
In a weekend filled with remarkable achievements at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, one record truly stood out and left spectators in awe. Maria Babineau, an elementary school teacher, not only completed her first marathon but did so with an incredible twist โ dribbling a basketball! This unique feat has the potential to secure her a spot in the Guinness World Records, pending review.
Babineau’s journey into this extraordinary record-breaking attempt was sparked by her students’ encouragement. Their enthusiasm and belief that anything is possible motivated her to take on the challenge. As video footage from the race reveals, Babineau seamlessly alternated dribbling the basketball between her hands while confidently outpacing her competitors, crossing the finish line with a time of 3:57:40.
The record-breaking run was not just about personal achievement; it was a slam dunk for a charitable cause. Babineau ran in support of Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, a charity close to her heart. Her goal was to raise $1,000 CAD to help the organization purchase an adjustable basketball net, facilitating family playtime for those with sick children. Babineau even donated $1 for every kilometer she ran during her training, surpassing her fundraising goal and presenting the charity with both the basketball net and her record-achieving basketball.
Babineau’s story reflects the spirit of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which celebrated its 34th edition with record-breaking participation. Over 25,000 participants from 78 countries hit the pavement, making it a truly global event. Though windy conditions limited some records, the marathon showcased unexpected outcomes, with Ethiopian women dominating the podium and Canadian champions emerging.
As Babineau stole the spotlight with her basketball dribbling marathon, the event also witnessed an array of entertaining Guinness World Record attempts. From the fastest half marathon in a five-person costume to the quickest half marathon by a female dressed as a crustacean, the creativity and determination of the participants were on full display.
But the excitement doesn’t end here! The weekend saw numerous other fun and quirky records being broken, adding to the overall thrill of the event. Here are some other notable records achieved:
| Achievement | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest Half Marathon run by a married couple | Garret Lee and Amy Duba | 2:32:12 |
| Fastest half marathon dressed as an elf | Melvin Nyairo | 1:15:48 |
| Fastest Half Marathon run by three siblings | Paulo, Fernando, Jose | 3:57:02 |
| Fastest half marathon dressed as a train engineer | Bridget Burns | 2:01:23 |
| Fastest half marathon in a five-person costume | Dekel Chui, Tom Brooks, Andrew Bondoc, Derek Beaton, Jared Nylander | 1:48:59 |
| Fastest Half Marathon dribbling a basketball | Chi Kit Cheung | 2:03:00 |
| Fastest half marathon dressed as a crustacean | Frances Ferrabee | 2:15:01 |
| Fastest Marathon in highland Dress | Denis Bilyard | 3:20:12 |
| Fastest marathon dressed as a mountain climber | Clodoaldo Pasquini | 3:11:54 |
| Fastest marathon dressed in traditional Chinese dress | Jun Liu | 3:54:35 |
| Fastest marathon dribbling a basketball | Maria Babineau | 3:57:40 |
The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon not only celebrates athletic achievements but also brings together a diverse community of runners from around the world. As the event concluded, the spirit of accomplishment and camaraderie lingered, making it a memorable edition of this iconic marathon.
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