TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2011 /CNW/ - The 22^nd annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM), Half-Marathon and 5km Run/Walk will take place in Toronto this Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

• The STWM is one of only five internationally recognized IAAF Label marathons in North America. The others being New York, Chicago, Boston and Ottawa.
• In 2010 the STWM was ranked as the sixth fastest marathon in the world, the third fastest women's race in the world, and holds the record for both the fastest men's and women's marathons on Canadian soil.
• This year's STWM features the strongest line-up of Canadian men's marathoners in history as they will be striving for qualifying times for the London 2012 Olympics. In addition, the Canadians will also be aiming to break Jerome Drayton's 36-year old National Record which carries a $36,000 bonus.
• This year's event is set to attract 22,000 runners from over 50 countries, and aims to raise $3 million for 164 local charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.

MEDIA ACCESS

Race day media sign-in and accreditation pick-up is open from 8:00 a.m. and is located at the Finish Line at King/Bay St. A media workroom will also be made available inside the King Street entrance of 44 King Street West beside Scotia Plaza. (Please see road closure notice for access details.)

All media require accreditation to be able to access the Finish Line. If you have not yet applied, please contact julia.wall-clarke@narrative.ca or call 647 298 0533 (cell).

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM)

For the fourth consecutive year, the STWM has been awarded a prestigious Silver Label by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This designation makes the STWM one of only five internationally recognized IAAF Label marathons in North America. In 2010, the STWM was ranked as 6^th fastest marathon in the world, 3^rd fastest women's race in the world and holds the record for both the fastest men's and women's marathons on Canadian soil (2:07:58 run last year by Kenneth Mungara & 2:22:43 by Sharon Cherop). The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon attracts participants from over 50 countries and this year's goal is to raise more than $3 million for 164 charities.

The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon includes a 5km, half-marathon (21.1km), and full marathon (42.2km) run. For more information, please visit www.stwm.ca.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, 'Bright Future.' Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.