Runners will take their marks this weekend in Ottawa’s largest racing event of the year. The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will bring more than 36,500 participants to six different races, including the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K, Kids Marathon (1.2K) and three multi-event challenges. Organizers say this year’s half-marathon has already registered 11,000 runners, a 27 per cent increase from last year. Twenty cheer stations will be available along the marathon and half-marathon course for spectators. About 200,000 spectators are expected to cheer on runners along with 2,500 working volunteers. Over 80 local and national charities are taking part in the Desjardins Charity Challenge. Participants raised over $1 million for their causes in 2024. Start/finish line All races start at Ottawa City Hall at 110 Laurier Avenue West. The marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K and Kids Marathon end on Queen Elizabeth Driveway close to Laurier Avenue. Race kit pickup and Running Expo Runners can pickup their racing kits at a new location this year. The Running and Fitness Expo will take place at the Carleton University Fieldhouse at 1125 Colonel By Drive starting on Thursday. Racing kit pickup was held at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne last year. Organizers recommend giving yourself four hours from the time your reach the expo to when you’ll be arriving at the start line if doing same-day pickup. The event is free to enter and is open to the public. Hours: Public transit OC Transpo service will be starting early to support runners and spectators getting to the start line. O-Train Line 1 and Line 2 will start at 5 a.m. Sunday. The marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. while the half-marathon is scheduled for 9 a.m. Trains will operate at their regularly scheduled times on Saturday. The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) is asking customers to allow extra time for their travels as there will be “significant” detours in downtown Gatineau and the Hull sector during Sunday’s races between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. Parking is limited, organizers say, but private lots and City of Ottawa lots are available. Bike parking A free monitored bike parking is available during the races on the Lisgar Street side of Ottawa City Hall. Hours of operation: Baggage check Baggage check will open at 2 p.m. for Saturday’s races and 6 a.m. on Sunday before the start of the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon. Signs will be available directing runners to the free service located on the south side of Ottawa City Hall via Lisgar Street. Hours: Race Schedule Saturday Ottawa Kids Marathon – 2 p.m. Ottawa 2K – 3 p.m. Ottawa 5K– 4 p.m. Ottawa 10K – 6:30 p.m. The elite women’s 10K begins at 6:15 pm Sunday Tartan Ottawa International Marathon – 7:00 a.m. Ottawa Half Marathon – 9:00 a.m. Frequently asked questions Can I push a stroller or use a backpack child carrier during my race? Baby joggers and strollers are not permitted at races with the exception of the 2K and Run Ottawa Saturday Series on Saturday. Backpack child carriers are not permitted at any Race Weekend courses. How can I track athletes? You can track runners in the Run Ottawa app and find your results on Sportstats. Can I run with my dog? Dogs are not permitted except for service animals. Can I run with headphones? The use of headphones is permitted on the course but is not recommended. Race Weekend facts and figures Road closures Saturday, May 24 Sunday, May 25
