Running: Kelai and Gigi, both Champions set to return for 9th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Friday, July 18, 2008 - 04:19 PM

TORONTO – July 17, 2008 John Kelai of Kenya and Asha Gigi of Ethiopia, the course record holders and defending champions of last year's Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, are both set to return to the 'flat, fast' course in search of new records.

With newly awarded International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Silver Label status, increased financial incentives and a new downtown start and finish location, the 9th annual marathon on September 28th, 2008 promises to be Toronto's biggest race yet.

"We're delighted to have both our champions returning," said Race Director Alan Brookes. "It's a great testament to the growing recognition of The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Our aim is now to get a 2:08 and a 2:28 course record and continue to build on our great success in North America."

The award of the IAAF Silver label makes the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon one of only five internationally recognized marathons in North America, putting Toronto on the map in the international athletic community. And while the race is certainly gaining international profile – it has also gained profile within the city. Earlier this year Toronto Mayor David Miller invited the race – for the first time ever - to move its Start/Finish line to the prestigious venue of Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall.

Fastest time on Canadian soil leads to IAAF Silver Label status

Kelai created major excitement across Canada last year when he won a thrilling battle with fellow countryman Daniel Rono to run the fastest marathon ever on Canadian soil, in 2:09:30. This eclipsed the previous all-comers mark of 2:09:55 that had been run a generation ago at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. In so doing, Kelai and Rono made Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon one of only four sub 2:10 marathons in North America in 2007 and helped propel the event into the top ranks of world marathons with the awarding of the IAAF Silver Label for 2008. After a highly injudicious start that saw her on 2:20 pace at 10K, Asha Gigi hung on for victory and also set a new women's course record of 2:33:16. Since last fall, Kelai has gone on to retain his title at the Mumbai Marathon, and Gigi has run a 2:29:28 for third place in Hamburg. "I am training hard for Toronto Waterfront and will be ready to defend my title, and run a new personal record," said the 31 year-old Kelai.

Increases Prizes for 2008

In addition to its increased status in the running community, Scotiabank has increased the prize purse for 2008 to $20,000 for the first-place Man and Woman, with cash awards going to 8th place in the Open division, to the top 3 Masters [40+], top 3 Canadian males and females, International Team Challenge winners, and Ontario regional winners. In addition, Scotiabank is offering extra $20,000 cash bonuses for new "fastest time on Canadian soil" records that proved so alluring last year-- sub 2:09:30 for men and sub 2:26:01 for women. The Men's bonus will be increased to $25,000 if the new mark is under 2:09:00. Combined, this means the total prize purse is just over $180,000, plus time bonuses.

"We are extremely proud to be the official sponsor of the fastest marathon in Canada", said John Doig, Senior Vice-President of Marketing at Scotiabank. "The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon not only continues to surpass sporting expectations but also grows in importance in our community, raising major funds for small but significant neighbourhood charities."

The 9th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and 19th edition of the accompanying Half Marathon and 5K are expected to attract more than 12,000 participants from across Canada, the United States and 35 other countries. In total, the marathon expects to raise more than $1 million for 63 smaller neighbourhood charities, and has an estimated economic impact on the city of $20 million.