shake or overnight oats – they’re easy to make ahead of time so you can grab and go in the morning

Here’s a breakfast recipe you can use to start your day off right. Good luck with your training, and I’ll see you at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 18.

Vicky Leung Blog PostBlueberry and Maple Overnight Oats

(adapted from BGH.com: http://www.bhg.com/recipes/breakfast/overnight-oats/

3/4 cup Vanilla flavoured Greek yogurt
2/3 cup oats
2/3 cup cashew milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
1/3 cup fresh blueberries

Combine the above ingredients in a bowl, mix well, cover and place into the fridge overnight. Serve the following day and add additional sweetners or liquids if necessary. I like adding some lemon zest, a pinch of cinnamon and more blueberries to mine. The oats can be heated in the microwave if you like.

Train With Grains Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad

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Train With Grains Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad.
By CRS Community Leader Jodi Lewchuk 

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. Today’s recipe is a delicious Wheat Berry Salad from Jodi Lewchuk that you can make ahead so it’s ready as soon as you finish your run! 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!

Jodi Wheat BerryFor me, after my Sunday long run, the key is to have foodstuffs prepared and ready to go when the ravenous hunger hits post-shower. I often cook up a big pot of grain on the weekend (e.g., rice, barley, pearled wheat) to have on hand during the week to make salads with, serve on the side with stirfries, or toss into a pot of soup. This means it’s easy to pull together a filling, nutritious meal to replace all the fuel I burn laying down kilometre after kilometre early on Sunday mornings. One of my favourite bases for substantial meal salads is wheat berries, or pearled wheat. When cooked it has an almost nutty flavour and is wonderfully chewy. It also pairs well with just about anything you can dream up to top it with. Besides being delicious and versatile, this particular grain also reminds me of my family heritage, as my great-great grandparents farmed wheat when they arrived in Canada. If you can’t find pearled wheat, pearled barley works just as well.

For the dressing:

1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

6 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until emulsified.

For the salad and assembly:

2 cups cooked pearled wheat or pearled barley (cooked according to package directions), cooled

6 leaves kale, cut into ribbons

1/3 cup can rosebud beets, diced

1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup shelled walnuts

1/3 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)Jodi Wheat Berry 2

Place cooked pearled wheat in a large bowl, pour over the dressing, and mix well. Arrange the kale, beets, feta cheese, walnuts, and pepitas in stripes on top of the dressed wheat to create a pinwheel effect, or simply stir all ingredients together.

Serves 1 very hungry post-long-run runner

*Share your favourite pre or post-run snack or meal on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #TrainWithGrains for your chance to WIN 1 of 4 entries to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon! Contest open until August 14th.

Couch to Boston

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Digital Champion Ben Lariviere started running in March 2013 with the motivation to get fit, stay fit, and challenge himself. In October of 2014, Ben ran his first sub-3 hour marathon at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and this past April he ran his first Boston Marathon! His biggest inspiration to be a better runner is to inspire his family, friends and fellow runners to take up the sport and be the best they can be! When he’s not running, you’ll find Ben spending time with his family or working out at the gym. Follow Ben on Twitter and Instagram. 

Couch to Boston. By Ben Lariviere 

Ben Blog Before and AfterTORONTO July 29th 2015 . I never thought I’d be a runner. In fact, before I started running I used to say “look at that guy running he must be crazy, I’d never do that.” My whole life changed in March 2013 when I finally had enough of the lifestyle that I was living. I had become too comfortable in life and was treating my body like a trash can. I smoked a pack a day for 20 years, was an avid drinker and had poor eating habits. I  woke up one day looking at myself and realized something had to change. My choices were affecting me, my loved ones, and also my personal health. I had high blood pressure, was on cholesterol medicine and was overweight.

I quit my bad habits all at once: smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy. Luckily, I had a great support system from my wife, family and friends. I also started working out at home 3 times a week with weights and the elliptical. Once the nicer weather came around, a friend of mine suggested I register for a Tough Mudder event so I would have a goal to reach for. In my mind, I was just hoping to survive the race! Know that running would be a part of my obstace race, I decided to give it a shot in my training. I didn’t know anything about where to start, I just ran through town, not caring about pace or distance. I just wanted to see how far I could run, and on my first try I managed 10k.

