Jay Glassman is a man who gets things done. Ten years ago he approached the city of Toronto with a plan to start a marathon. He argued Toronto's scenery and ethnic diversity made it marathon worthy. The city's bureaucrats didn't think they could close Toronto's Yonge Street - the world's longest street - long enough for a marathon. But they underestimated Glassman's tenacity and this year the Toronto Marathon (formerly known as the Canadian International Marathon) celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Glassman started the marathon with $300,000 in savings and 1,400 runners. Last year over 9,000 runners from 30 countries crossed the finish line. Glassman works tirelessly throughout the year for the Toronto Marathon but credits the organization on race day to his army of 1,500 volunteers.

The race begins at Mel Lastman Square at Yonge and Sheppard, a point Glassman chose because of its proximity to the subway (subway stations line the whole route) and slight downward incline. The downhill turns into a gradual uphill for half a kilometer but the course levels off well before the runners reach the first of the 20 aid stations at the five kilometer mark. Runners then pass through the G. Ross Lord Park and its stunning array of fall colors. When runners emerge from the Park they happen upon the Sunday brunchers who put the carbs from their bagels to good use by cheering them on.

The first 20 kilometers are relatively flat. The flatness is interrupted by the challenging 600-metre Hoggs Hollow Hill. After this climb the route is downhill.

When the runners exit off Yonge St. they enter the upscale residential neighborhood of Forest Hill; fans of author John Irving may recognize the neighborhood from A Prayer for Owen Meany.

From Forest Hill the runners make their way down Spadina Road and past the majestic 98-room tourist magnet, Casa Loma. The route then takes runners through the scenic Rosedale Valley Ravine and onto Front Street past the distillery district and Air Canada Centre. The CN Tower is world's tallest free standing structure and visible from Front Street. But on race day the CN Tower is overshadowed by the view of Queen's Park where the course ends. In the remaining kilometers to the finish line, runners pass four hospitals and throngs of spectators with signs and flowers.

Following the race runners can visit the food, massage and medical tents and watch the award ceremony. To commemorate the ten year anniversary, this year's race includes a new medal design, technical wicking shirts, prize money, and a post-race concert with "A list talent."

For more information on the Toronto Marathon please visit www.torontomarathon.com. MR