More than 40,000 runners are expected across several races as the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend returns to the capital. The weekend will feature two-kilometre, five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half marathon and full marathon events taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Among those lining up at the starting line is Kristian Jamieson, who says this year’s marathon carries special meaning. “Tom Longboat is my great-great-grandfather,” says Jamieson. Longboat is a legendary Six Nations runner who became the first Indigenous athlete to win the Boston Marathon in 1907. “He’s known for a 2:24:24 marathon, which that’s very, very fast and especially considering the shoes they were wearing back then, the conditions of the road, they weren’t paved,” Jamieson said. “They didn’t have their sports watch telling them what pace or their heart rate, you know, how to, you know, balance out the course.” Jamieson says he has been chasing that historic time himself, after running a 2:33 marathon in Boston in April. “I think there’s nothing cooler than saying two hours, 24 minutes at the age of 24,” he says. “Sunday will just be one step in the right direction towards that goal.” While elite runners prepare for the marathon, thousands of participants of all ages and experience levels are also expected to hit the streets this weekend. “It’s pretty electric,” says Andrew Avon, who is running the Tamarack Ottawa 5K. “Once you’re down there getting ready to run, it’s way better than running in your neighbourhood or on the treadmill.” The event is also expected to bring a major boost to local businesses as visitors fill hotels, restaurants and other businesses throughout the downtown core, something the Manor Lounge on Elgin Street sees firsthand. “We had a good showing last year for this race weekend,” says Seth Pelletier, assistant general manager at Manor Lounge. “It was nice to see a lot of volume come in, and it was nice to see some new faces as well.” Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is once again running the marathon, raising money for youth homelessness. “It’s a big weekend for local charities as well,” Sutcliffe says. “There are hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars that are raised every year at Ottawa Race Weekend to support some important causes in our city.” Here is what you need to know about Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Schedule Saturday Sunday Fitness Expo/Bib pickup Bibs for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend can be picked up at the Fitness Expo, which began Thursday and runs until Saturday at the Carleton University Fieldhouse at 1125 Colonel By Drive. The three-day expo will feature more than 55 exhibitors showcasing the latest in wellness, sports gear and nutrition. OC Transpo O-Train Line 1 and Line 2 will open early on Sunday for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. OC Transpo says service on the LRT lines will begin at 5 a.m. Runners and spectators can use the Rideau and uOttawa stations to access the start and finish line areas. Start and finish lines The start line for all races at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is on Laurier Avenue near Elgin Street. The finish line is on Queen Elizebeth Driveway, just north of Somerset Street. Baggage check Baggage check is available for runners at Lisgar Field, behind Festival Plaza. Race day questions Can runners wear headphones during a race? Yes. However, officials recommend running without headphones or keeping low volume for safety and awareness. Can I run with a stroller or use a backpack child carrier? Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend says strollers and baby joggers are only permitted during the 2K. Can I run with my dog? Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted during any of the events. How can I track athletes? You can track runners in the Run Ottawa app and find your results on Sportstats. Road closures Saturday Sunday The Alexandra Bridge and Chaudiere Bridge will be closed on Sunday morning. Weather Forecast With files from CTV’s Josh Pringle
