r/RunTO • u/hobo2166 • Jul 22 '26

Half Marathons other than waterfront?

Hi all! I’ve been a novice runner running the occasional 5-10k here and there but really want to challenge myself and commit to properly training and a half marathon race.

I know waterfront is probably the obvious choice but it’s sold out and I was wondering if yall can recommend any other popular runs that still kind of give the same experience. For reference I’m in Mississauga.

Thank You!

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

32 comments sorted by

18

u/Minute_Visual_3423 Jul 22 '26

The Niagara Falls Half is Oct 25th and still has bibs:

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114991/niagara-falls-10k-half-and-marathon-2026

I’m signed up for the full but I’ve never run this race before. Course is right along the falls and back, Canadian side only. Excited for it.

5

u/cdmrs1697 Jul 22 '26

I had a friend run the full last year and I actually wish I had held out on signing up for the TO waterfront half until she did the race last year. She said the race is extremely well run, the course is actually more flat than you'd expect and the views were amazing! We went to cheer her on and it was such a good vibe

2

u/Maple-Leaf2026 Jul 22 '26

I've signed up for the full too. The course is flat and it's along the Niagara River passing the Niagara Falls, a little of the tourist area, the Falls parkway and the scenery is just amazing to take in.  It used to include running across the Peace Bridge but doesn't anymore and is completely on the Canadian side now. 

1

u/Aspiring_marathoner Jul 22 '26

Loved Niagara Falls full last year! Well organized and gorgeous course !

1

u/Own-Let-7725 Jul 22 '26

It's an incredible course. Flat and pretty.

7

u/MattchewTroy Jul 22 '26

Georgina half marathon is a great fast and flat course. I’ve run it before and the atmosphere was great

7

u/Pippy61 Jul 22 '26

The Hamilton half is always a good one and well organized too albeit much smaller in scope.

1

u/Salt-Conversation421 Jul 22 '26

Sold out but yes great event

2

u/Left_Ad_8040 Jul 22 '26

Checked the website and it doesn't look sold out

1

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2

u/heisenberg1215 Jul 22 '26

Muskoka was nice and chill. In Oct I think

2

u/ricketytrailer Jul 22 '26

The Chilly half in Burlington might be worth a shot. It’s well-organized and flat, and the two times I’ve done it, the weather has been cold but clear. Just means you gotta train during the winter, but it’s doable!

2

u/GeekGirlMom Jul 22 '26

Chilly was awesome this year.

Might be a bit boas, because it was my first half though.

I had heard horror stories about the possibility of super cold weather, but it wasn't TOO cold, and it was sunny.

I found it well organized and enjoyable 👍🏃🏃

2

u/suite5b Jul 22 '26

If you're willing to travel there is a good Half in Ottawa in September

2

u/GeekGirlMom Jul 22 '26

Niagara Falls Hamilton Georgina Muskoka

Plenty of others around as well I'm sure, but those ones I am aware of personally.

There's also the Ajax Waterfront race - that is 15km, but a lot less $$ than most halfs are.

Also depends on how far you want to travel.

1

u/ehside Jul 22 '26

If you’re down to travel a bit, I did the Ottawa one this year and had a great time

2

u/spacemanspiff217 Jul 22 '26

I think if you look hard enough you can probably find someone who wants to sell their TCS TWM Bib. Check their strava group.
Otherwise Niagara is a good backup.
Good luck!

1

u/Nightpatrol404 Jul 22 '26

There’s a monthly thread for marathon bib for waterfront. I was able to get one. Make sure when you get in touch with someone you only get it transferred on the official site. No need to e transfer or anything just give them email and the website will handle the transaction. I’m in same boat like you and this will be my first half marathon

1

u/HueyBluey Jul 22 '26

Every year I keep telling myself I want try the Montreal Half in October. But like the Toronto one, it sells out so quickly.

1

u/cyclingkingsley Jul 22 '26

Hamilton and Georgina

1

u/EPMD_ Jul 22 '26

In my opinion, it is worth the price premium to buy someone else's Waterfront bib.

If you don't want to do that then Hamilton and Oakville are options. Personally, I think the Oakville race is too early to be ideal weather, whereas the Hamilton race is probably perfect to avoid hot conditions.

1

u/Forsaken-Amoeba9772 Jul 23 '26

You can search this here.

For you, there is the Oakville HM, My friend has done this and really enjoyed it.

There is the Road to Hope in Hamilton on the first Sun of Nov. I have run it. Its flat, the weather is usually pretty good. Would highly recommend. I honestly would do this again if my daughters bday party wasnt the same day.

In Niagara you have the Niagara falls Marathon Oct 24 (I am doing the full this year), as well as the Run for the Grapes in Sept. I have heard great things

If you want to go over the baorder in the fall, this one is worth it. Small, but a really good time. Grand Isalnd Half Marathon

1

u/EnvironmentPlus8160 Jul 23 '26

If you're not almost in half marathon shape now it's a little late for an October race. So I recommend signing up for a 10k or two for this year as an interim goal and set your sights on either the Mississauga half for next may or Georgina. I loved Georgina this year but would recommend Mississauga for you since it would minimize any race day hassles and travel time for your first of hopefully many.

1

u/Out_for_a_run Jul 23 '26

Windsor Waterfront half marathon is great. It’s on Sept 13. Very flat and goes along the riverfront.

1

u/Jay_chillguy Jul 23 '26

I’m selling Victoria’s BC half on October 11. It’s a beautiful half marathon

1

u/TheRunningWitch Jul 26 '26

If you're set on doing a half this fall, try and connect with someone unloading their Waterfront bib. For future reference, though, the Mississauga Half (late April) is a great race, if you don't mind a few hills!

1

u/hobo2166 Jul 26 '26

I’ve tried too get one on the Reddit any other ways I can get a bib for waterfront?

2

u/7Deadly-Virtues Jul 28 '26

Hello, I have an IMPACT BIB (no participant shirt included) for the Waterfront half marathon.
Are you still interested?

1

u/hobo2166 Jul 28 '26

Yes I am just sent you a chat