17 years of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Entering its 18th year, the 2017 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22. In 2015, the marathon became an elite level race when it was designated an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Gold Label. Now that the race is one of the most important in North America, we thought it would be interesting to look at the growth of the marathon using the historical marathon results.
Total marathon runners
Recorded full marathon runs (2000 - 2016)
The event has steadily increased in numbers
Note: Disqualified runners were excluded
Source: Canada Running Series and Sportstats
Between 2000 and 2016 the marathon has seen its numbers increase by more than 600%. Over 3,000 people have run the full course since 2011 and that number peaked in 2014 with 3,967 runners (excluding those disqualified).
Results from each edition of the marathon can be found here. Information related to where each runner originates, their unique race number, full name, and official race time is available. You can also search through the Canada Running Series website, which contains results for the half-marathon and 5K.
When do they finish?
Finishing times of 39,506 marathon runners (2000 - 2016)
Most common finishing time
449 runners at 3:58
Note: Disqualified runners were excluded
Source: Canada Running Series and Sportstats
It's incredible how closely 39,506 finishing times follow a normal distribution. It appears there is a positive skew towards faster run times. I'd guess that the growth of the competition and the different skill levels now competing has contributed to this imbalance. The difference in finishing times between first and last place has increased 33% between 2000 and 2016. The average time for all marathon results is 4 hours and 14 minutes. The best time was recorded in 2013 at 2:07:04.8.
Best running times by year
1st place running times (2000 - 2016)
The 9/11 attacks occured just 12 days before this race, which meant there were less elite international runners.
Best time (2001): 2:45:20.8
The fastest recorded run was made in 2013 by Deressa Chimsa of Ethiopia
Best time (2013): 2:07:04.8
Note: Disqualified runners were excluded
Source: Canada Running Series and Sportstats
While the race is becoming more competitive, there are notable payouts for the fastest runners. Here is what is up for grabs this year. Good luck!
1st$25,000
2nd$15,000
3rd$8,000
4th$6,000
5th$4,000
6th$3,000
7th$2,500
8th$2,000
Running animation gif sourced from here
A breakdown of the running numbers
17 years of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
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