TORONTO, ON - October 19, 2014 /CNW/ -

• Kenya's Laban Korir, Ethiopia's Mulu Seboka win Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
• Eric Gillis and Lanni Marchant top Canadians for second year in a row

It was a brisk day in Toronto as almost 27,000 competitive and recreational runners from over 50 countries hit the pavement for the 25^thanniversary of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Thousands of spectators lined the course to cheer on participants, who raised over $3 million and counting, for 173 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

RACE HIGHLIGHTS

• Kenya's Laban Korir ran a strategic race to claim a thrilling victory with a time of 2:08:15. To take the win he had to fend off Ethiopian competitors Tariku Jufar and Shami Abdulahi.
• Eric Gillis maintained his position as the first Canadian male and achieved a personal best with a time of 2:11:21. Kip Kangogo took the second Canadian male spot with a time of 2:17:12.
• In the women's race, Ethiopia's Mulu Seboka courageously held on to her second Toronto victory with a time of 2:23:15. 
• Lanni Marchant maintained her position as the lead Canadian female with a time of 2:31:06 and Kim Doerksen, took the second place Canadian female position, with a time of 2:48:45.

"It was a terrific day of racing on the streets of Toronto today," said Alan Brookes, Race Director, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. "We had four men running 2:08 in a marvelous battle up front. Eric Gillis set a personal best, Mulu Seboka was only 30 seconds off running the fastest women's marathon time ever on Canadian soil, and Lanni Marchant gave it an outstanding effort. The atmosphere and community support made it a very special day for all of us."

At press time, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge -- the fundraising component of the race - raised over $3 million for 173 mostly local charities, including LOFT Community Services, Giant Steps Toronto Inc., and the Asthma Society of Canada. Fundraising continues until 12:00 p.m. EDT on October 31, 2014. The Scotiabank Charity Challenge was introduced at the 2003 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and has raised more than $24 million at this event to-date.

"The 25^th anniversary of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was an inspiring example of athleticism, philanthropy and community spirit coming together for another memorable race," said Claude Norfolk, Senior Vice President of Toronto Region at Scotiabank. "On behalf of Scotiabank, I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to the runners, walkers, spectators and volunteers who came together today to show their support and raise funds for the participating charities in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Thank you all for making this year's run such a meaningful one for our community."

It was a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS breaking race day in Toronto for some of the Canadian marathoners. Michal Kapral joggled his way to an astounding record-breaking finish, completing the fastest half marathon while joggling in 1:20:40. Stephane Hetherington also broke the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for the fastest half marathon dressed as a superhero in 1:17:30.

RACE DAY RESULTS

Marathon MALE

1. Laban Korir, KENYA -- 2:08:15
2. Tariku Jufar, ETHIOPIA -- 2:08:36
3. Shami Abdulahi, ETHIOPIA -- 2:08:41

Marathon FEMALE

1. Mulu Seboka, ETHIOPIA -- 2:23:15
2. Aliaksandra Duliba, BELARUS -- 2:24:43
3. Rael Kiyara, KENYA -- 2:27:10

Marathon Canadian MALE

1. Eric Gillis, ANTIGONISH, NOVA SCOTIA -- 2:11:21
2. Kip Kangogo, LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA -- 2:17:12
3. Robert Winslow, DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA -- 2:20:13

Marathon Canadian FEMALE

1. Lanni Marchant, LONDON, ONTARIO -- 2:31:06
2. Kim Doerksen, GIBSONS, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- 2:48:45
3. Bianca Premont, SAINT-JULIE, QUEBEC -- 2:54:36

For highlights and the full list of results for the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, please visitwww.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

For a complete list of charities involved in this year's Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visithttp://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/charities.htm.

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada's premier, national running event, attracting more than 26,000 participants from over 50 countries and raising much needed funds for 173 local and national charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.