Leonard Langat and Shure Demise Claim Dominant Wins at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The streets of Toronto delivered world-class performances and emotional victories at the 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday, October 19, where Kenya’s Leonard Langat and Ethiopia’s Shure Demise triumphed in cool, breezy conditions along Lake Ontario.
Langat Leads Kenyan Sweep in the Men’s Race
Kenya once again stamped its authority on Toronto’s roads, sweeping the men’s podium in style.
Leonard Langat surged to victory in 2:08:05, mastering both the course and the stiff waterfront winds to secure one of the most controlled marathon wins of the season.
Langat held a steady pace through halfway and gradually pulled clear in the final 10 kilometers, finishing ahead of compatriots Noah Kipkemboi (2:08:29) and Sila Kiptoo (2:08:46). The result underscored Kenya’s enduring dominance at the event.
Canada’s Ben Flanagan made a remarkable marathon debut, clocking 2:15:41 to claim the Canadian men’s national title, adding another milestone to his resume after years of success on the track and roads.
Demise Returns to Toronto Glory After Nine Years
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Shure Demise produced a brilliant performance to capture her third Toronto Waterfront Marathon title, clocking 2:21:04—just 20 seconds shy of the course record.
Demise, who previously won in 2015 and 2016, ran a smart, evenly paced race, breaking away from her rivals after the halfway point. Despite gusty winds and a brief moment of confusion on the course when several runners missed a turn, Demise maintained composure to seal a decisive win.
Kenya’s Betty Chepkorir finished second in 2:23:46, followed by Ethiopia’s Almaz Kebebe in 2:26:41.
In the Canadian championship division, Rachel Hannah fulfilled a long-held dream, taking her first national marathon crown in 2:33:48, celebrating consistency and perseverance after years near the top.
Challenging but Fast Conditions
Runners faced mild temperatures around 17 °C with humidity near 73 percent, but strong gusts off Lake Ontario made pacing tricky along the waterfront stretch. Even so, both elite winners handled the conditions expertly, with Langat relying on rhythm and patience while Demise drew on experience and tactical precision.
Final Results – Elite Podiums
Men
- Leonard Langat (KEN) – 2:08:05
- Noah Kipkemboi (KEN) – 2:08:29
- Sila Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:08:46
Women
- Shure Demise (ETH) – 2:21:04
- Betty Chepkorir (KEN) – 2:23:46
- Almaz Kebebe (ETH) – 2:26:41
Canadian Titles
Men: Ben Flanagan (CAN) – 2:15:41
Women: Rachel Hannah (CAN) – 2:33:48
