The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is organized yearly by Run Ottawa. It's one of the biggest racing weekends in Canada and yearly attracts close to 47,000 participants across its various events; The Ottawa Marathon, Ottawa Half Marathon, Ottawa 10K, Ottawa 5K, Ottawa 2K, Ottawa Kids Marathon, and the Ottawa 17.1k/ 36.1k/ 59.2k Challenge.

Here's a rundown of what you'll expect over the weekend.

Tartan International Ottawa Marathon

The Ottawa Marathon is Canada's largest and fastest marathon.

As one of two IAAF Gold Label marathon events in Canada, the race attracts Canada’s largest marathon field (7,000 participants) as well as a world-class contingent of elite athletes every year.

Featuring the beautiful scenery of Canada’s capital, the top-notch organization of an IAAF event, the atmosphere of hundreds of thousands of spectators, and a fast course perfect both for personal bests and first-timers, this is a world-class marathon that must be experienced. The Ottawa Marathon is also one of Canada’s largest Boston Qualifiers.

Ottawa Half Marathon

Every year, the Ottawa Half-Marathon is the weekend’s biggest field and fastest sell-out.

The course is fast and relatively flat, making it great for personal bests and runners trying the distance for the first time. It’s also beautiful, taking runners past historic landmarks, through vibrant neighbourhoods and back and forth across the Ottawa river through the province of Quebec.

Best of all, the half-marathon boasts an unbeatable atmosphere with throngs of runners matched by the enthusiasm of spectators and volunteers.

Ottawa 10k

The Ottawa 10K is the only IAAF Gold Label 10K event in Canada and one of only four IAAF Gold Label 10Ks in the world. The Ottawa 10K attracts one of the world’s best fields of elite runners as well as thousands of participants from across the National Capital Region. The race is also home to the Canadian 10K Championships.

Starting at Ottawa’s City Hall, the course takes runners down the famous Rideau Canal and by the tulips of Dow’s Lake before heading across the Pretoria Bridge to an exciting finish in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

Ottawa 5k

The Ottawa 5K takes participants past Ottawa’s historic Parliament buildings, by the storied Chateau Laurier and along the Rideau Canal for a 5K tour of some of Ottawa’s biggest landmarks.

From the region’s fastest runners competing for bragging rights and prize money to families running and walking together for charity, the HTG Sports Ottawa 5K brings together the entire running spectrum in one blast of performance and positivity.

Ottawa 2k

From youthful speedsters to families running and walking together, inclusivity and enthusiasm take centre stage at the Ottawa 2K. This is a race to be enjoyed together. And, yes, strollers are allowed!

Starting at Ottawa City Hall, the Ottawa 2K sends participants down a cheering Elgin Street before looping back down the Rideau Canal for a finish line experience that’s hard to beat.

Ottawa Kids Marathon

The Ottawa Kids Marathon (1.2 km) is a chance for kids ages 5-12 to take part in the excitement of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend—and stay active through the spring months!

Ottawa 17k/ 36.1k/ 59.2k Challenge

Are you a runner who loves to push the limits? Participants can run one of three Challenges available over the weekend. Challenge participants will get a unique challenge t-shirt and medal, as well as a medal from each race!