5 months later, after I had lost 35 pounds and completed my first race,  a friend told me that I should run the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon. Convinced that I should “go big or go home”, I signed up for the full marathon and completed it in a time of 3:09:29. I wasn’t try to qualify for Boston, my goal was to finish, but I was happy with my result and I was hooked on running! Over the next year I kept training, trying to do better and entering more races. I ran the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon in 3:03:34 and then the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon again, with my fastest time to date 2:59:06. I realized that if you work hard enough, and never give up, anything is possible. I never thought in a million years I would be running the Boston Marathon, the holy grain of races.

I ran the Boston Marathon in 3:18:19 on April 20th of this year Ben Blog Boston Marathonand it was an epic event, to saythe least, with all the people, runners, and the incredible atmosphere surrounding the event. Race day itself was tough with terrible weather, and I was unprepared for the hills along the course, but nevertheless it was a dream come true and I can’t wait to return in 2016. I will be ready next year, no matter what comes at me! So far, I have been a self-taught runner and I want to reach others out there like me to inspire them to start running and reach their goals. Running has changed my life and I can honestly say that I am “that crazy runner” and I’m proud of it! I’ll see you on the start line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday October 18th!

No One Left Behind: Running with an Urban Crew

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Digital Champion Cheryl Kozoriz has always been active and health-conscious, but never athletic. As a shy, introverted kid, track and field day gave her anxiety attacks in grade school, so it wasn’t until 2013 that she took up running! After only three short runs, she was in love and last year she completed the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon. This was a major accomplishment for Cheryl, both in running and in life. When she’s not running, Cheryl is the marketing and communications manager for GlucksteinHome. She also enjoys cooking, eating, and travelling. Connect with Cheryl on Twitter and Instagram.

No One Left Behind: Running with an Urban Crew. By Cheryl Kozoriz

Blog Cheryl Kozoriz 2Running initially appealed to me partly because it’s a solo pursuit. A dedicated introvert, I’ve always avoided team sports and group undertakings in general. When I first started running, I quickly fell in love with long, slow, thought-clearing runs and intense speed sessions where I ran against myself. After a year of running and training alone, something shifted: I actually started to crave the company of other runners. After creeping a few local crews on Instagram, I worked up the nerve to join Night Terrors Run Crew on New Year’s Day for their Thursday night run. After a warm welcome, I found myself in the middle of a single pack pushing the pace through icy city streets as darkness fell over us. My earphones were out, my energy was up. It was exhilarating and I was hooked on that crew life.

Urban run crews have been popping up in cities around the world for a few years now and while they’re as varied as the runners who join them, crews generally differ from traditional running groups in a few ways: crews mainly run at night, they’re drop-in and free to join, they welcome both new and seasoned runners, they’re not affiliated with a particular store or brand, and they operate under a “no one left behind” mandate.

Here are some reasons why you may want to seek out a run crew:

Get Social: Obviously running with a group is more social than running alone, but you can also look forward to post-run beers or tacos as well as pre-race carb-load potlucks when you run with a crew.

Rut Relief: Running solo, I tend to stick to the same old routes either out of habit or convenience. Run crews keep things fresh with different routes week after week.

Blog Cheryl Kozoriz 3Get a Push: As a city runner, I’m intimidated by trails and hills but my crew has pushed me to embrace them. New routes, new terrain, faster paces, longer distances – there are so many ways a crew can help you grow as a runner.

Stay Accountable: If you’re a runner who has trouble staying on track, the rain-or-shine regularity of running crews will appeal to you.

Travel Perks: One of the best things about travelling is the opportunity to run in a new city. Your hometown crew can hook you up with a local one, guaranteeing you not only a solid route in a potentially unfamiliar city but immediate access to a new community.

#CrewLove: On the pavement, on race day, and through injuries, crew support is like no other support out there. They’ll help you chase your goals, cross the finish line and find your next start line. They get it and they’ve got you.

If you’re interested in running with a crew, there are many to choose from. Here are just a few options in Toronto:

The Food Runners [http://thefoodrunners.co/]: The Food Runners is a group of rockstar restaurant industry pros whose unique schedule led them meet up at the Nike Loft on Richmond Street every Wednesday morning. I can only imagine the delicious intel that gets passed around on these runs but thankfully, they do share some recipes through their refuel project [http://thefoodrunners.co/refuel/].

