Tartan Ottawa International Marathon
The Lowdown
The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is a relatively new but fast-growing spring marathon in Canada’s capital, launched in the early 2020s to showcase Ottawa’s waterfront and parkland routes while offering a competitive, well-organized race experience. Held on Memorial Day weekend, the event has quickly become a favorite for regional and international runners seeking a scenic, single-loop course and a supportive festival atmosphere. The race emphasizes community involvement and sustainability, with local volunteers, cultural highlights along the route, and post-race celebrations in the city center. 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 will 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 that create a welcoming, festival-like atmosphere for families and spectators. The event is organized to meet high standards for competition and certification: the marathon course is measured to national standards and is listed as AIMS-certified and Boston-qualifier eligible, making it attractive to athletes chasing time goals. Whether you’re targeting a personal best, a BQ, or a memorable spring marathon through Canada’s capital, the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon offers a scenic, runner-focused experience with strong community support.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
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 and a memorable mid-race sightline
Lansdowne Park
Redeveloped sports and cultural precinct near the finish area with crowds and event amenities
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
- Participants under 18 are not eligible to enter the marathon distance
- All entrants must complete and sign the official race waiver/registration agreement
- Medical clearance recommended for anyone with pre-existing health conditions
- Race organizers reserve the right to remove participants who cannot maintain required pace or who exceed the course cut-off time (6 hours)
- Eligible participants must register by the published registration deadline and pay the entry fee
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must contact race organizers in advance to confirm classification and race support needs
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Signed Race Waiver/Release
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or ID when required for age-category verification)
- Proof of Time for seeded/elite start (recent race result)
- Passport/visa documentation for international participants when required
Entry Methods
- online
- in-person
- virtual
- Green Bib
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds permitted
The course is 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, and the event features post-race food, hydration, medical tents, and a beer garden for participants and guests.
Race weekend includes a runner expo with packet pickup, a Saturday pasta dinner, and multiple distances (marathon, half marathon, 10K, and kids runs) to involve the whole family.
Aid stations with water, electrolyte drink, and gels are located approximately every 2–3 kilometres, with medical support and portable toilets at regular intervals along the course.
There are designated spectator zones near the finish and key course points, limited on-site parking with race-day shuttles from park-and-ride locations, and detailed transit and parking guidance on the official race website.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.