Not only do they offer a full Boston Marathon qualifier – on a slightly downhill course – there’s a race for everyone: 5km, 10km, Half Marathon as well as a kids’ 2km fun run.
High priced entry fees have become a nuisance to runners. Mississauga not only keeps the costs to a minimum but also provides free parking and free shuttle service to the start line. As an added bonus, runners are eligible for discounts at local retail stores all weekend when they show their race bibs. In these tough economic times the Mississauga Marathon weekend delivers great value.
All runners – not just elites – are looked after and can take comfort in knowing that “pace bunnies” will help everyone achieve their goals with consistent pacing. Organisers have also chosen a very scenic route. Runners will traverse spectacular neighbourhoods and run along the shore of Lake Ontario passing the Port Credit Lighthouse on the way to the finish.
And, while many other marathons want to clear the finish area as quickly as possible, at the Mississauga Marathon runners and their family and friends are encouraged to stay and enjoy the festivities – live music, face painters, mascots, balloon animals etc. – long after they have crossed the finish line.
Celebrities will be on hand all weekend too. Canada’s leading tenor, Michael Burgess, has sung for dignitaries the world over, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and he will sing the national anthem at the marathon start. Mississauga’s iconic 90 year old Mayor Hazel McCallion will fire the starter’s pistol. Liberal MPP Peter Fonseca, himself a 1996 Canadian Olympic
marathoner, will be the guest speaker at Saturday night’s pasta dinner.
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