Toronto Waterfront Marathon race puts city in marathon major league

This year’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon combined ideal cool weather and a new route to come up with the fastest times in the race’s history. Make that the history of any marathon in Canada, said organizer Alan Brookes. The top four female and male marathoners finished with the fastest times ever on Canadian soil. And Hamilton-born Reid Coolsaet raced the fastest time ever for a Canadian on home soil, added Brookes. On Sunday, 22,000 people from 40 countries participated in the three races — a 5-kilometre run, half-marathon and full marathon. Athletes came from as far away as Japan and Russia, many hoping a good race time will qualify them for more prestigious marathons and a chance at the Olympics.