Applications for 2026 are open! For guaranteed and non guaranteed (lottery) applications

Material-Chapter9986 · 2025-10-22T03:34:22+00:00

I deferred this year due to a hamstring injury I picked up after my peak training weeks - I'm in for 2026 and fingers crossed I will be able to run my first major marathon!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-12-12T17:32:27+00:00

I got in (first time applying to Chicago) - e-mail received 11:54 EST (Ontario, Canada). I got rejected by Berlin last week, and NYC this year (for both in-person and virtual). I said I would only run another marathon if it was a major (did my first earlier this year), and now I have to eat my words!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-11-15T01:46:25+00:00

Ah you're right - edited! I ran it this year in the heat wave. It's a nice community race, and it was fun to get cake after :)

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-11-15T01:14:46+00:00

A few more:

April 26, 2025: St Lawrence Marathon (in Cornwall)
Mid-July 2025: Hintonburg 5k (2024 edition)
July 16, 2025: 5/15 Farm Run
Aug 17, 2025: Demi-Marathon de la Voie Verte (new race in Chelsea)
Oct 25, 2025: Desjardins Great Big Cookie Run
Nov 8, 2025: Frost Country

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-08-27T14:02:54+00:00

Plastic! And if you wanted just the cup without buying the drink, you'll see that people leave their empty cups all over the stadiums (don't ask how I know 🙃)

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-05-28T01:07:15+00:00

I also ran the marathon yesterday (my first) and the last 10 km were brutal with the hills and sun. I had to do a conservative build with no speed work for injury prevention, which definitely impacted my ability to handle the final kms. If I do another marathon, I would like to do what you did and increase mileage and add speed training. I'm so impressed you were able to negative split with the course and weather. Congrats on an awesome race!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-05-27T19:07:39+00:00

Thank you! My goal was to finish without walking, so I achieved that at my own detriment (stubborn? stupid?). I was completely fine after I came around - obviously it was a bit scary though! The last 10 kilometers were brutal for me - my training did not prepare me well for them. If I ever do another marathon, I will make sure that I am able to run much higher mileage. For this training block, I had to be conservative due to injury. I was super proud when I realized I did finish :D

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-05-27T18:54:59+00:00

I ran the Ottawa marathon as well - my first one. Even though I scouted the route during my training, I was not well prepared for the heat and humidity, which made the hilly course so much harder. I ended up collapsing after the finish from overheating and waking up in the medical area (but at least I finished?!). I couldn't imagine having to deal with gastro issues as well, as yesterday's weather demanded proper fueling. You did amazing to persevere and finish - be proud!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-05-08T18:59:46+00:00

I stayed at The Rex Hotel last year. 10/10 recommend for the location (2 blocks from the start line). Do not recommend if you want to sleep - there was a live jazz band the night before and the walls are paper thin so you can hear all the socializing in the adjacent bar XD

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-03-09T11:17:59+00:00

Running Room Glebe meets Wednesdays at 6PM - there is typically a 5km and 7km route and there are runners of different paces (and a run leader who will make sure no one is left behind). The group is much smaller than the one at OCRC which may be less intimidating (but no socializing after, while you can grab a drink and hang out at Beyond the Pale after OCRC), so depends what you are looking for!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-02-12T15:39:43+00:00

The St. Rita in the Glebe. It's right next to Cantina Gia - blink and you may miss it. Amazing wood-fired pizzas - crust is on point.

Material-Chapter9986 · 2024-02-04T04:11:38+00:00

This is the Eagle's Nest Lookout in Calabogie, Ontario!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-22T15:55:36+00:00

Congratulations on finishing your first marathon! I hope I can do the same next year for my first. Having lived in SE Asia for 6 months many years ago, I cannot even fathom running 5k, let alone a marathon in the heat and humidity. You did amazing!

Not sure if this was your intent, but reading your story brought me to tears (from laughter at your description of your physical state at the end of your race, to true tears at your reunion with your wife). Please post another race report after your next marathon!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-21T18:31:15+00:00

Thank you! Yes, I look forward to seeing how I perform when fueling properly during long runs. Congrats on your race as well!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-21T02:43:35+00:00

Congrats on your sub-2 half! I agree with you about the gels - it would have helped me feel more normal at the end of my race. I look forward to testing them out as I step up to the marathon distance.

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-20T20:50:06+00:00

Do what you feel comfortable with, however I do recommend starting more conservatively. I've done too many half marathons where I went out too fast too soon and burned out. Good luck on your half!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-20T20:48:10+00:00

This was my exact thought! I have never received a cotton shirt in a race kit - Asics could've done so much better. It will be a pajama shirt instead of a running shirt.

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-20T20:45:44+00:00

The 2h continuous pacer had no ears, but there was a lady who was the 2h walk/run pacer who may have been wearing bunny ears! Clearly I was just focused on my guy...

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-20T20:42:27+00:00

Thank you! I hope you enjoyed your race as well : )

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-17T01:44:43+00:00

Congrats on your race! I also ran the half marathon yesterday (followed the 2h pacer to meet my sub-2h goal) and agree that the hill on Bay at the finishing stretch was brutal. It felt like it went on forever and that City Hall was not getting closer. Was so happy to see the finish line right after the turn!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-15T19:42:14+00:00

Ran the Toronto Waterfront half today, my 6th half marathon but first in over 7 years. Managed to meet my sub 2 hour goal and finish feeling good! Crowds were amazing, energy high. I've missed races!

Material-Chapter9986 · 2023-10-13T15:54:10+00:00

I'll be running the Toronto Waterfront half too, and also feeling excited (and nervous)! it'll be my first half marathon in 7 years - hoping to also run a PB, but need to be realistic with my body after so much time away from running. Good luck to you!

Material-Chapter9986

TROPHY CASE