Parkdale Roadrunners [http://www.parkdaleroadrunners.com/]: PDRR started four years ago and they’ve grown steadily since. So much so that they’ve just moved to the Gladstone Hotel for their Tuesday night meet-up point. On Saturdays they focus on women’s running with a ladies-only morning run. If you’ve ever raced in Toronto, you’ve experienced their epic confetti-infused cheer station.

East York Runners [https://twitter.com/eytrunners]: If you’re in the east end, check out this group of social athletes who train and race together three times a week. With runs that range from beginner to long distance, most East York members are experienced runners but they welcome newer runners who are working their way up to a continuous 5K.

Night Terrors Run Crew [https://instagram.com/nightterrorsrun]: This is my crew, so I’m totally biased, but they’re awesome. With chapters in Toronto and Los Angeles, NTRC Toronto runs from Trinity Bellwoods Park three times a week, exploring the entire city with innovative routes that incorporate urban landmarks, art installations or festival spots – and badass photo opps. We’re in it for the run, but I know the Instagram shots are a pretty big draw too.

Running communities are growing and thriving across cities around the world and urban run crews are driving the momentum. Bridge the Gap is an international gathering of run crews that occurs at a major marathon every year and this year, it will be hosted in Toronto at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I’m looking forward to connecting with crews from all over! In the meantime, this video produced by Berlin Braves might inspire you to find your own crew.

Photo Credits: ckozoriz_header.jpg: William Chaupiz / Night Terrors Run Crew / ckozoriz1.jpg: Richard Kuchinsky / Night Terrors Run Crew / ckozoriz2.jpg: William Chaupiz / Night Terrors Run Crew

#TrainWithGrains this summer to up your running game.

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#TrainWithGrains this summer to up your running gameGFO Logo

By: Meghan Burke, Grain Farmers of Ontario

Enthusiasm, discipline, practice and a healthy, balanced diet: these are the key ingredients to workout success. At Grain Farmers of Ontario, we know that the carbohydrates from whole grains are a must for runners pre- and post-exercise, providing essential nutrients and offering a great source of energy to help fuel your athletic achievements. It is for this reason that we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Canada Running Series at this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

Hummus with Crisp Pita Chips

Hummus with Crisp Pita Chips

In order to support you on your training journey, we will be working with the Canada Running Series’ esteemed Community Leaders to provide unique recipes and expert tips for fueling your workout and preparing for the big race. On Marathon day, we will be there to cheer you on, offering delicious, nutritious snacks at the Good in Every Grain Post-Race Food Station and spreading our love and knowledge of all things grain at our Growing Connections Trailer – a fun, interactive stop near the finish line for spectators young and old.

To enjoy our easy, nutritious grain-inspired recipes, follow Good in Every Grain and @RunCRS.

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops these farmers grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

CONTEST ALERT!

To kick off the marathon preparation, we have free race entries to give away to four lucky Ontario residents. Interested in winning? Simply snap a pic of your favourite pre- or post-workout dish featuring barley, grain corn (think corn meal, flour or starch), oat, soybean or wheat and share on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #trainwithgrains, tagging Good in Every Grain (handles below) and @RunCRS in your post.

Find us at:

@GoodinGrain on Twitter

@GoodinEveryGrain on Instagram

www.facebook.com/GoodinEveryGrain

Contest ends August 14, 2015. For complete details visit GoodinEveryGrain.ca.

Are YOU up for a Guinness World Record at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon?

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TORONTO July 16th 2015

Are YOU up for a Guinness World Record at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon? It’s everyone’s chance for marathon glory!

Guinness The Flash

Fancy your chances as the world’s fastest marathon in a Superhero outfit? Or the fastest “joggling 3 objects”? What about in a baseball or lacrosse uniform? GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS is offering YOU a unique opportunity to become an official record holder on October 18th, at Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. It’s another great reason to run a marathon, and glory awaits you!

It’s an opportunity to everyone who toes the Start line. “The wonderful thing about GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS is that they literally give everyone a chance to be a record holder,” says Race Director Alan Brookes. “I think we’ve built a reputation for record-setting and we’ve built quite a fondness for GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS along the way.”

