I loved running this race, but I felt that there were a few things lacking in terms of management. I had signed up for Email Updates but didn't receive any until the day before the Expo. There was absolutely no communication outside their social media feeds, which was a little disconcerting leading up to the race. This is also not the big marathon that they advertise. The Website claims 14,000 runners from 50 countries....however, in the results I counted up approximately 6500 finishers. I was surprised in the days leading up to the event how little advertisements there were around Toronto. I was expecting banners, flags, or signs about the upcoming race (at the very least to warn against street closures), but there was little to nothing. However, despite signage, the police department did do a fantastic job keeping runners safe as well as keeping traffic in the city flowing.

I found the Expo a little lacking. It was very small and to get my packet I had to go to several tables in different sections of the hall; one to pick it up, a second to "activate" it, and a third to get my shirt. This forced runners to walk through the vendors, which I understand, but I do feel that all three stations could have been next to each other and done at the same time. There weren't a lot of vendors or much available, but the folks that were there were very pushy with their stuff. Perhaps I've just been to too many expos since I wasn't enthralled with anything new and I am rather uncomfortable at them. However, I did get to meet Kathrine Switzer!! She signed my copy of her book Marathon Woman & took a selfie with me. That was definitely worth the running merchandise gauntlet!

The only thing that I would ask the Race Directors to change about this event is the finish corral. It was a large penned in area with no designated family meet-up area. Non-competitors were not allowed in the fenced in finish area for safety reasons (understandable), but it was very difficult to find people again once I had finished. I feel that a penned in area with a single main exit (and port-o-johns outside of it as well) with a designated family reunion area would be ideal.

I trained very hard for this race because I've been trying to inch toward a BQ. This race is your ticket to a PR or a BQ if you are close. Due to the fast nature of the course, I was able to EASILY surpass my goal and hit a 20 minute personal best!! There are some very minor hills (miles 4 and 7) and some serious down hills (miles 8-12), so go easy for your quads! The day I ran it was quite cold and extremely windy, especially when we made it back into the city and near the water. Coming from the States, it was new for me to have kilometer markers instead of mile markers, but it really gave a greater sense of accomplishment counting them down! Despite the chilly, windy weather, I was surprised to see as many folks out cheering us on as there were. Not huge crowds and certainly no "course entertainment", but for me that was a really good thing. I don't like the loud ruckus of music and insane crowds, so this was perfect. There were a lot of port-o-johns along the route, and though I didn't use them, I could not smell them (clean!) and there didn't seem to be any lines. There were aid stations every 2-3 kilometers until the last 10K or so, which was PERFECT spacing. I alternated consuming water & Gatorade and it served me quite well. If you are looking for a pretty, easy, fast course, I would most definitely recommend the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon! Overall, this was a wonderful experience. My family truly enjoyed their time spent in Toronto and we will happily return to this race in the future.