Ottawa, the Nation’s Capital, is proud to host and represent Canada’s largest and fastest marathon. Tamarack Ottawa Race weekend represents what the community is all about. With 7,000 participants and thousands of additional cheering spectators totalling over 46,000 people engaged in the events. We welcome you to join us in attendance to celebrate the event in our vibrant city.
Read below for the full story, dates and road closures for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2023.
The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon
The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is one of Canada’s largest Boston Marathon Qualifiers. For those who qualify and pre-register, money can be made in the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon and the Ottawa 10K competition. The Tartan event also attracts international runners who may qualify with the standard, sub 2 hours 9 minutes (Male) / 2 hours 26 minutes (Female) in timed completion in past marathons, dating back to 2019.
The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is Canada’s fastest marathon. This race attracts thousands of participants, including a world-class contingent of pro-athletes every year. The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Race and one of Canada’s largest Boston Qualifiers.
Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) National Marathon Championships
Tartan Ottawa International Marathon will serve as the Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) National Marathon Championships.
The top three male and female finishers in each 5-year Masters age group who are CMA members, starting at ages 30-34, will be awarded CMA Gold, Silver and Bronze Championship medals. To be eligible for a CMA medal, you must be a current member of Canadian Masters Athletics (CMA) and you must enter your membership number at registration.
Celebrity Runners Competing
Two of greatest Canadian male distance runners of all time will be going head-to-head at the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa. Cam Levins, who was previously announced for the race, will now be joined by Olympic and World Championship medalist Mohammed Ahmed.
In the world of long-distance running, Cameron Levins is a name that resonates with determination and excellence. Born on March 28, 1989, Levins has emerged as a prominent Canadian athlete, leaving an indelible mark on the international stage. With notable achievements like winning the bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and setting records in marathon and half marathon events, Levins has solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with. Moreover, representing Canada in the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he has showcased his unwavering spirit and commitment to his sport.
Cameron Levins’ rise to prominence can be attributed to his exceptional performances and relentless pursuit of excellence. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, he captured the hearts of Canadians by securing the bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 10,000 meters event. This achievement not only showcased his physical prowess but also marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in his athletic career.
Levins’ pursuit of greatness reached new heights at the 2022 World Championships, where he etched his name in the annals of Canadian running history. In the marathon, he achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish, setting a new Canadian record in the process. This extraordinary accomplishment not only highlighted his tenacity but also solidified his position among the elite long-distance runners on the global stage.
Cameron Levins is a name synonymous with breaking barriers and setting records. With an unmatched determination, he has etched his name in the record books. Levins proudly holds the North American record for the marathon, a testament to his endurance and skill. Additionally, he has also claimed the Canadian record for the half marathon, cementing his status as one of the nation’s finest athletes.
Moreover, Levins has had the honor of representing Canada in two Olympic Games. In 2012, he showcased his talent at the London Olympics, and his dedication earned him a spot among the world’s top long-distance runners. Eight years later, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Levins once again donned the Canadian colors, embodying the spirit of his nation and demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft.
How Can You Participate?
You can walk it, you can run it, you can cheer it on with thousands of others! The Ottawa 5K and its course route is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Parliament building itself, the Chateau Laurier, the Ottawa locks along the Rideau Canal, and many more within the surrounding area. If you consider yourself an elite racer, you can even earn cash prizes. With a charitable cause among us, expect nothing short of high energy and an electric atmosphere downtown Ottawa up on Parliament Hill!
The Ottawa 2K, unless you have participated in this event before, you have likely never experienced anything like this before. This event is for all. Families, youngins, elders, you name it they’ll be there. Whether you are a walker or a runner, you will be surrounded by feeling the positive and enthusiastic crowd the entire way!
The Ottawa Kids Marathon is arguably the foundation of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend event. This remarkable 1.2Km kids marathon gives kids between the ages of 5-12 the chance to participate in an active and spirited event that is part of the recognized and universal event. The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend presents a memorable achievement and atmosphere for the kids and families that will be at Parliament Hill this Saturday and Sunday.
