Ottawa Marathon
The Lowdown
The Ottawa Marathon is the headline event of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, held annually on the last weekend of May in Canada's capital. One of the most celebrated road marathons in Canada, it draws thousands of runners through iconic Ottawa landmarks including Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the historic ByWard Market. The flat, fast, AIMS-certified course is a popular Boston-qualifier. The full weekend includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids' races, creating a festival atmosphere across the city. The course threads together some of Ottawa's most iconic sights — rolling along the Rideau Canal, passing Parliament Hill and the historic ByWard Market, and running beside the Rideau River with views toward the Gatineau Hills. Runners experience a net-flat to gently rolling profile with long, runnable stretches ideal for fast times and Boston-qualifying attempts. Aid stations are frequent and well-staffed, and the finish area features music, local food vendors, and medal ceremonies. Organized by Run Ottawa, the event meets high standards for competition and certification: the marathon course is measured to national standards and is AIMS-certified and Boston-qualifier eligible, making it attractive to athletes chasing time goals.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
2027 registration open; date confirmed May 29-30, 2027
Jun 24, 2026Run Ottawa has officially announced Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2027 for May 29-30, 2027 in Ottawa, Ontario. Registration is open via letsdothis.com. Pricing for 2027 has not yet been published on the official site as of 2026-06-24.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Parliament Hill
Iconic Canadian Parliament buildings overlooking the Ottawa River and a focal point on the course
Rideau Canal
Scenic, tree-lined canal pathway that runners follow for several flat, fast kilometers
ByWard Market
Historic market district with lively streets and spectators cheering runners on
Major's Hill Park
Elevated greenspace offering views of Parliament Hill and the downtown skyline
Dow's Lake
Popular waterfront section with views of the lake and surrounding parkland
Alexandra Bridge / Mackenzie King Bridge vicinity
Crossings offering panoramic views of both Ottawa and Gatineau
Lansdowne Park
Redeveloped sports and cultural precinct near the finish area
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
CA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day
- All entrants must complete and sign the official race waiver/registration agreement
- Race organizers reserve the right to remove participants who cannot maintain required pace or who exceed the course cut-off time (6 hours)
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Signed Race Waiver/Release
Entry Methods
- online
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds permitted
The course is AIMS-certified and Boston-qualifying, taking runners on a predominantly flat and fast route through downtown Ottawa with long stretches along the Rideau Canal and scenic riverfront views.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, with post-race food, hydration, medical tents, and a beer garden.
Race weekend includes a runner expo with packet pickup and multiple distances (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids runs).
Aid stations with water, electrolyte drink, and gels are located approximately every 2–3 kilometres.
Organized by Run Ottawa (runottawa.ca). Part of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
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