Photo Credit: Inge Johnson / Canada Running Series
Last night, Thursday October 15th, was the official kick-off to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend, hosted by the Greek Town BIA on the Danforth. Relay runners were met with cheering crowds at they celebrated the Spirit of the Marathon by carried the flame from Alexander the Great Parkette, along Danforth, and back. Runners and spectators were met with live Greek music and entertainment in honour of the Flame Writing Ceremony.
To celebrate and cater to the growing movement of running clubs, the Marathon Flame was carried by Pheidippides and local running groups including: Parkdale Roadrunners, Night Terrors Run Crew, Tribe Fitness, East York Toronto Runners, the Black Lungs, RunTOBeer, Pace and Mind, Longboat Roadrunners, Toronto Beaches Runners Club, Grand River Endurance, and more!
The “Marathon Flame” was established in 2007 as a symbol of world peace, far competition and participation in sports as a way of life. Created by the Athens Classic Marathon Organizing Committee, the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), the Municipality of Marathon and the Marathon Movement worldwide, the marathon flame is lit every October on the eve of the Athens Marathon.
Inge Johnson from the Canadian Running Series was there last night to catch all the action and take some stunning photos of the celebrations!
More than 26,000 runners from over 50 countries will lace up for the 26th edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 18.
We hope to see you out there!