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s record setting run began in 2004 when Beaches resident, Michal Kapral set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievement of  2:49:44 for the “Fastest Marathon While Pushing a Pram” with daughter Annika on board. Michal returned in 2005 to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “joggling” – running 3:07:49 while juggling 3 balls the whole way! Instantly, a new sport was born and some great contests against Boston’s Zach Warren followed. Zach captured the record in Philadelphia in late 2005 and bettered it in 2006, before Michal reclaimed it on Toronto’s Waterfront in 2007 with a fabulous 2:50:12, which still stands today.

Since then, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has seen a wonderful assortment of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievements. Jefferson the Dog set a mark for the “Fastest Marathon as a Mascot” [4:16] in 2010. Stephane Hetherington ran a very impressive 2:33:58 to set a new record for “Fastest Marathon in a Superhero Costume” in 2012. Maple Leafs fan Paul Statchuk has set truly Canadian records, first with the “Fastest Marathon in a full Hockey Kit (including stick)” in 2012 [4:08:43]; then with “Fastest Marathon in a Lacrosse Uniform” in 2013 [3:46:48].

Guinness Jeremiah

Last October, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon runners set no less than FIVE new records, highlighted by Lindsay Santagato, Bridget Burns and Jeremiah Sacay. Lindsay ran the 42k in full firefighter uniform, including the 45lb oxygen tank and full bunker suit, to set a record of 5:38:51. She was inspired and driven the whole way by running in memory of her brother Ryan who died of acute liver failure in 2009 at just 20 years old; and Lindsay ran to raise funds for the Canadian Liver Foundation as well as the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. Bridget represented High Park Zoo to clock 4:08:17 and the fastest marathon dressed as a Zookeeper. She broke the record while also carrying around a bag of stuffed animals to give out to spectators along the course! Jeremiah represented his favourite Toronto Blue Jays to set a new record in a baseball uniform [3:47:45].

In addition to solidifying your spot in GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS history, those attempting a new record will also be in the running for one of Scotiabank’s “Best Costume” Awards. Winners will take home cash prizes for their charities, as well as glory and lots of great media exposure!

“The marathon is just such a wonderful community festival,” says Brookes. “It’s about joy, achievement, and celebration. There is so much energy and excitement; and the record-setting runners, the costume and charity runners are a vital part of this. Fellow-runners and spectators alike love the atmosphere they bring. We hope to see lots of runners chasing a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title this year, and going the distance for their charities in fun costumes”.

If you’d like to be part of record-breaking history this year, please email press@guinnessworldrecords.com  and jenna@canadarunningseries.com no later than September 1, 2015.

Please note that GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS participants must be entered in the STWM event (REGISTER TODAY) before registering online at www.guinnessworldrecords.com

APPENDIX. Complete List of Current Guinness World Records for the Marathon [as of August 24, 2014]. Some records may be faster than time listed below. Stay tuned for updated list. 

