TORONTO - (September 10, 2004) - Toronto Marathon race director Jay Glassman today announced that this year's October 17th Toronto Marathon will offer a prize purse in excess of $100,000. Top male and female elite athletes will compete for the largest marathon purse in Canada. The top male and female marathon finishers will go home $25,000 richer, with second place finisher taking in $10,000 each and $5,000 for third. The awards are given out through 10th place and include Masters Division for first, second and third.

New this year is the Canadian Maple Leaf Award, with $1000 going to the top male and female Canadian finishers. The Toronto Marathon will once again offer $1,000 for each full minute below the current course records of 2:15:17 for males and 2:37:52 for females.

"We're thrilled to announce the Toronto Marathon's $100,000 prize purse!" noted Glassman. "Elite athletes from around the world will be flying in to see our beautiful city and our fall colors that will be on display at this time of year. We're expecting more than 10,000 runners to participate in the 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon runs in October as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary.

Glassman continued, "Toronto is a world class city and a great place to break a marathon running record - whether you're an elite athlete or a first time marathon runner. With the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon now capped out at 40,000 runners and New York Marathon a lottery for admittance, the Toronto Marathon is an ideal race for those wanting the experience of running through a major downtown metro area."

Presenting sponsor Metronews, the most popular free daily paper in the Greater Toronto area, is joined by media partner CHUM Limited and other sponsors including Honda, The Running Room, Cedar Springs, Ultima, Zone Bar, Asics, Pizza Pizza, GNC, The Great Canadian Sox Company, Holofiber and hotel sponsors Holiday Inn on King Toronto and the Hilton Toronto, along with a host of others.

The Princess Margaret Hospital, a global leader in the fight against cancer is the official charity of the races. The hospital is a special place of hope and caring where patients are offered the most advanced cancer treatments, Princess Margaret Hospital is also internationally recognized for its groundbreaking cancer research. Also benefiting are the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Achilles Track Club of Canada, the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, Hemophelia Ontario and the Ontario Track & Field Association.

To sign up on line, visit www.torontomarathon.com or call (416) 972-1062.

Media Contact: Carrie Sager, FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc. 416.533.7710 X224 carrie@flip-publicity.com