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The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada’s largest multi-day running festival, featuring an IAAF Gold Label marathon and scenic courses that traverse the historic landmarks of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Course Highlights
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend offers one of the most scenic and historic courses in North America. The flagship event, the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, takes runners on a grand tour of Canada’s capital and into the neighboring city of Gatineau, Quebec. Participants race past iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, and the Supreme Court of Canada. One of the most breathtaking segments includes crossing the Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge, providing panoramic views of the Ottawa River and the majestic Parliament buildings. The route also follows the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and winds through the beautiful grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General. The course is famously flat and fast, making it an ideal destination for those seeking personal bests or Boston Marathon qualification.
Race Details
Scheduled for May 23-24, 2026, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada’s largest running event, attracting nearly 50,000 participants across its various distances. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the Kids Marathon, 2K, 5K, and the prestigious Ottawa 10K, which frequently serves as the Canadian 10K Championships. Sunday is dedicated to the Half Marathon and the IAAF Gold Label Marathon. All major races feature a central start and finish at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W). In the days leading up to the race, participants visit the Running and Fitness Expo at the Carleton University Fieldhouse to collect their bibs and explore the latest in running gear. The event is impeccably organized by Run Ottawa, ensuring a world-class experience for elite athletes and recreational joggers alike.
Why Runners Love It
Runners return to Ottawa year after year for the incredible community spirit and the unmatched energy of the “Cheer Stations” that line the course. The city truly comes alive during race weekend, with thousands of spectators providing a wall of sound that carries participants through the final kilometers. Beyond the competition, the event is deeply rooted in philanthropy through the Desjardins Charity Challenge, which has raised millions of dollars for local and national charities since its inception. With a history dating back to 1975, the Ottawa Marathon has grown from a small local race into a world-renowned festival of running. Whether it is the chance to run through two provinces, the high-quality finisher medals, or the festive post-race celebration at Confederation Park, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend delivers a premier athletic experience in a stunning national setting.
At a Glance
- Location: Ottawa, ON — Canada
- Next Date: 2026-05-24
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K, Kids Marathon, 17k Challenge, 36.1k Challenge, 59.2k Challenge
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.runottawa.ca
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada’s largest multi-day running festival, featuring an IAAF Gold Label marathon and scenic courses that traverse the historic landmarks of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Course Highlights
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend offers one of the most scenic and historic courses in North America. The flagship event, the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, takes runners on a grand tour of Canada’s capital and into the neighboring city of Gatineau, Quebec. Participants race past iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, and the Supreme Court of Canada. One of the most breathtaking segments includes crossing the Royal Alexandra Interprovincial Bridge, providing panoramic views of the Ottawa River and the majestic Parliament buildings. The route also follows the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and winds through the beautiful grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General. The course is famously flat and fast, making it an ideal destination for those seeking personal bests or Boston Marathon qualification.
Race Details
Scheduled for May 23-24, 2026, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is Canada’s largest running event, attracting nearly 50,000 participants across its various distances. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the Kids Marathon, 2K, 5K, and the prestigious Ottawa 10K, which frequently serves as the Canadian 10K Championships. Sunday is dedicated to the Half Marathon and the IAAF Gold Label Marathon. All major races feature a central start and finish at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W). In the days leading up to the race, participants visit the Running and Fitness Expo at the Carleton University Fieldhouse to collect their bibs and explore the latest in running gear. The event is impeccably organized by Run Ottawa, ensuring a world-class experience for elite athletes and recreational joggers alike.
Why Runners Love It
Runners return to Ottawa year after year for the incredible community spirit and the unmatched energy of the “Cheer Stations” that line the course. The city truly comes alive during race weekend, with thousands of spectators providing a wall of sound that carries participants through the final kilometers. Beyond the competition, the event is deeply rooted in philanthropy through the Desjardins Charity Challenge, which has raised millions of dollars for local and national charities since its inception. With a history dating back to 1975, the Ottawa Marathon has grown from a small local race into a world-renowned festival of running. Whether it is the chance to run through two provinces, the high-quality finisher medals, or the festive post-race celebration at Confederation Park, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend delivers a premier athletic experience in a stunning national setting.
At a Glance
- Location: Ottawa, ON — Canada
- Next Date: 2026-05-24
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2K, Kids Marathon, 17k Challenge, 36.1k Challenge, 59.2k Challenge
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.runottawa.ca