Toronto Participants

Hello All

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving weekend and used the opportunity to do a little bit of advanced "carb-loading" for the race.  There are a lot of details that you need to familiarize yourself with for the run this weekend, particularly if you are coming in from out of town.  Most importantly, you need to arrange to pick-up your kit prior to Sunday....see details about this and other race information below:

Packet Pick-up (Important!)

*Every runner must arrange for their own race package pick-up on either Friday or Saturday prior to the race

Friday October 14 2011

11:00am to 8:00pm
New Entry & Race Kit Pickup
Run Expo - Direct Energy Centre at

Exhibition Place

Saturday October 15 2011

10:00am to 6:00pm
Race Kit Pickup
Run Expo - Direct Energy Centre at

Exhibition Place

You (or a friend) must pick up your number, ChampionChip, t-shirt and goodie bag at the RUNNER'S EXPO on Friday or Saturday.

What you need to pick up your packet:

1.       You need to know what your Bib # is (will be emailed to you and posted on the online confirmation list on October 12 and will be available for look up at the expo)

2.       Photo ID or a printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on your smart phone to show the volunteers).

If a friend/family member is picking up for you, they need to have:

1.       They need to know what your Bib # is (will be emailed to you and posted on the online confirmation list on October 12 and will be available for look up at the expo)

2.       Email or written permission from you (can be shown to volunteers from your smart phone)

3.       A printout of your registration email confirmation (or have it on their smart phone to show the volunteers)
OR a copy of your photo ID

If picking up for friends/family, you can only do so for a maximum of three including your own packet. *THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO RACE KIT PICK-UP ON RACE DAY.

5km Participants (Race Start time 12:00)

You will be running a “Point to Point” course, meaning that you will be starting somewhere different from where you will be finishing.  Your race starts at the CNE Grounds (

Newfoundland Dr., south

of Princes' Blvd.), and finishes at Bay and Adelaide in front of the ScotiaPlaza.  You can choose to park at either location and take a shuttle bus either to or from, but my recommendation would be to park near the race finish and take a shuttle bus to the start.  If you are lucky enough to have friends or family with you, they can drop you at the start and wait for a big sweaty hug at the finish.

Shuttle Buses for 5k

Shuttle buses for PARTICIPANTS ONLY will leave from Richmond, West of University to

Exhibition Place

for the 5k race.

• First Shuttle to the DEC will begin running at: 10am
• Last Shuttle to the DEC will leave at: 11am

Planning on parking at the CNE/Direct Energy Centre and would like to be shuttled back there?

• First shuttle after the race to the DEC will begin running at: 1pm
• The LAST shuttle after the race to the DEC will leave at: 3pm

Please note the shuttles after the race will be first come, first served but both participants and friends/family are welcome to take them.

Half-Marathon/Participants (Race Start 9am)

The Half Marathon and Marathon start at the same time on

University Avenue

(just north of Queen St).  You will notice “corals” based on estimated finish time, we’ve all been signed up for a 2hr time so that we can start together, the race is chip timed so you’re official time will be based on the time you cross the start mat.  Like the 5km, we will be finishing in front of Scotia Plaza at Bay and Adelaide.  

Family & Friends Meeting Zone (Phonak Team Photo)

The Family & Friends Meeting Zone is located in Arnell Plaza at Bay & Adelaide (just after the finish). Alphabetically-lettered signs will enable parties to meet at the sign with the first letter of the athlete's last name. The breakdown is: A-B, C-D, E-H, I-L, M-N, O-R, S-T, U-Z. 

Family, friends and athletes are urged to MAKE PLANS PRIOR TO RACE DAY on exactly where to reunite. You are urged to reunite in the Family & Friends Meeting Zone; if you choose to meet elsewhere be sure to check whether that location will be accessible on race day! You will not be able to drive near the finish.

Please remember that it may take your athlete considerable time after crossing the finish line to meet you. Post-race, athletes are busy getting fluids and refreshments and getting their medal.

* Half Marathoners:  If you could make your way to the area “O-R” sign (P for Phonak), for 12:00 where we will have a group photo taken

* 5km runners, if you could aim to do to same at 1:30

For all other details please refer to the event site at:

http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/details.htm