Fastest marathon by a mascot – Male – 3 hr 51 min 50 sec; Female – 4 hr 02 min 56 sec
Fastest marathon in military desert uniform – Male – 3 hr 50 min 31 sec
Fastest marathon as an insect – Male — 3 hr 32 min 41 sec; Female – 3 hr 24 min 10 sec
Fastest marathon backwards on inline skates – Male — 1 hr 39 min 59 sec
Fastest marathon barefoot – Male – 2 hr 15 min 16.2 sec; Female – 2 hr 29 min 45 sec
Fastest marathon by a linked team – Male — 2 hr 55 min 24 sec
Fastest marathon by a marching band – 6 hr 56 min 48 sec
Fastest marathon carrying a 20-lb pack – Male – 3 hr 12 min 29 sec;
Female — 5 hr 07 min 56 sec
Fastest marathon carrying a 40-lb pack – Male — 3 hr 25 min 21 sec
Fastest marathon carrying a 60-lb pack – Male — 4 hr 39 min 9 sec
Fastest marathon carrying an 80-lb pack – Male — 5 hr 58 min 58 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a baby – Male — 2 hr 51 min 18 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a book character – Male — 2 hr 42 min 17 sec;
Female – 3 hr 39 min 49 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a bottle – Male – 3 hr 31 min 57 sec;
Female – 4 hr 54 min 36 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a boxer – Male — 3 hr 35 min 34 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a cartoon character – Male — 2 hr 46 min 40 sec;
Female — 3 hr 28 min 26 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a clown – Male — 2 hr 50 min 44 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a commercial brand character
Fastest marathon dressed as a cowboy – Male — 3 hr 09 min 09 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a crustacean – Male – 3 hr 55 min 13 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a dairy product – Male — 3 hr 09 min 58 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a doctor — Male – 2 hr 53 min 11 sec;
Female – 3 hr 54 min 06 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a fairy – Male — 2 hr 49 min 44 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a fruit – Male – 2 hr 58 min 20 sec;
Female – 4 hr 32 min 28 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a gingerbread man — Male — 3 hr 42 min 20 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a golfer – Male – 3 hr 10 min 4 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a jester – Male – 3 hr 1 min 56 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a jockey – Male – 3 hr 08 min 30 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a leprechaun – Male – 3 hr 09 min 40 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a lifeguard – Male — 3 hr 00 min 01 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a logo – Male — 3 hr 37 min 14 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a love heart – Male — 3 hr 28 min 21 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a monk – Male — 3 hr 29 min 32 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a Mr. Potato Head – Male – 3 hr 38 min 20 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a nun – Male — 3 hr 17 min 58 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a nut – Male – 4 hr 29 min 36 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a playing card — Female — 4 hr 23 min 57 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a postman – Male — 3 hr 47 min 35 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a Roman soldier – Male — 2 hr 57 min
Fastest marathon dressed as a sailor – Male — 2 hr 52 min 32 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a shoe – Female — 4 hr 40 min 56 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a star – Male — 4 hr 46 min 45 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a sumo wrestler – Male — 3 hr 51 min 54 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a tap/faucet – Male — 3 hr 52 min 09 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a telephone box – Male — 5 hr 54 min 52 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a television character — Male — 2 hr 49 min 51 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a toilet – Male — 2 hr 57 min 28 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a vegetable – Male — 2 hr 59 min 33 sec;
Female — 3 hr 47 min 15 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a videogame character – Male — 3 hr 29 min 41 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a Viking – Male — 3 hr 12 min 11 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as a waiter – Male — 2 hr 47 min
Fastest marathon dressed as a zombie – Male — 3 hr 18 min 38 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as an astronaut – Male — 3 hr 08 min 45 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as an organ — Male — 3 hr 36 min 42 sec;
Female — 3 hr 52 min 02 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as Elvis – Male — 2 hr 42 min 52 sec
Fastest marathon dressed as Santa Claus – Male — 2 hr 55 min 50 sec;
Female — 3 hr 43 min 20 sec
Fastest marathon dressed in an ice hockey – Male — 4 hr 8 min 43 sec
Fastest marathon dribbling a basketball – Male — 3 hr 23 min 42 sec;
Female — 4 hr 28 min 11 sec
Fastest marathon dribbling a football – Male — 3 hr 29 min 55 sec
Fastest marathon dribbling two basketballs – Male — 4 hr 39 min 12 sec
Fastest marathon flipping a pancake – Male — 3 hr 2 min 27 sec
Fastest marathon in a bomb disposal suit Male — 6 hr 55 min 59 sec
Fastest marathon in a fireman’s uniform – Male — 4 hr 39 min 13 sec
Fastest marathon in a four-person costume — 6 hr 29 min 44 sec
Fastest marathon in a full-body animal costume – Male — 3 hr 31 min 36 sec
Fastest marathon in a lacrosse kit – Male — 3 hr 46 min 58 sec
Fastest marathon in a martial arts suit – Male — 3 hr 21 min 31 sec;
Female – 3 hr 30 min 14 sec
Fastest marathon in a military dress uniform – Male — 3 hr 47 min 14 sec
Fastest marathon in a nurse’s uniform — Male — 2 hr 48 min 24 sec;
Female — 3 hr 13 min 58 sec
Fastest marathon in a police uniform – Male — 3 hr 09 min 52 sec
Fastest marathon in a straitjacket – Male — 3 hr 49 min 48 sec
Fastest marathon in a suit – Male — 2 hr 58 min 03 sec
Fastest marathon in a two-person pantomime costume – Male — 4 hr 49 min 18 sec
Fastest marathon in a wedding dress – Male — 3 hr 00 min 54 sec;
Female — 3 hr 16 min 44 sec
Fastest marathon in an American football kit – Male — 3hr 45 min 30 sec
Fastest marathon in an animal – Male — 2 hr 48 min 29 sec;
Female – 3 hr 18 min 09 sec
Fastest marathon in cricket uniform – Male — 4 hr 16 min 21 sec
Fastest marathon in film character costume – Male — 2 hr 42 min 52 sec;
Female — 3 hr 53 min 40 sec
Fastest marathon in full military uniform – Male — 3 hr 49 min 21 sec;
Female — 4 hr 54 min 15 sec
Fastest marathon in school uniform – Male — 2 hr 50 min 17 sec;
Female — 3 hr 14 min 34 sec
Fastest marathon in scout uniform – Male — 3 hr 44 min 33 sec
Fastest marathon in superhero costume – Male — 2 hr 33 min 58 sec;
Female — 2 hr 48 min 51 sec
Fastest marathon on crutches – Male — 6 hr 24 min 48 sec
Fastest marathon on stilts — Male — 6 hr 50 min 02 sec
Fastest marathon pushing a pram – Male — 2 hr 42 min 21 sec;
Female — 3 hr 31 min 45 sec
Fastest marathon run dressed as a snowman – Male — 3 hr 47 min 39 sec
Fastest marathon running backwards – Male — 3 hr 43 min 39 sec
Fastest marathon running with an egg and spoon – Male — 3 hr 47 min
Fastest marathon skipping – Male — 4 hr 28 min 48 sec
Fastest marathon skipping without a rope – Male –5 hr 55 min 13 sec
Fastest marathon wearing a gas mask – Male — 3 hr 28 min 38 sec
Fastest marathon wearing a wetsuit – Male — 3 hr 25 min 00 sec
Fastest marathon wearing armour – Male — 6 hr 46 min 59 sec
Fastest marathon wearing chainmail (upper body) – Male — 5 hr 49 min 07 sec.
Fastest marathon wearing flip flops – Male — 3 hr 47 min 33 sec

