Drama hit the streets of Canada as chaos erupted at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. In a bizarre twist, three elite Ethiopian runners leading the pack took a wrong turn, mistakenly following the half-marathoners toward their finish line instead of continuing the full course. The crowd gasped as confusion rippled through the elite field, with race officials scrambling to restore order. Yet, amid the chaos, Ethiopian spirits soared high as Shure Demise delivered redemption in style, claiming her first marathon victory in nearly a decade and turning the drama into a day to remember.

Around the 20 km stretch, things took a pretty confusing turn when the route was divided; half-marathoners streamed toward Bay Street and finished near Nathan Phillips Square. At the same time, the full marathoners were supposed to head right on Wellington Street for a longer downtown loop. Two-time Toronto Champion, Shure Demise, kept her composure as she stayed on the correct path, but that can’t be said for her compatriots, Gojjam Enyew and Dibabe Beyene.

The duo wasn’t lucky enough as they sprinted toward the half-marathon finish, where officials mistakenly held up the tape meant for shorter-distance runners. Excited after crossing the line, both of their smile faded into disbelief as they realized the blunder. Realizing the mistake, Nigsti Haftu tried to turn back and continue, but by then, the race had already slipped far from her grasp. Athletes were given clear instructions at Saturday’s technical meeting not to follow the Half-Marathoners.

However, amid the rush of the race, the three Ethiopian runners mistakenly followed the wrong route. While the trio fell victim to sheer misfortune, their compatriot Shure Demise turned the tide, capping her 2025 season with a triumphant podium finish, her first in nine years. She broke the tape in 2:21:04, just 20 seconds shy of Waganesh Mekasha’s course record (2:20:44) and four seconds off her personal best.

A two-time champion in 2015 and 2016, Demise’s comeback was nothing short of poetic. By the halfway mark, she had carved out a commanding 15-second lead. At the post-race press conference, Demise radiated joy as she reflected on her comeback. Speaking through an interpreter, she shared, “I am very happy. It’s very special for me to be a new mother and to be back here, winning again.” 

She came just four seconds shy of her personal best, battling conditions that tested every stride. “The wind was very hard—I was struggling with the wind. But I managed to at least handle that and be able to finish. Previously, it was colder, that’s what I remember. But the wind was unexpected.”

However, on the other hand, the Sanlem Cape Town marathon saw a cancellation in the wake of rough weather conditions.

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon cancellation sparks outrage

More than 24000 eager runners had gathered in Cape Town, ready to chase glory at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, but nature appeared to have other plans. As harsh winds tore through the city overnight and raged into the morning, organizers were left with no choice but to cancel the 2025 edition at the eleventh hour due to safety concerns.

As the chaos ensued, an emergency meeting was convened between race organizers and the Joint Operations Committee, a coalition that included Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management, Safety and Security, SAPS, and medical services. Following the decision, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO, Clark Gardner, issued the statement, “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is devastated at the cancellation of our very special event.”

He further added, “We have worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately, a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation. We wish to thank our participants, sponsors, and stakeholders for their ongoing support and understanding.” With the cancellation of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, many fans came forward to question the management of the event considering the fact that officials didn’t keep tabs on weather forecasting beforehand.