For the last two years, finishing times for Toronto's two marathons have been compared. As expected, the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon has found to be significantly faster!

Analysis of the average finishing times for both fall marathons in Toronto was conducted using official results available online. The average times were calculated using age groups. Results from every year individually were used from both events, primarily because of course changes. Course changes can have a dramatic effect on a runner’s performance at a particular event. Since both events have been changing their courses in each year, it seemed logical to analyze both for the each year exclusively.

The results files were both normalized. All participants who did not finish were excluded from both events' results. The following results show that in 2009, runners ran the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon an average of 9:32 faster than the other fall marathon. This is due to a scenic net downhill course and cooler, more stable temperatures.

I ran the Goodlife [Fitness Toronto] Marathon as my first ever marathon. Then ran the Other Toronto Marathon the next three years working towards a Boston Qualifier, believing it to be the faster of the two courses. After falling 8 minutes short of my qualifing standard at the Other Toronto Marathon this past fall, I decided to give The Goodlife another shot three weeks later. I ran a PB 3:10:52, 8 seconds under my qualifing time!! Can't wait to be back at The Fastest Toronto Marathon and go under 3 hrours this fall. - Jeff Stanley

Other Marathon Age/Gender Class Average Time (sec) Average Time Average Time (sec) Average Time Difference Faster? M 24 and Under 15077.6 4:11:17 13995.7 3:53:15 0:18:01 Yes! M 25-29 14467.6 4:01:07 14682.3 4:04:42 -0:03:34 M 30-34 14317.3 3:58:37 14365.1 3:59:25 -0:00:47 M 35-39 14873.3 4:07:53 13937.2 3:52:17 0:15:36 Yes! M 40-44 14522.6 4:02:02 13989.9 3:53:09 0:08:52 Yes! M 45-49 14704.4 4:05:04 14132.4 3:55:32 0:09:32 Yes! M 50-54 14990.8 4:09:50 14743.4 4:05:43 0:04:07 Yes! M 55-59 15507.7 4:18:27 15129.2 4:12:09 0:06:18 Yes! M 60-64 16925.4 4:42:05 15871.9 4:24:31 0:17:33 Yes! M 65-69 16738.4 4:38:58 16385.3 4:33:05 0:05:53 Yes! M 70 and Over 19489.3 5:24:49 17442.0 4:50:42 0:34:07 Yes! No Age 16929.0 4:42:09 13195.0 3:39:55 1:02:14 Yes! W 24 and Under 16381.8 4:33:01 14607.1 4:03:27 0:29:34 Yes! W 25-29 16024.8 4:27:04 15606.7 4:20:06 0:06:58 Yes! W 30-34 15701.0 4:21:41 15526.8 4:18:46 0:02:54 Yes! W 35-39 16043.4 4:27:23 15882.7 4:24:42 0:02:40 Yes! W 40-44 16184.8 4:29:44 15737.4 4:22:17 0:07:27 Yes! W 45-49 16438.2 4:33:58 15667.2 4:21:07 0:12:51 Yes! W 50-54 17337.1 4:48:57 16245.1 4:30:45 0:18:12 Yes! W 55-59 18051.5 5:00:51 16351.3 4:32:31 0:28:20 Yes! W 60-64 18169.6 5:02:49 18152.6 5:02:32 0:00:17 Yes! W 65-69 19303.0 5:21:43       W 70 and Over 25937.0 7:12:17       AVERAGE 15392.4 4:16:32 14820.1 4:07:00 0:09:32 Yes!

"I love the course and set my PB there. It showcases Toronto and the variable terrain keeps my legs fresh. The Queen’s Park finish area is fantastic."
- Jerry Friesen, Race Director, Subaru Niagara Running Series

"What a great race. I love the fast route and great potential for a PB with amazing volunteers. I’ll be back!"
- Cory Freedman, Race Director, Toronto Women's Half Marathon

"I have run the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon many times over the years and it’s my PB course. It’s a perfect course for a PB with good roads, excellent route and lots to look at."
- Dr. Joe Hewitt, Former Race Director, Mississauga Marathon, Neworld Runners, Manager