A runner crosses the finish line at the 2009 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. (Kathy Nicholaichuk)

Council is giving the organizers of two Toronto marathons a couple of weeks to come up with a scenario in which both races can continue to be held in future years.

That offer comes despite a report released by city staff late January found that the marathons were held too close to each other and recommended that one of them be eliminated next year.

The city's public works and infrastructure committee heard from supporters of each marathon on Tuesday. After their presentations, Coun. Gord Perks said their organizers will have to agree on a revised schedule in which the races are spread further apart.

Failure to do so could mean the city will put out a call for proposals from other bidders to run just one marathon — possibly pushing both current races out of the picture altogether.

"I'm going to be blunt here — unless we move out of kindergarten and graduate up into high school or some other higher level of education and come to an accord on this, there will only be one race," Perks said.

"We've got two weeks. Please sort it out."

One of Toronto's marathons is run in late September and sponsored by Scotiabank. Its supporters on Tuesday argued the race is a marquee event that attracts elite runners with appearance fees and high prize money.

The other is run in the middle of October and is sponsored by Goodlife Fitness. Supporters of that run — which has been held for 32 years in the city — portrayed it as a grassroots event for local runners, many of whom are content with just finishing.

The city report has said having just one marathon as opposed to two would enhance Toronto's athletic running profile on a local, national and in some cases international level.

Local politicians have also been fielding complaints about traffic disruptions, closed roads and business losses because of the races.