TORONTO, Sept. 24 /CNW/ - Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM)
organizers and athletes of young and old, from near and far, are lacing up to
celebrate the start of Toronto's Run at the opening of the Runner's Expo this
Friday at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The athletes will also commemorate
the Centenary of the marathon distance, and the three men who completed the
race 100 years ago.
    This year's roster of runners highlight's last year's winners and course
record holders John Kelai of Kenya and Asha Gigi of Ethiopia. In an attempt to
set a new fastest-ever marathon on Canadian soil, 31-year-old Kelai will
compete with 24-year-old Tariku Jufar of Ethiopia, highlighting the
strongest-ever men's field for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Asha Gigi will be joined on the start line by fellow Ethiopians Atsede Bayisa
and Mulu Seboka. Together they will face a tough Kenyan challenge from Irene
Mogaka, Caroline Cheptonui and Winifredah Kwamboka.
    From all around the world almost 15,000 runners will enjoy Canada's
fastest, flattest marathon course this Sunday, including challengers from Team
England and Team Mexico against Team Canada in the International Team
Challenge.
    Spectators and fans are invited to join runners at this year's Scotiabank
Toronto Waterfront Marathon by pledging or cheering through a series of
community events like the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge or the
Neighbourhood challenge, which hope to improve last year's fundraising total
of $920,000. To date, these challenges have raised more than $2 million for a
variety of local causes.Who:      Alan Brookes, Race Director;
              Kyle McNamara, Scotiabank;
              Minister Peter Fonseca; MPP Mike Colle; Elite Athletes;
              International Athletes; Representatives running as
              Tom Longboat, Johnny Hayes and Durando Pietri, the 1908
              marathon runners.

    What:     Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon News Conference and
              Photo Op.
              Launch of the Runner's Expo

    When:     Friday, September 26, 2008
              10:30 a.m. - News conference
              10:50 a.m. - Photo opportunities
              10:55 a.m. - Interview opportunities

    Where:    Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building, Hall C
              255 Front Street West, Toronto (416) 585-8000