TORONTO, ON - September 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Ready, set, go! On October 19, 2014, Canadians are invited to make their mark in history at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Beyond completing the 42km run, Canadians are invited to attempt an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record

"At the 25^th anniversary of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, we hope Canadians will be inspired to go the distance," says Claude Norfolk, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the Toronto Region. "There are so many ways to get involved, including the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, where participants can raise funds for their charity of choice, the Neighbourhood Challenge, where spectators can support their Neighbourhood Champion and their local charity, and the Scotiabank MARATHON Jr program. One of the most unique ways to take part is by trying to set a Guinness World Record. From spectators to marathoners, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS challenge ignites a sense of Canadian pride, and creates the kind of community that we encourage through the race."

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon's GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS-setting run began in 2004 when Beaches resident Michal Kapral set a new world record for the "Fastest Marathon While Pushing a Pram" with his daughter on board. Michal returned in 2005 to set a world record for "joggling" -- running while juggling 3 balls the entire race.

Since then, Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has seen an inspiring assortment of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles from Jefferson the Dog who became the "Fastest Marathon as a Mascot" in 2010 to Stephane Hetherington who set a new record for "Fastest Marathon in a Superhero Costume" in 2012. For the past two years, Toronto Maple Leafs fan Paul Statchuk has set uniquely Canadian world records -- and united hockey and sports fans alike in the process -- first with the "Fastest Marathon in a full Hockey Kit (including stick)" in 2012 and then with the "Fastest Marathon in a Lacrosse Uniform."

"The marathon is truly a wonderful city festival," says Race Director Alan Brookes. "It embodies a sense of joy, achievement, and celebration. From the crazy costumes to the stories behind them, the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS-setting runners are a vital part of the energy and excitement of the race. We're really hoping to see a lot of competitors chase their world record dreams this year, and in turn, raise funds in support of their respective charities."

Participants who would like to make record-breaking history at the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon are encouraged to email press@guinnessworldrecords.com and register online at www.guinnessworldrecords.com by October 1. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ participants must be entered in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon at www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

There are many ways participants can enter the race, beyond the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Challenge, including the Charity Challenge, the Neighbourhood Challenge, and the Scotiabank MARATHON Jr program. For the full list of ways to enter the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and registration details, please visit http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/register.htm.

To see the complete list of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles that have been completed at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon visit:
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/blog/2014/08/how-you-can-become-a-world-record-holder-at-stwm-calling-all-runners-to-take-on-a-gwr-challenge/

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada's premier, national running event, attracting over 22,000 participants from over 50 countries and aiming to raise over $4 million for over 180 local and national charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank supports six road races across Canada, including the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, the Banque Scotiabank 21k de Montreal, the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon and the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon. Since the Scotiabank Charity Challenge was first introduced, these races have raised over $30 million for charities across the country.

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.

About GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the universally recognized global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, over 132 million copies -- and 3 million e-books -- have been sold in 20 languages, in more than 100 countries. Since then, the internationally renowned brand is also available across a number of platforms; GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS global television shows are watched by over 750 million viewers annually, over half a million subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, the global website receives 14 million viewers annually and has over 6 million fans on Facebook. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Allison Watkin
Narrative PR
Allison.watkin@narrative.ca
416.254.9559

Jessica Swan
Narrative PR
jessica.swan@narrative.ca
647.281.6345