Over $2,700,000 Raised at the 2016 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 16, 2016) - Toronto Mayor John Tory marked the official start of the 27^th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 16, welcoming over 25,000 people from more than 60 countries. The event raised $2,700,000 and counting for 182 local charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This amount is a significant contribution to the more than $50 million raised nationally in the lifetime of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge since its inception in 2003.

Race day saw convincing victories despite the rain and humidity as runners brought their best to the streets of Toronto. Kenyan-born Philemon Rono broke away from Ethiopia's Seboka Dibaba for the win after a battle to the 37 km mark, finishing strong with a time of 2:08:27. Dibaba followed closely in second place with a time of 2:09:47. Only eight weeks after an impressive 10^th place finish in the Rio Olympics, Eric Gillis took first in the Canadian Men's category with a time of 2:13:44, making this his sixth Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and winning the Athletics Canada National Championship for men. Gillis placed well ahead of Alberta's Kip Kangogo who finished in second place for Canadian Men with a time of 2:22:15.

Ethiopian-born Shure Demise ran to victory and became the first women's champion to successfully defend her title on the course, with a time of 2:25:18. She battled it out with Tadelech Bekele, also from Ethiopia, until she broke away in the last 5 km of the race. Bekele followed in close second with a time of 2:26:31. Brantford's Krista DuChene won the Canadian Women's race with a finish time of 2:34:02 only nine weeks after her performance at the Rio Olympics, winning the Athletics Canada National Championship for women. Guelph's Rachel Hannah followed very close behind with an impressive second place finish of 2:34:37.

"Today we saw residents of the Greater Toronto Area, as well as those who have travelled across the world for today's race, unite in an inspiring way. From talented runners to dedicated supporters cheering on race participants, we witnessed a great deal of athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit," said Alan Brookes, Canada Running Series Race Director. "In addition to the outstanding results, the spectator support from the Neighbourhood Challenge and donations raised through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have made this day very special for our community."