The National Capital Region is gearing up for a friendly invasion as tens of thousands of runners and walkers prepare to dash through the streets of Ottawa and Gatineau this weekend. Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is set to be one of the largest in recent memory, with all six events sold out and official registration reaching approximately 40,000 participants — the highest level in about a decade. That number does not include the tens of thousands of spectators expected to line the courses.
Sold-Out Events
All six events have reached capacity: the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon, the Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins, the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, the 5K, the 2K, and the ever-popular Ottawa Kids' Marathon. Organizers encourage registered participants to pick up their bibs early at the Fitness Expo.
Weather Forecast
The weather outlook is a bit uncertain, with a 40-percent chance of rain showers on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's high is expected to be 18 C, while Sunday should reach around 17 C. Evening temperatures will drop to about 13 C. Runners should prepare for possible wet conditions and dress accordingly.
Event Schedule
Saturday, May 23
- Ottawa Kids Marathon – 1 p.m.
- Ottawa 2K – 3 p.m.
- Ottawa 5K – 4 p.m.
- Elite Women’s 10K – 5:45 p.m.
- Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa – 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 24
- Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon – 7 a.m.
- Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins – 9 a.m.
Start lines are on Laurier Avenue near Elgin Street, and finish lines are on Queen Elizabeth Driveway, just north of Somerset Street.
Fitness Expo and Bib Pickup
The Fitness Expo features dozens of exhibitors showcasing sports gear, nutrition, and wellness products. It runs from Thursday to Saturday at the Carleton University Fieldhouse, 1125 Colonel By Drive. Runner bib pickup is available at the expo during these hours:
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Getting There and Parking
OC Transpo will provide extra service, with O-Train Line 1 and Line 2 starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday. Runners and spectators can use Rideau and uOttawa stations to access start and finish areas. For detailed transit information, visit the OC Transpo website.
Baggage Check
Baggage check for runners is located at Lisgar Field, behind Festival Plaza. Hours are Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tracking Athletes
You can track runners using the Run Ottawa app and find results on Sportstats. Download the app from the Run Ottawa website.
Road and Bridge Closures
Saturday, May 23
- Laurier Avenue (Metcalfe to Nicholas): 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Elgin Street (various): 1:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
- Queen / O’Connor / Wellington: 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Somerset to Preston): 3 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Colonel By Drive (Hawthorne to Bronson): 3 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Lakeside / Lakeview: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 24
- Alexandra Bridge and Chaudière Bridge: closed Sunday morning
- Laurier Avenue: 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Elgin Street (northbound): 5 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Wellington Street (eastbound): 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Lawrence Freiman Lane to Laurier): 5 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Elgin to Preston): 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Colonel By Drive (Rideau to Hog’s Back): 6 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Bronson Avenue southbound: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Bank Street Bridge: restricted during peak hours
- Rideau Street (Sussex to Mackenzie): 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Mackenzie Avenue: 6:30 a.m. – Noon
- St. Patrick Street: 6 a.m. – Noon
- Sussex Drive: 6 a.m. – Noon
- Kichi Zibi Mikan parkway: 6 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Parkdale Avenue: 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Tunney’s Pasture Driveway: 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Booth Street (local access only): 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Slidell Street: 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Kichi Zibi Mikan parkway (Vimy to Island Park): 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Booth Street: 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Wellington Street (eastbound): 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Eddy Street in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Alexandre-Taché Boulevard in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Montcalm / Laurier in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Plan your travel accordingly and allow extra time to get to the event.
