Sunday, May 1st, 2022

THE MISSISSAUGA MARATHON MAKES ITS TRIUMPHANT RETURN

MISSISSAUGA, ON– The 19th running of the Mississauga Marathon was one to remember, as over 6000 participants across five events celebrated the return to in person racing. The race was a huge success as personal records were broken in front of thousands of spectators taking in the day. 

First introduced this year, was our new starting line located on Mercer St. and Princess Royal Dr. at Square One Shopping Centre. Pre-race festivities kicked off including special appearances from Bob Weeks, Chris & Peter Fonseca, Bonnie Crombie, Hazel McCallion and more. Runners approached from Celebration Square to relax and loosen up before their big run, while energetic music enhanced the pre-race atmosphere. Anticipation built throughout the morning until the horn signaled the start at 7:30 am. The Timbits 2K Fun Run/Walk began at 1:30pm from Hiawatha Park, and finished at the race at Lakefront Promenade Park. The event hosted a number of participating groups including schools, local sports teams, and charities. 

“We were so excited to welcome runners back to the annual Mississauga Marathon this weekend, as it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together for a great cause, while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles,” says Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Just last year, the City of Mississauga proudly joined Cities Changing Diabetes, a global program to address the rise of type 2 diabetes in cities, and the Mississauga Marathon is a great example of how we can work together to promote healthy living among the community and reduce the risks of diabetes”

The previous evening, the 10K and Novo Nordisk® “Hazel” 5K participants made their way through Clarkson and Port Credit villages on their way to the finish along the water at Lakefront Promenade Park. The Health and Wellness Expo concluded Saturday at 4:00 pm. The Expo included an exclusive group of exhibitors featuring sponsors, charity partners, merchandise, nutritional and fitness products, samples, and a beer garden hosted by Muskoka Brewery. Over 15,000 runners, family and friends attended the two-day expo.

The Mississauga Marathon is a race for everyone, as it lends the opportunity for all participants to reach new goals, by setting a new personal best time or by simply completing their first race. The Full Marathon event is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. While an 80-meter net downhill course can help with achieving these goals, casual runners appreciate the on-course atmosphere provided by spectators, cheer stations and local entertainment all cheering them on.

“It was a long 2 years away from live racing, but the wait was worth it to see the excitement and joy of our 6000+ participants crossing the finish line,” says race director, Brad Melville. “We are excited to be back amongst our Mississauga community, and look forward to growing upon this year’s success as we prepare for the 20th anniversary of the Mississauga Marathon in 2023.”

On the competitive side of Race Weekend, Bradley Gionet of Toronto, and Julie Hamulecki of Toronto, crossed the finish line first in the Full Marathon event with respective times of 2:31:58 and 2:50:10. In the Pandora at Square One Half Marathon, Lucas McAneny of Waterdown, and Tori Bouck of London, took top honors in 1:09:47 and 1:18:22, respectively. Participants in each event received a finisher’s medal upon crossing the finish line with additional prizes awarded to winners in their respective age and gender categories in each event. On Saturday evening, Dylan Alick of Mississauga, and Carley Somerset of Guelph, finished the 10K with the top times of 29:58, and 37:34 respectively.  Charles Huang of Toronto, and Dominika Jamnicky of Guelph, were the top finishers in the Novo Nordisk® “Hazel” 5KM, with times of 16:33, and 16:25 respectively.

The 2022 Mississauga Marathon Charity Challenge raised over $110,000 this year, with a total of 19 charity partners. Participants were able to choose to raise funds for a charity of their choice, with both local and national charities as options. Donations for all charity partners will continue to be collected until May 23rd, 2022.

About the Mississauga Marathon
Events include the Full Marathon, Pandora at Square One Half Marathon, 10K, Novo Nordisk® “Hazel” 5K and Timbits 2K Fun Run/Walk. The 20th anniversary Mississauga Marathon will take place in early May, 2023.