Hudson Grimshaw-Surette and Eliyah Brawdy win TCS Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon

On Sunday morning, the 2024 Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon crowned two first-time champions: Hudson Grimshaw-Surette of Central Chebogue, N.S., and Eliyah Brawdy of Smithers, B.C. Grimshaw-Surette broke the tape in front of Toronto City Hall, finishing in 65:13 in his debut at the distance, while Brawdy shaved seven minutes off her previous best, crossing the line in 1:13:34.

Grimshaw-Surette admitted he didn’t know what to expect in his half-marathon debut. He told Canadian Running in a post-race interview that his plan was to run with the 2:10 (marathon) pacers and hold on as long as possible.

“The win means a lot,” said Grimshaw-Surette. “It was my first half-marathon, and I really didn’t know what to expect.”

Hunter Grimshaw-Surrette of Nova Scotia takes the win in 1:05:13 at the @TOwaterfront42k half-marathon in his debut! pic.twitter.com/pzRZCLEZxQ

— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) October 20, 2024

He plans to focus on a few more road races next year but emphasized that he has no ambition to move up to the marathon anytime soon. Ryan Terrell of Hamilton, Ont., and Alex Cyr of Abram Village, P.E.I., rounded out the men’s podium.

Brawdy continued her breakout season on the streets of Toronto. Coached by Canadian marathoner Malindi Elmore, Brawdy won the Canadian 10,000m championships in May and now adds a victory at one of Canada’s biggest races. She improved her personal best of 1:20:10 (set in 2022) by nearly seven minutes.

The 24-year-old told Canadian Running that she discussed her plan with her coach before the race, intending to stick with Natasha Wodak as long as possible. “I’m happy with the result and have some exciting things planned for next year,” said Brawdy.

Eliyah Brawdy of Smithers, BC wins the women’s half in 1:13:34 at the @TOwaterfront42k and says she has more exciting things planned for next year👀 pic.twitter.com/uZUXYDXMxV

— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) October 20, 2024

Toronto’s Kylee Raftis and Hannah Goodjohn of Mount Albert, Ont., completed the women’s podium with times of 1:15:03 and 1:15:23, respectively.

For full results from the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon and Marathon, check here.