|
Both Ottawa and Vancouver have their strengths and weaknesses. From a budget perspective, Ottawa is close to Mississauga. There are lots of moderate hotel options and its not a bad place to be a tourist. On the other hand, the last weekend in May runs the risk of significant heat. The last time I ran it, you had no real choice but to take it easy.
Vancouver is the better tourist destination and, from my perspective, a more interesting course. It is not as flat as Ottawa but none of the hills are monsters. The only one which stands out is in Stanley Park at about the half way mark. By its nature, early May in Vancouver is a better weather bet but for the possibility of rain.
The crowds for the two events are comparable as is the level of crowd support (as with most Canadian marathons, it´s modest). Both are well established, well run events, so focus on the differences which to my mind brings you back to timing, weather, costs and overall appeal as a tourist destination. Either should be a fun run.
Post a reply on the Bulletin Board
| 
