(photo by BizuAthletics)

Ethiopia’s Shure Demise captured her third TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon title on Sunday, powering to victory in 2:21:03 despite warm, windy, and humid race conditions.

The win marks a remarkable comeback for Demise, who returned to elite form just two years after giving birth to her daughter.

A two-time Toronto champion in 2015 and 2016, Demise narrowly missed the course record of 2:20:44 set last year by compatriot Waganesh Mekasha.

Kenya’s Betty Chepkorir finished second in 2:23:45, followed by Almaz Kebebe in 2:26:40.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Leonard Langat broke away late to claim victory in 2:08:04, leading a Kenyan sweep with Noah Kipkemboi (2:08:24) and Sila Kiptoo (2:08:44) rounding out the podium.