Kenya's Philemon Rono wins Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
CBC News | Posted: October 16, 2016 4:14 PM | Last Updated: October 16, 2016
Canadian Olympian Eric Gillis takes fifth overall
Kenyan runner Philemon Rono was the champion of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, winning with a time of 2:08:27.
Olympian Eric Gillis won the Canadian title, coming in fifth overall with a time of 2:13:44. Gillis had been gunning for the Canadian record of 2:10:09, but told reporters after the race that his body wasn't feeling optimal in the second half.
"I don't want to make excuses, but I got wound up and I don't usually feel that in my hips and my knee," he said.
"No regrets, it was a good effort. I think it was just one of those days."
Krista Duchene was the Canadian woman champion, coming in fifth among the women and crossing the finish line at 2:34:02.
Shure Demise wins women's title
The overall winner of the women's race was Shure Demise from Ethiopia, winning with a time of 2:25:19.
Demise told reporters, through a translator, that she felt a "great deal of happiness" upon crossing the finish line.
More than 25,000 runners
More than 25,000 people ran in the three races that were part of the marathon on Sunday.
A total of 4,833 people registered for the marathon, 11,488 for the half-marathon, and 8,851 for the five kilometre race.
Runners from more than 60 countries took part, event organizers said in a news release.
Alexis Kronwald-deBruyn, publicity co-ordinator for the event, said she considers the early Sunday morning event to be a success.
"We have beautiful weather out here. It's perfect conditions for the runner, despite a little drizzle at the beginning."
Mayor John Tory sounded the horn at the start of the marathon. He said the marathon brings "tens of millions of dollars" to the city, with such establishments as restaurants and hotels reaping the rewards.
The marathon means several road closures in the city, a full list of which can be found here.