Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025

Join thousands of runners at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Canada’s largest running festival held each May in the heart of the nation’s capital. From first-time fun champions to seasoned marathoners, the event offers something for everyone with options such as Fun Run, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon distance categories. Set against a backdrop of historic landmarks and blooming spring greenery, it’s a celebration of sport, fitness, and community spirit.

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Runners and spectators alike enjoy a lively, inclusive atmosphere on course and at the race village, where volunteers, music, and cheering crowds line the streets. Participants can choose the eco-friendly Green Bib option to turn their run into a charitable fundraiser through the Desjardins Charity Challenge. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, fundraising for a cause, or simply embracing the runner’s high, Ottawa Race Weekend delivers an unforgettable experience.

The weekend’s courses wind along paved urban streets and scenic waterfront paths around the Rideau Canal, starting and finishing at Ottawa City Hall. Bib pickup and the official race expo are hosted at Carleton University Fieldhouse with multiple days of early packet collection. The Tartan Ottawa Marathon caps fields at around 4,000 runners, while the 5K remains Canada’s largest, ensuring a vibrant crowd and robust logistical support from volunteers and aid stations.

• Scenic route past Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal
• Vibrant spectator support with live music and entertainment
• Finisher medals and post-race celebration festival
• Eco-friendly Green Bib option for charity fundraising
• Official race expo at Carleton University Fieldhouse
• Multiple aid stations with water, nutrition, and misting stations
• Professional timing and onsite bib pickup
• Diverse pace groups and welcoming atmosphere
• Volunteer-led encouragement zones throughout the course
• Virtual race option for remote participants