For the seventh consecutive year, Guinness World Records is pleased to partner with the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) offering runners with on-site verification to see if they cross the finish line as title holders.
This year thirteen records will be attempted in the Canadian city, with participants looking to cement themselves in record-breaking history.
Marathoners will be greeted by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator at the end of the race who will immediately verify whether or not the pre-registered applicants were successful in their attempts.
In light of the exciting race on Sunday 22 October, here are a few marathoners to keep tabs on:
Daniel Grant, 45, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Resident Canadian Daniel is running his fourth official marathon as a lumberjack - one that raises a large amount of money for charity.
He chose to run the 26-mile journey as a lumberjack after a local brewery offered him donations towards his charity efforts for selecting this costume.
The three-time STWM veteran is running to help a local organization reach $10,000 in fundraising, and has even practiced running with ankle weights to prepare him for the heavy gear he will be sporting this Sunday.
Daniel is rather excited about his upcoming attempt, especially the opportunity to become a record holder.
Time to beat: 4 hours 15 minutes
Daniel Janetos, 31, Toronto, Ontario (Canada); Jasper Moester, 40, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
A popular title this year, not one but two applicants are eager to be the runner who crosses the finish line in record-breaking glory.
The first applicant competing for this title is Daniel Janetos, who is a professional chef himself.
He was inspired to go after this title in order to raise money for the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation, as well as motivate the culinary world to use healthier ingredients.
For the upcoming head to head challenge, he has been running five days a week and eating a clean diet.
On the other hand, his competitor Jasper Moester, who attempted this category last year and had his newly achieved title taken – is aiming to get it back this year.
He was motivated to chase this record after rediscovering his passion for food after having professional hardships in another industry – and is set on re-claiming his title.
Stay tuned to see who prevails on marathon day.
Time to beat: 1 hour 37 minutes 38 seconds
Pam Bottos, 49, Waterdown, Ontario (Canada)
Mother, runner and cyclist Pam Bottos is thrilled to be following a lifelong dream of becoming a record-holder.
Running as “I Love Lucy” character Lucille Ball, who her husband admittedly has a crush on, she hopes to represent the TV personality’s humour, passion and fearlessness on race day.
Pam will be taking on her 14th marathon, and in doing so will raise money for the Ride to Conquer Cancer foundation as a team member of Breast Foot Forward, created in honour of her late sister-in-law.
The agile athlete has sadly contracted a bone spur and plantar fasciitis in the past year, which has threatened her ability to run regularly. But with practice and determination, she is more enthusiastic than ever to achieve her goals at the STWM.
Time to beat: 4 hours 13 minutes 39 seconds
Bridget Burns, 35, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
You’ll find Bridget on race day sporting traditional zookeeper uniform and holding a small stuffed lion – an animal she feels best represents the High Park Zoo which has become a large part of her life since moving to Canada five years ago.
She and six-year-old daughter Vada often visit together and enjoy feeding the llamas, encouraging her to run on behalf of the Friends of the High Park Zoo team.
Bridget is no stranger to record-breaking, in fact has held titles for Fastest half marathon in motocross gear (female), Fastest half marathon in an animal costume (female), Fastest marathon dressed as a zookeeper (female), and Fastest marathon dressed as boxer.
We'll see if she manages to earn her fifth title on race day!
Time to beat: 2 hours 15 minutes
Michael Kapral, 45, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Health writer Michael Kapral has returned to run his 37th marathon, eight which he has previously done while joggling which involves running long distances while continuously juggling a certain amount of objects.
Michael, who has set Guinness World Records titles for the Fastest marathon pushing a pram, as well as three records for Fastest marathon joggling with three objects (male), is happy to take on his next record-breaking challenge.
The dad-of-two will be fundraising for the SickKids Foundation while coordinating five objects and running consistently – a feat that is hardly trivial.
He wants others to know that although he has been juggling since the age of ten, the sport of joggling requires another level of stamina.
Time to beat: 4 hours 40 minutes