Dozens of Road Closures and Transit Changes for Toronto Marathon and Sunday Events

Drivers in Toronto should prepare for major road closures and transit diversions this Sunday, May 5, 2025, due to several large-scale events—including the 48th annual Toronto Marathon.

What’s Happening Sunday

The Toronto Marathon returns with thousands of runners from over 50 countries. The event features a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K races. Races begin as early as 7:30 a.m., starting from locations like Yonge & Sheppard and the Queen Elizabeth Building.

Alongside the marathon, other city events—including the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony and the Khalsa Day Etobicoke Parade—will also prompt closures and changes throughout the day.

Major Road Closures for the Marathon

Rolling closures will affect large parts of Yonge Street, Lake Shore Boulevard, Spadina Road, Bayview Avenue, King Street, and surrounding areas. Closures will start as early as 5:30 a.m. and continue into the afternoon.

Key affected roads include:

• Yonge Street (from Finch to Belmont)
• Lake Shore Blvd West (from Windermere to Bay)
• Rosedale Valley Road
• Bayview Avenue
• River Street
• King Street East
• Bay Street (southbound from Wellington to Lake Shore)
  

City officials provided a full schedule with specific timings for each closure, available on official Toronto event pages. Road closures will also affect Marine Parade Drive and Waterfront Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TTC Transit Diversions

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) reports that 30 surface routes will face detours or service disruptions. TTC vehicles may pass through safe gaps in the race where possible to reduce delays. Officials advise commuters to allow extra travel time or use alternate routes.

Other Sunday Closures

• Queen’s Park (College to Bloor) and Hoskin Avenue (St. George to Queen’s Park) will be closed 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Ceremony.
  
• The Khalsa Day Etobicoke Parade will result in closures from midnight to 10 p.m., impacting:
  
  • Morning Star Drive, Humberwood Blvd, Finch Ave West, Woodbine Downs Blvd, and surrounding streets.
    

Community Impact and Purpose

Since 1995, the Toronto Marathon has raised over $8 million for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. The event continues to be both a competitive race and a major fundraiser.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check official city or TTC notices for real-time updates.

How are you navigating the road closures this weekend—staying in, cheering runners, or taking the TTC?

More…

• https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/toronto-marathon-to-take-over-a-number-of-streets-on-sunday-here-are-the-road/article_71c98de3-cdde-4c40-a7d1-2c39351ee942.html
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/dozens-of-road-closures-planned-for-the-toronto-marathon-today-heres-what-you-need-to-know
• https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/05/03/large-number-of-road-closures-transit-diversions-sunday-for-several-planned-events