More than 20,000 runners took to the streets in perfect weather conditions along Toronto’s lakeshore today for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM). The marathon raised more than $2.7 million dollars. Several course records were broken, including the four fastest men and women’s times ever on Canadian soil. 2010 marks the most successful year in the marathon’s twenty one year history.
For the third consecutive year, Kenneth Mungara from Kenya (Photo) won the men’s marathon, breaking his own record for fastest time in Canada. In a dramatic sprint to the finish line, Kenyan Sharon Cherop narrowly edged out Tirfi Tsegaye of Ethiopia for the women’s title. In an amazingly close finish, the top four women all broke the record for fastest women’s marathon time on Canadian soil. The marathon also saw Reid Coolsaet of Hamilton, ON finish with the fastest time ever run by a Canadian on Canadian soil.
“The 2010 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was truly astonishing, not only because of the number of record-breaking wins but also the amount of money raised for local charities,” said Alan Brookes, Race Director. “With over 20,000 people running, including Canada’s very own Eric Gillis, Reid Coolsaet, and Matt Loiselle, we had world-class talent on the streets of Toronto. Watching Reid qualify for the next Olympic Games right here at home was truly inspirational.”
“The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon brings together athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit from all over the world,” said Robin Hibberd, Executive Vice-President, Retail Products and Services, Canadian Banking, Scotiabank. “This year, not only did we raise $2.7 million for 127 registered charities, we were also the only North American city to host the Marathon Flame on its world tour for the 2,500th anniversary of the first marathon.”
“I think that the marathon ideals of world peace, fair competition, participation in sport as a way of life – of setting goals and through courage and determination in achieving them – these are ideals that all Torontonians can embrace,” said Mayor David Miller who was the official starter of today’s marathon. “I’m proud that we proclaimed this Marathon Week in Toronto and salute all the triumphant finishers.”
(source: emphasis world)
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