TORONTO, ON - October 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Over 26,000 runners from 64 countries hit the streets of Toronto today, lacing up for the marathon, half-marathon and 5k distances. In addition, participants raised $3.1 million and counting for 172 local and national charities, through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

"What a way to kick-off our first year as a Gold Label race," said Alan Brookes, Canada Running Series Race Director. "The Canadian men and women were at the top of their game, with Eric Gillis and Lanni Marchant racing Rio-qualifying standards. Beyond the outstanding results, the spectator support from the Neighbourhood Challenge and donations raised through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have made this day very special for the Toronto community."

The men's race came down to a sprint to the line, with Ishhimael Chemtan (Kenya) beating Gilbert Kirwa (Kenya) by one second. 19-year-old Ethiopian, Shure Demise, had a convincing victory in the women's race. After a review process, the battle for women’s second resulted in a tie with Sharon Cherop (Kenya) and Fatuma Sado (Ethiopia) crossing the finish line side-by-side. The highlight of the day was the Athletics Canada National Championship component in which both Eric and Lanni qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"All participants in today's race demonstrated athleticism, dedication and community spirit," said Kyle McNamara, Executive Vice President and Co-Head, Information Technology and Business Systems at Scotiabank. "It's always inspiring to see the running community come together -- from elite athletes, to Guinness World Record breakers, to runners racing for charities close to their hearts -- today was truly an accomplishment for all."

This year, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon was awarded IAAF Gold Label Distinction, bringing it on par with North American elite marathons such as Boston and New York.

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Results - International

Marathon Male

1. Ishhimael Chemtan, Kenya 2:08:58

2. Gilbert Kirwa, Kenya 2:09:00

3. Laban Korir, Kenya 2:09:20

Marathon Female

1. Shure Demise, Ethiopia 2:23:37

2. Sharon Cherop, Kenya 2:24:16

2. Fatuma Sado, Ethiopia 2:24:16

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Results - Canadian

Marathon Male

1. Eric Gillis, Guelph, Ontario 2:11:31

2. Kip Kangogo, Lethbridge, Alberta 2:15:26

3. John Mason, Drumbo, Ontario 2:22:35

Marathon Female

1. Lanni Marchant, London, Ontario 2:28:07

2. Leslie Sexton, London, Ontario 2:33:23

3. Natasha LaBeaud, Kelowna, BC 2:37:11

For more highlights and complete race results, please CLICK HERE.

For high-res photos please CLICK HERE.

To see a complete list of charities involved in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visithttp://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/charities.htm.

About Scotiabank

Through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $55 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and parts of Asia. We are dedicated to helping our 21 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 87,000 employees and assets of $863 billion (as at July 31, 2015), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). Scotiabank distributes the Bank's media releases using CNW. For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankNews

About the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

An IAAF Gold Label race, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is Canada's premier, big-city running event, and the Grand Finale of the 8-race Canada Running Series. In 2014, it attracted more than 26,000 participants from 60 countries, raised $3.67 million for 173 charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, and contributed an estimated $35 million to the local economy. In 2014, it also became the first marathon to be livestreamed globally on YouTube, attracting viewers from 115 countries. In 2015, it will host the Athletics Canada National Marathon Championships and the international Bridge The Gap movement www.STWM.ca.