Where To Watch And Cheer
Saturday May 27
Please note: all Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend start lines are located in front of Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West and all races, with the exception of the Ottawa Kid’s Marathon finish on Queen Elizabeth Driveway north of Somerset Street West.
Ottawa Kid’s Marathon – The Ottawa Kid’s Marathon starts at 2:00 pm
The Ottawa Kid’s Marathon course runs along Elgin Street, up around the National War Memorial and back down Elgin to the finish line on Laurier Avenue West.
Ottawa 2K presented by ASICS RunKeeper – The Ottawa 2K presented by ASICS RunKeeper starts at 3:00 pm
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Elgin Street to Frank Street
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm Frank Street between Elgin and to Queen Elizabeth Driveway
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the finish line
Ottawa 5K presented by ASICS RunKeeper – The Ottawa 5K presented by ASICS RunKeeper starts at 4:00 pm
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Laurier Avenue between Elgin and O’Connor
4:15 pm – 4:30 pm Wellington Street between O’Connor and Colonel By Drive
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Colonel By Drive to Pretoria Bridge, Shaw Centre, McKenzie King and Laurier Avenue Bridges
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm Colonel By Drive under the between the Corktown Bridge and Hawthorne Avenue near the Royal Oak Pub
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Queen Elizabeth Drive north of Pretoria Bridge to finish line
Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa – The Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa starts at 6:30 pm
6:25 pm – 6:40 pm Elgin Street between Laurier Avenue Bridge and Queen Elizabeth Driveway
6:30 pm – 6:50 pm Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Pretoria Bridge, Bank Street Bridge and Bronson Bridge, to Lakeside Avenue
6:45 pm – 7:50 pm Bronson Avenue between Bronson Bridge and Lakeside Avenue
6:45 pm – 7:50 pm Lakeside Avenue, Bronson Bridge, Colonel By Drive to Pretoria Bridge
6:55 pm – 8:30 pm Pretoria Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the finish line
Sunday May 28
Please note: all Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend start lines are located in front of Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave West and all races, with the exception of the Ottawa Kid’s Marathon, finish on Queen Elizabeth Driveway north of Somerset Street West.
Tartan Ottawa International Marathon – The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon begins at 7:00 am
7:00 am – 8:15 am Elgin Street to National War Memorial
7:25 am – 10:30 am Colonel By Drive to Pretoria Bridge
8:05 am 1:30 pm Queen Elizabeth Driveway to Dow’s Lake
8:05 am – 12:30 pm Dow’s Lake to Preston Street
8:15 am – 12:30 pm Carling Avenue between Preston and Breezehill Avenue South
8:20 am – 12:45 pm Sherwood Drive between Breezehill Avenue South and Fairmont Avenue
8:25 am – 1:00 pm Fairmont Avenue between Sherwood Drive and Somerset Street West
8:35 am – 1:30 pm Booth between Elm Street and Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
8:35 am – 1:30 pm Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway to Island Park Drive
8:45 am – 1:45 pm Boulevard de Lucerne to Rue Belleau
8:45 am – 1:45 pm Centre Sportif de l’UQO
8:45 – 1:50 pm Rue Scott between Alexandre-Tache Boulevard onto Lac-Des-Fees Parkway
8:45 – 1:50 pm Rue Saint-Jean-Bosco between Lac-Des-Fees Parkway and Rue Lois
8:50 – 1:55 pm Rue Montcalm between Rue Lois and Rue Wellington, Eddy Street, Promenade du Portage
8:50 am – 2:00 pm Laurier Street to Alexandra Bridge
8:50 am – 2:00 pm Alexandra Bridge, National Gallery of Canada, Sussex Drive, Statue of Queen Elizabeth II Rockliffe Park
8:55 am – 2:05 pm Promenade Sir George Etienne Cartier, Manor Park, Hemlock Road
8:55 am – 2:05 pm MacKay Street, Rideau Hall Grounds to Sussex
9:00 am – 2:15 pm Sussex to Colonel By Drive and Shaw Centre to Pretoria Bridge
9:05 am – 2:30 pm Pretoria Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the finish line
Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins – the Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins begins at 9:00 am.