Running and Family: A Balancing Act

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TORONTO July 16th 2015. Digital Champion Jason Guy hails from the East Coast of Canada, St. John’s Newfoundland. He started running in junior high school after his soccer coach suggested he take up cross country. In 2015, he placed second in the Bluenose Half-Marathon, after Olympic Silver Medalist Abel Kirui. Jason credits much of his running success to having a very supportive family who always cheers him on and are very understanding of his 5am wake-up calls during the week! The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon will be Jason’s first marathon and he’s looking forward to the challenge. When he’s not running, you can find Jason playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, and spending time with this wife and two young children. Connect with Jason on Twitter and Strava.

Running and Family: A Balancing Act. By Jason Guy. 

I’ve been running off and on most of my life, but I’ve only Jason Guy Blog 2become consistent over the last number of years. I come from a family of athletic people, and when I first started running, it was easy and I was good at it, so I didn’t take it seriously enough. Ever since I graduated from college I look at running more as a mental exercise than physical, and I need to stay focused to get better, and run longer. I use to wonder if it was working, but it really wasn’t until my children came around that I knew I was succeeding.

Everyone who has ever worked out or practiced any sport knows that you need to get into a routine to see any improvements, and at first it’s easy to make excuses. Here I was faced with the easiest excuse I could ever have at this point in my life; a baby. If ever there was a multitude of reasons not to do something, a baby is the ultimate. I can’t run today, my son is sick; I can’t run today, my son was up all night fussy, and on and on.

I pushed through, I changed my routine, and kept running, making sure not to trouble the upbringing of our son. When we had our second child two years ago, my routine needed to change again, and I had even less time to do things for myself. Every parent knows, the first thing that is given up when raising children is personal time. Once again my routine was changed, and events were combined, and certain things were given up, but not running.

Strangely I have been able to run more since our second child was born, but it really isn’t that strange when you take into account that most of my runs start at 5am when everyone else is asleep. Being in a relationship makes you learn to compromise, and becoming a parent forces you to put others before you, no matter what. I run at 5am so that I can eat breakfast with my children, and pick them up at the end of the day and have supper with them. My Sunday long run could happen at 6am, 8am, 8pm, I never know until Saturday, due to being a parent. I’ve wanted to be a parent for a long time, and I always want to be there for my wife and children and experience everything they do.

