r/RunTO

Hi all! I am looking at running one of these races next spring and am looking for some input in my decision making. I have specific criteria and I'm looking for the perspective of locals, as I am not.

Course: which is more interesting? And which has more views of Lake Ontario? My current thing is running and racing along the Great Lakes, so that's kind of important to me. I've also been told that Mississauga has some nasty hills and I'm from a very flat area where training for that is a challenge. Just how bad are they in terms of size and placement?

Organization: I understand Toronto is lacking in this area. Deal killer? I'm going to be a midpacker at best (i'm 55) and while I carry my own water it's not nearly enough to get me through 42k. As long as I can rely on fluid at aid stations for the first 20k or so I should be fine -- should I be worried about that?

Logistics: If running Mississauga I would drive there and my wife would ferry me to the start and back from the finish. If running Toronto we would use VIA Rail and the subway. How close are stations to the Toronto start & finish? This might be the most important issue.

parkrun Canada has been hosting volunteer-led 5k run / walk events across Canada for 10 years as of this Saturday August 22! If you are thinking of joining for the first time ever, there are two parkruns in Toronto (Budapest Park 8am and Downsview Park 9am) and many more around the horseshoe including Missisauga, Oakville, Pickering, Newmarket and others.

Every week hundreds of people across the GTA get up on Saturday morning and head to the start line for the briefing, and traverse the course for an official time.

This is a really warm and welcoming community of people, every pace from competetive to walker is encouraged, and kids and dogs are welcome too.

I often see people posting about finding run clubs that welcome all paces, and although this isn't a club per se, if you've never checked out an event, this will be such a great weekend to do it.

(There are 60+ events in 9 provinces so if you are reading this from away, check out the options where you are.)

Personally, I am too slow for a real run club, but the commitment to head to parkrun each Saturday has helped me run more than 30 5ks in the last year. And I've met people from all over the world this summer who made a point to parkrun while they were visiting Toronto. Just a big fan, want to see all the parkruns grow and succeed. You can volunteer too!

Just saw a very large group of runners on Queens Quay about an hour ago. Anyone know which group it is? Thks

Saw that they will be the official energy gel sponsor for Waterfront this year so I thought I’d give them a try.
Put in an order(went with the subscription) on August 5th. Several days went by and did not see shipping confirmation. Contacted support and was told last Monday that it would ship that week.
To this day, my order still hasn’t shipped and was given a generic response with a 20% code which wouldn’t work with the subscription order anyways…

I was wondering if anyone else is having similar delays on their orders? I ended up having to buy different gels for now since I ran out.
Any good recommendations for Canadian made gels or chews even? I have heard of Brix and Xact. Thanks!

I'm remembering a run I had in the spring in my "water resistant" shell and how cold I was... As we get closer to fall, does anyone have any recommendations for waterproof and breathable running jackets? Preferably ones that would work to layer for bike commuting as well. TY!

Was there a comprehensive list of 2026 races?

I’ll be around Sept-Nov, so looking for something to run (5km to half marathon) with a nice medal at the end. Out of town for the TCS unfortunately 😔

Sorry guys if this has already been asked. I’ve been getting mixed answers online.

When I registered back in May, this was the only option left for the half marathon. Unless I misread during the registration, it indicated I was only going to miss out on the shirt.

The quality of the tcs medals has been decreasing every year but it would’ve still been nice to grab one at the finish line. Can anyone who went with this option in the past confirm? Thaaanks

Been training for my first half every weekend along the MGT and today there were 2 TCS tents set up along the trail with free electrolytes. Today was perfect with a nice breeze and tons of runners on the trail. Vibe was amazing

Looking at doing half marathon next spring. I used to run the toronto half every year back in early 2010s. Loved the course. Lately ive heard not so great things about the race and organization..

Im debating between the toronto and Georgina next may. Any insights into each race? Its been about 12 years since ran a stand alone half marathon.

Hey everyone! Looks like there’s some interest in getting a practice run together

I’d like to get a small group going! Since not everyone may be comfortable sharing their phone number, we can coordinate through Reddit or another platform that doesn’t require it. LMK if you have any suggestions (discord/strava) or else I’ll figure out the best way to coordinate everyone and share it here.

Original post

Any beginner runners training for the TCS Toronto Half in Oct?

I’m thinking of putting together a small group for weekend long runs. Mainly for accountability, consistency, and having people to run with. No pressure on pace,just looking to help each other get to the finish line.
If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, let me know!

Recently moved to the GTA from Windsor just over 3 months ago to the High Park area. I spend a lot of time on the MGT and picked living here because of the area. I'm usually on the MGT running or walking in the morning since I work from home. Saw an older gentleman with a hydration vest gently running barefoot, my second time I've only ever seen someone in person running barefoot. I caught up to him and briefly chatted. He was doing 25km this morning. I couldn't imagine running even 1km on barefeet! I asked him how long he's been running barefoot but he replied 60 years so I think he didn't heard the barefoot part. Was going ask him what he does in the winter team but I let him be and continued on my walk.

Anybody else run barefeet in the area and want to share their experiences?

I am exploring options for running belt to carry phone (Iphone pro max) and keys.

Currently not carrying any hydration as I go shorter runs but would be a bonus.

Not looking for super expensive or fancy stuff. Any suggestions?

So on Sunday I ran the "newly re-opened" Lower Don Valley trail from Pottery Road to around that little bridge that lets you cross the Don River next to the Riverdale Park stairs.

That whole segment was quite obviously not touched at all during the muti-year closure. The pavement has eroded in several spots so that it's falling into the Don River. It's not obvious, so if you're not paying attention and step in the wrong spot in what you thought would be grass, you'll be getting a nasty fall into the water. No fencing, no warning, no nothing.

It's shocking to me that they closed the trail for 3 years and this is the state it's in.

Anyone run regularly at the Earlscourt running track near the JJP community centre? Looking for someone to do interval sessions with. Been running for two years and am finding it hard to stay motivated as I train for the Toronto Marathon in October.

Any suggestions for companies that will custom design singlets or at least print designs or logos on singlets?

Anyone know of any run clubs that run along Lake Shore during the weekend? I know of Lake Shore Runners, but that’s it.