9:00 am – 10:00 am Elgin Street to National War Memorial
9:05 am – 10:05 am National War Memorial, Wellington Street, Parliament Hill
9:10 am – 10:10 am Wellington Street, Canadian War Museum, Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
9:20 am – 10:30 am Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, Island Park Drive, Champlain Bridge
9:35 am – 10:45 am Champlain Bridge, Boulevard de Lucerne to Rue Belleau
9:40 am – 10:55 am Centre Sportif de l’UQO
9:40 am – 10:55 am Rue Scott between Alexandre-Tache Boulevard onto Lac-Des-Fees Parkway
9:45 am – 11:05 am Rue Saint-Jean-Bosco between Lac-Des-Fees Parkway and Rue Lois
9:55 am – 11:10 am Rue Montcalm between Rue Lois and Rue Wellington, Eddy Street, Promenade du Portage
9:55 am – 11:10 am Laurier Street to Alexandra Bridge
9:55 am – 11:10 am Alexandra Bridge, National Gallery of Canada, Sussex Drive
10:00 am – 11:15 am Sussex to Colonel By Drive and Shaw Centre to Pretoria Bridge
10:10 am -11:25 am Pretoria Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the finish line
Road Closures For Ottawa Race Weekend 2023
SATURDAY, MAY 27th 2023 – Road Closures Ottawa
Laurier Avenue between Metcalfe and Nicholas 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Elgin Street between Catherine and QED 3:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Elgin Street southbound between Wellington and Laurier 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Elgin Street northbound, between Laurier and Wellington 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Elgin Street between Lisgar and Gladstone 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm
Elgin Street between Lisgar and Catherine 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm
Elgin Street between Catherine and QED 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Queen Street between Elgin and Metcalfe 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Frank Street between Elgin and QED 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm
O’Connor between Laurier and Wellington 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Wellington between Bank and MacKenzie/Colonel By Drive eastbound 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Lakeside 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bronson southbound between Lakeside and Col. By 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (lane reductions)
Colonel By Drive between Daly and Hawthorne 2:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Colonel By Drive between Hawthorne and Bronson 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Hawthorne between Colonel By Drive and Main 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Pretoria Bridge 3:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Somerset and Elgin 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Elgin and Preston 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
SUNDAY, MAY 28th 2023 – Road Closures Ottawa
Laurier Avenue between Elgin and Metcalfe 5:00 am – 10:00 am
Laurier Avenue between Nicholas and Elgin 5:00 am – 3:00 pm
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Preston and Elgin 6:00 am – 10:45 am
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Lawrence Frieman and Laurier 5:00 am – 6:00 pm
Queen Elizabeth Drive between Elgin and Somerset W. 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
Elgin n/b between Lisgar and Slater 5:00 am – 9:30 am
Elgin n/b between Slater and Wellington 6:45 am – 7:30 am and 8:45 am – 9:30 am
Wellington e/b between Elgin and Booth 8:45 am – 9:45 am
Wellington Street eastbound between Elgin and Col. By 6:30 am – 2:00 pm
Wellington Street westbound between Portage Bridge and Booth 6:30 am – 9:30 am
Portage Bridge 8:45 am – 9:30 am
Rideau westbound between Sussex and Mackenzie 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
Preston between Q.E. Driveway and Carling 6:30 am – 8:45 am (northbound lanes)
Carling westbound between Preston and Sherwood 6:45 am – 8:45 am
Carling eastbound at Preston 6:45 am – 9:00 am
Sherwood Drive between Carling and Fairmont 6:15 am – 9:15 am
Fairmont Avenue between Sherwood and Wellington 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Wellington St. between Fairmont and Bayswater/Bayview 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Somerset Between Bayswater and Preston 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Preston between Somerset and Albert 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Elm between Preston and Booth 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Booth between Somerset and Wellington (lane reductions) 6:15 am – 9:30 am
Sir John A Macdonald Parkway between Booth and Island Park 6:15 am – 11:15 am