Running is a mental exercise, even more so Jason blogwhen you have to schedule around the lives of two young children (ages 5 and 2). I love running, but I love my family more, and everything is sacrificed for them. I only hope that my dedication to running inspires my children to follow me as they get older and start being active. I remember reading somewhere that it’s hard for a parent to admit when their child(ren) are better than them at something, and as a competitive person I both fear and wait in excitement for that day, because I know I have helped mold them into the person they are and will become through running.

Running takes physical and mental strength, but most importantly, you need dedication and the heart to push through when it’s hard and keep going to get the reward. If I can instill that attitude into my children, then I’ll know I can call myself a great parent.

TO2015 Pan Am Women’s Marathon Start List (Unofficial).

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

TORONTO July 15th 2015. 17 athletes are set to toe the Start Line for Saturday’s Women’s Marathon at Pan Am Toronto 2015. CRS stars Rachel Hannah and Catherine Watkins will face tough competition from Peruvians Ines Melchor and Gladys Tejeda.

Here is the complete (unofficial) Start List for Saturday morning’s Pan Am Women’s Marathon. There are a total of 17 women, with Peru’s Melchor and Tejeda as the obvious standouts — they are the only ones with sub-2:30 qualifying times and PBs. In fact, the only ones sub-2:32.

CRS stars Rachel Hannah and Catherine Watkins also need to battle strong Americans, Lindsay Flanagan and Sarah Cummings, and Mexico’s Vianey De La Rosa for a podium spot.

The Pan Am women’s champion from Guadalajara 2011, Adriana Aparecida Da Silva of Brazil, will also be on the Start line at Ontario Place West, 7am on Saturday to defend her title.

Join Toronto’s Run Crew CHEER SITES this Saturday July 18th to cheer on Rachel and Catherine! Full details here.

Name Country PB Qualifying Time
Adriana Aparecida Da Silva BRA 02:29:17 02:35:28
Marily Dos Santos BRA 02:31:55 02:37:25
Rachel Hannah CAN 02:33:30 02:33:30
Catherine Watkins CAN 02:42:35 02:44:59
Erika Olivera CHI 02:32:23 02:36:08
Natalia Romero CHI 02:34:55  
Leidy Tobon COL 02:41:20 2:41:20
Dailin Belmonte CUB 02:38:08 02:42:01
Rosa Chacha ECU 02:35:29 02:35:29
Vianey De La Rosa MEX 02:32:01 02:32:01
Margarita Hernandez MEX 02:41:16 02:41:16
Carmen Patricia Martinez PAR 02:36:01 02:36:01
Ines Melchor PER 02:26:48 02:26:48
Gladys Tejeda PER 02:28:12 02:28:12
Sarah Cummings USA 02:34:47 02:34:47
Lindsay Flanagan USA 02:33:12 02:33:32
Zuleima Amaya VEN 02:42:27 02:42:27

Lesson From My Running Family

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TORONTO July 9th 2015. Digital Champion Amy Friel comes from a family of distance runners. Her Grandpa, Jack Friel, won the Toronto Police Games Marathon in 1977 in an impressive time of 2:26:11. Last October, Amy had the privilege of carrying his legacy across the finish line at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. On October 18th, she’s returning with the goal of a Boston-qualifying time! When she’s not running, Amy is on “the last 2.2k” of her Political Science degree and can also be found painting. Connect with Amy on Twitter and Instagram.
Lessons from my Running Family. By Amy Friel 

JackFriel

Sometimes I talk to people about running, and sometimes, depending on who I’m talking to, people will tell me that I’m fast. This always strikes me as funny, because compared most of the runners in my life, I’m actually quite slow.

