Cornwall, Ontario, businesses are preparing for a record‑level influx of visitors as early interest surges for the St. Lawrence Marathon, scheduled for April 25, 2026. Local business leaders say the event could again put pressure on the city’s infrastructure and tourism capacity.
The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce is helping local shops and restaurants get ready for the influx. Because historically about 80 per cent of participants come from outside the region, the Chamber is advising business owners to consider hiring extra staff and extending hours to serve visitors.
Choose Cornwall notes the race has grown into a major attraction in part because the marathon is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier. The event has seen record entries in recent years — for example, the St. Lawrence Marathon drew 1,250 participants in 2025 — and officials say early registration for 2026 suggests numbers could rise again.
Finding a hotel room may be a challenge because the race weekend traditionally overlaps with the Bordertown Challenge hockey tournament. St. Lawrence Marathon organizers are urging visitors to book early; the race website notes hotel room blocks are limited and that rooms will sell out, and local hotels frequently reach capacity for this weekend.
To help businesses maximize the weekend, the Chamber is providing resources and toolkits with advice on staffing for peak hours, managing inventory for restaurants, and marketing offers aimed at converting day‑visiting runners into multi‑day visitors exploring the downtown and waterfront trails.
