TORONTO, ON - October 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The media and public are invited to join us on Thursday, October 15 for the official kick-off to the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, hosted by the GreekTown BIA on The Danforth.

Revel in the Spirit of the Marathon by cheering on relay runners who will carry the flame from Alexander the Great Parkette, along the Danforth, and back. The Flame Lighting Ceremony will also feature live Greek music and entertainment.

The Flame originates from the Warriors' Tomb at the Battlefield of Marathon, Greece. The Flame represents the Spirit of the Marathon -- of what ordinary people can achieve with dedication, determination and great courage.

The Marathon Flame will be carried by Pheidippides, legendary runner of Marathon who will be decked out in authentic toga apparel, as well as runners from local Toronto running crews including: Parkdale Roadrunners, Night Terrors Run Crew, Tribe Fitness, East York Toronto Runners, the Black Lungs, RunTOBeer, Pace and Mind, Longboat Roadrunners, Toronto Beaches Runners Club, and more.

More than 26,000 runners from over 50 countries will lace up for the 26^th edition of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 18.

Canadians can keep up with the #STWM and #runScotia dialogue on Twitter and Instagram by following @RunCRS.

PHOTO/CAMERA OPPORTUNITY
*Interviews available upon request

WHAT:
Marathon Flame lighting ceremony and torch relay

WHO:
Councillor Mary Fragedakis, Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth
Constantine Viodonicolas, Chair of GreekTown on the Danforth BIA
Alan Brookes, Race Director of Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Christine Williams, District Vice President, Toronto East at Scotiabank
Steve Anthony, CP24 Host

WHEN:
Thursday, October 15, 2014
Press Conference/Media Check-In 6-7 p.m.
*This is a drop-in format. Media can pick-up media kits, Alan Brookes will be available for commentary, and food and beverage will be available.

Opening remarks 7:00 p.m.

Lighting of the torch 7:15 p.m.

Torch relay begins 7:30 p.m.
*Councillor Mary Fragedakis to run one leg of the relay with Pheidippides

Closing remarks 8:05 p.m.

WHERE:
Press Conference/Media Check-In:
Louis Cifer Brew Works
417 Danforth Avenue (directly across the street from Alexander the Great Parkette)

Torch Flame Ceremony:
Main stage, Alexander the Great Parkette
Northeast corner of Danforth and Logan Aves.