Posted: May 11, 2004

Athletics: World Record Holders Singh & Whitlock Launch "Marathoning For Mortals Training Programme At The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon".

Toronto, ON 10 May:

Several hundred locals turned out in brilliant sunshine on Friday to do an 8K jog with age-group world record holders Fauja Singh [UK] and Ed Whitlock [Canada], from City Hall, Toronto, to the Waterfront and back.

The jog was the key event to Launch a 20-week training programme, "Marathoning for Mortals at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon", compiled by John "The Penguin Bingham and Coach Jenny Hadfield. The programme is FREE, available online at www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com, and starts this week. There are run, run/walk, and walk versions, all aimed at new marathoners who, in the words of the Penguin, "perform a miracle by having the courage to try". [the course has a 7-hour time limit, making it friendly to slower runners and power-walkers].

Singh and Whitlock both received honourary Scrolls of Achievement from the City of Toronto, presented by Councillor Olivia Chow, and were received with great fanfare.

Both thrilled Toronto and put the Waterfront Marathon on the map last September, highlighting it's super-fast and scenic course.... Singh with his 5:40:04 at age 92, which smashed the previous 90+ mark of 6:11 and also made him the oldest active marathoner in the world; and Whitlock's 2:59:10 at age 72, that made him the first runner over 70 on the planet to break the 3-hour barrier.

Both have confirmed that "health willing", they will be back to run the Toronto Waterfront again on September 26th, and the Punjabi-speaking Singh received an extra round of applause when he said in English, "see you in September".

Everyone is invited to follow the free training programme, that also has "hot button" links to The Penguin and Coach Jenny, who promise to answer your email queries within 24 hours. The training section also includes lots of helpful training tips and inspirational testimonials. This way, Coach Jenny and The Penguin promise to be with you every step of the way. They will also be with you in Toronto on race weekend, at the Expo, leading a free Friendship Run on Saturday morning, and as Guest Speakers at the Pasta Dinner on Saturday night, the 25th. Singh and Whitlock are also confirmed to appear at the Pasta Dinner.

The race website is at: http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.