Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

May 25-26, 2019

Join thousands of runners from around the world for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend! During the final weekend of May each year, children, youth, and veteran runners participate in six individual race events including a two-kilometre run, a 10k and a marathon. The prestigious Ottawa Marathon – Canada’s largest marathon – attracts some of the best athletes from all corners of the globe and thousands of spectators who cheer them on along the scenic route.

Impressive race events

Ottawa Race Weekend is the biggest multi-distance race event in Canada and features the largest marathon in Canada. Each year, close to 50,000 runners participate in the six official races: marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K and kid’s marathon. Participants have raised millions of dollars through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge since it began in 2003.

Ottawa Race Weekend is the only running event in North America and only one of two in the world to host two International Amateur Athletics Federations (IAAF) Gold label events: the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and the Ottawa 10K.

Spectators, music and beer

If watching is more your sport, join the tens of thousands of spectators who encourage the athletes as they run by many of Ottawa’s major landmarks. All events take runners along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Ottawa Marathon extending across the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Quebec. The return route passes by many of the area’s top architectural and natural sites, including Parliament Hill.

The weekend also features special festivities including live music and a beer garden at Ottawa City Hall’s Festival Plaza!

Whether you’re a runner or a spectator, you’ll want to fuel up for the races at some of Ottawa’s great restaurants. And check out the top 10 things to do while you’re in Canada’s capital!