Champlain Bridge n/b between Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and Lucerne 6:30 am – 11:15 am
Lucerne e/b between Champlain bridge and Belleau 6:30 am – 11:30 am
Belleau between Lucerne and Lanaudiere 6:30 am – 11:30 am
UQO Parking Lots 6:30 am – 11:30 am
Alexandre-Taché between St. Joseph and Boucherville 6:30 am – 11:00 am
Scott between Alexandre-Taché and Graham 6:30 am – 11:00 am
Lac des Fées between Graham and Gamelin 6:30 am – 11:00 am
St Jean Bosco between Lac des Fées and Lois 6:30 am – 11:15 am
Lois between St. Jean Bosco and Montcalm 7:00 am – 11:30 am
Montcalm southbound lanes between St. Joseph and Papineau 7:00 am – 11:30 am
Montcalm between Papineau and Wellington 7:00 am – 11:30 am
Wellington between Montcalm and Eddy 7:00 am – 12:45 pm
Promenade du Portage between Eddy and Hôtel de Ville 7:00 am – 12:45 pm
Hôtel de Ville between Promenade du Portage and Laurier 7:00 am – 12:45 pm
Laurier between Hotel de Ville and des Allumettières 7:00 am- 1:15 pm
Alexandra Bridge 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
St Patrick between Parent and Sussex 6:00 am – 1:30 pm
Sussex Drive between Rideau and George Étienne Cartier Parkway 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
George Étienne Cartier Parkway between Princess and Aviation Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
Princess between Sussex Drive and Lisgar Road 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
Lisgar Road between Princess and George Etienne Cartier Parkway 6:45 am – 1:30 pm
Birch between Sandridge and Hemlock 6:45 am – 12:45 pm
Sandridge between Birch and St. Laurent Blvd. 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
St. Laurent southbound between Sandridge and Arundel 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Arundel between St Laurent and Braemar 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Braemar closed between Arundel and Eastbourne 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Eastbourne closed between Braemar and Birch 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Birch between Eastbourne and Hemlock 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Hemlock westbound between St Laurent and Lansdowne 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Beechwood westbound between Lansdowne and Acacia 6:45 am – 1:00 pm
Beechwood one lane westbound between Acacia and McKay 6:45 am – 1:15 pm
MacKay northbound between Beechwood and Sussex 6:45 am – 1:15 pm (one lane)
Colonel By Drive from Rideau to Pretoria Bridge 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pretoria Bridge 6:30 am – 2:00 pm
Looking Ahead to this Weekend
In conclusion, the Ottawa Race Weekend 2023 promises to be an exhilarating celebration of determination, athleticism, and community spirit. Over the course of the weekend, runners from all walks of life will come together to challenge their limits, push their boundaries, and achieve personal triumphs.
The event showcases the vibrant and diverse running culture of Ottawa, with participants representing various age groups, fitness levels, and backgrounds. From the exhilarating energy of the marathon to the spirited camaraderie of the team relays, every race brings forth a sense of unity and shared passion.
Beyond the personal achievements, the Ottawa Race Weekend 2023 also has a profound impact on the local community. The streets come alive with cheering crowds, enthusiastic volunteers, and supportive spectators, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and inspiration. The race not only provides a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities but also promotes health and wellness while raising awareness and funds for charitable causes.
The success of the Ottawa Race Weekend 2023 can be attributed to the collective efforts of organizers, volunteers, and participants. Their commitment, dedication, and unwavering enthusiasm played an integral role in creating an unforgettable experience for all involved..
Looking ahead, the Ottawa Race Weekend will undoubtedly continue to inspire and unite runners from around the world, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging individuals to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits. It is an event that embodies the essence of athleticism, camaraderie, and the pursuit of personal excellence.
So, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a running enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a new challenge, mark your calendars for the next Ottawa Race Weekend. Join the vibrant tapestry of runners and experience the exhilaration, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that await in this extraordinary celebration of the human spirit.