I have what you’d call a “fast family”. My parents actually met at a cross-country race. My grandpa (pictured on the right) won the Toronto Police Games Marathon in 1977. My dad represented Canada at the World Masters Track and Field Championships in 2003. And my big sister, who I’ve been running after most of my life, ran as an NCAA scholarship athlete. She’s run two consecutive Boston Marathons, and shows no sign of slowing down.
And then there’s my roommate. If you happened to be a spectator at the Canada Running Series half-marathon in Montreal this past April, you might have noticed a tiny, adorable brunette with the voice of a cartoon squirrel whizz across the finish line to capture fourth place.
DadAndAmyThe runners in my life have taught me a lot of lessons, from the importance of finding an apartment with adequate shoe storage, to the true meaning of finding your “sole mate”. (Brooks Ravennas, I’m looking at you!)
Our sport is unique, because distance running makes room for everyone. We welcome every age, body type, and level of ability, and what we celebrate isn’t the victory of one runner over another, but the victory of one runner over all the things they once felt they could never do. That’s the one thing that seems to be constant across all runners, from my speedy family and friends to those just starting out.
Because what makes a great runner isn’t body type, or height-to-weight ratio, or lung capacity, or physical strength. What makes a real runner great is courage. The marathon is a gruelling race, but what it tests isn’t really your speed, strength, or endurance. What the marathon really is, is a test of your existential courage; it’s a great big, fearless celebration of human tenacity. Because at the 35K mark, alone in the face of bitter cold winds and heavy fatigue, far from friends, family, or a phone, quitting just isn’t an option. The marathon teaches you that if you’re going through hell, you keep going.

On your mark, get set, fundraise for the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge!

By | Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon | No Comments

Runners set to raise millions for 173 local charities this fall.

Toronto, Ontario – (Marketwired – July 8, 2015) – Over 27,000 runners will hit the streets of Toronto on October 18 for the 26th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM), Half-marathon & 5k. Many will be raising funds for 173 mostly local Official Charities in the 2015 Scotiabank Charity Challenge, including three featured charities:

  • Autism Ontario
  • Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health
  • Romero House

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be the National Charity Partner.

For a complete list of 2015 charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon website.

Since the introduction of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to Canada in the 2003 Toronto Waterfront event, the fundraising initiative has raised almost $25 million for hundreds of charities in the Toronto area. The participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all transaction and credit card fees. Given its resounding success in Toronto, the program has been expanded nationally in recent years. So far in 2015, $4.4 million has been raised for hundreds of Scotiabank Charity Challenge official charities across Canada in Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax.

“The success of the STWM Scotiabank Charity Challenge is due to the tremendous support from the City of Toronto, the thousands of runners, and the energy of the 173 charities involved,” said Rob Mattacott, District Vice-President, Toronto Centre District at Scotiabank.” The IAAF Gold Label Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has become one of Canada’s finest road races and its Charity Challenge fundraising has grown from $198,000 in 2003 to $3.67 million in 2014.”

“The enthusiasm and dedication toward giving back to the community demonstrated by the Scotiabank Charity Challenge participants is what makes race day extra special,” said Alan Brookes, Canada Running Series Race Director. “From dressing up in crazy costumes to chasing Guinness World Records, and running the race three times in one day, the determination, creativity and spirit we see on the course is what makes the Charity Challenge so unique.”

Please visit the website at www.STWM.ca for more information.

Part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a friendly competition between the charities for $33,000 in cash prizes consisting of $6,000 for 1st place, $3,000 for 2nd, and $2,000 for 3rd in the following categories:

  • The Official Charity that has the most fundraising participants.
  • The Official Charity that raises the most fundraising dollars.
  • The Official Charity that raises the largest amount of pledge dollars per fundraising

How to get involved!

  • Register for an event: Register for one of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon events (Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5k) on the event website www.stwm.ca
  • Fundraise: Once registered, you can sign up for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and raise funds for a participating official charity or donate directly to their cause.
  • Donate: Visit the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to select an Official Charity and make a one-time donation.
  • Cheer: Come out and support friends and family along the race route and as they cross the finish line. You can also show your support to runners online by using the hashtags #STWM and #runScotia.

About Scotiabank

Through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and parts of Asia. We are dedicated to helping our 21 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 86,000 employees and assets of $837 billion (as at April 30, 2015), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). Scotiabank distributes the Bank’s media releases using Marketwired. For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankNews.

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

An IAAF Gold Label race, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada’s premier, big-city running event, and the Grand Finale of the 8-race Canada Running Series. In 2014, it attracted more than 26,000 participants from 60 countries, raised $3.67 million for 173 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, and contributed an estimated $35 million to the local economy. In 2014, it also became the first marathon to be livestreamed globally on YouTube, attracting viewers from 115 countries. In 2015, it will host the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships and the international Bridge The Gap movement www.STWM.ca.

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Joanna Hatt
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Joanna.Hatt@Narrative.ca