Wednesday 25 October 2017

Cheering on at 2017 STWM

I was up bright and early on Sunday to cheer on three family members who ran the half-marathon and 5K at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) event.


About 25,000 people from 70 countries took part in the marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. The marathon and half-marathon started at 8:45 a.m., while the 5K started at 8 a.m. We’ve had a good stretch of warm and sunny days leading up to the event, and perfect weather on Sunday with temperature at 11C (or 55F) at the start of the race and high about 21C (70F) by mid-day. The annual event raised funds for over 180 local charities, and contributed millions to the local economy.


This was the 28th edition of the STWM event and it was once again well organized. For runners, the race course was clearly set with kilometre markers and water and Gatorade stations. For spectators, there were 12 Neighbourhood Cheering and Entertainment sites along the race course. I saw many volunteers with cow bells, bands playing music, and police re-directing traffic.


If you have been a spectator at a big international running race before, you know the energy that thousands of runners generate, and the inspiration to see runners crossing the Finish line. Running a race is definitely a physical and mental challenge where first time runners want to do well, and repeat runners want to beat their own personal record and create a new personal best.

As a supporter, you'd want to find a spot where you can easily spot your family or friend who is running. It is not that easy when there are hundreds of runners passing by in waves. Even if you are not a runner, if there is a race where you live, I'd encourage you to come out, feel the energy, and cheer on the participants.

I ran the 5K course in this event a few years ago and am familiar with the race course. On Sunday, I walked up to the 200m mark before the Finish line with my plastic clapping hands. There are actually three hands attached to a handle. The outer two hands are flexible while the centre hand is fixed so when you wave, the hands make loud clapping noise and really get people's attention. I estimated my family members' run times, and found a spot with great visibility to locate them. I was there to see the first finisher of the 5K,  and my family members soon after. I definitely got their attention with my loud cheering and hand clapping!


The Finish line and Friends & Family meeting zones were right by Toronto City Hall. Runners had lots of post-race refreshments available to help them recover from their hard work. Congrats to all STWM race finishers! My family members did very well. I’m so proud of their achievements.


I'm loving life at the moment as everyone in my family is healthy. Each one of us has a finisher's medal with good run time this year. I've got mine at the Island Girl 5K in September as posted here.

What fun activities did you enjoy this week? Please share below.

15 comments:

  1. Good on you for supporting your family members! What a great event. Loving those clapping hands! lol #TeamLovinLife

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    1. I enjoyed being at the event. Those clapping hands saved my hands :-) Thanks, Min, for stopping by. Have a great day!

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  2. Oh it looks great and I've not been to a marathon type event but went to watch a friend in a triathlon once and really enjoyed it. I was surprised by the camaraderie between competitors and spirit of the spectators. It was a great event! #teamlovinlife

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    1. A triathlon would be great to watch. I was at a cycling race once and it was great energy, too.

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  3. 25,000 competitors is a huge amount of runners! We watched the Gold Coast Marathon a few months ago and it was fun standing on the sidelines cheering everyone on. It would be even more fun with 3 family members competing. What a great effort. #TeamLovinLife

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    1. The STWM event is huge, Kathy. It's a challenge to spot family or friends in the race as there are so many runners but we've got it figured out after participating in the event for a few years now.

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  5. It looks like you had a perfect day. I did the 10km a couple of times (mostly walked it) back in Sydney mainly so I had an excuse to wait around at the finish line to cheer on friends who were doing the marathon. The energy is fabulous. The Sydney City to Surf was fun to participate in too for exactly the same reason - all the cheer squads out along the way.

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    1. 10K run/walk is awesome, Jo. The cheer squads and music really add to the race energy.

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  6. My husband and youngest son have competed in numerous running races (5K, 10K, 20K, 50K, Half Marathon, Marathon and Iron Man). I love all of these races and find them very uplifting and emotional to watch. I admire how your full family is involved in running. I also admire your gratitude for this!

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    1. Wow, Donna, your family is so fit. I'm mindful and grateful that having good health is having good wealth.

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  7. It's fabulous to see people achieving their goals and running a marathon. Good on you for cheering them on! :) #TeamLovinLife

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    1. When I saw the runners, I couldn't help but cheering them on. The first finisher was way ahead of others. It was impressive to watch. Thanks, Lyndall, for stopping by.

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  8. Everybody needs a cheerleader in their life #teamlovinlife

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