This was my 7th marathon, and I enjoyed the actual running of it the best of all.(even over Disney!) I didn't think I'd like the 2 loop course, but I actually preferred it, as I knew exactly where I was on the 2nd loop, making it seem shorter. It felt like it was downhill most of the time, although I know this can't be. The crowds were a bit thin on the first loop, but picked up for the second and were excellent for the last 5k. I had trouble with the first water station on both loops- no cups filled and no volunteers in sight, but the rest were satisfactory. The only down side was the half marathon people catching up to me and passing- Iwas elbowed fairly hard by some old guy that passed me. I imagine it must have been more frustrating for them weaving in and out of the marathoners. All in all I loved the course and the finish line crowd and will be back.

This was a great first marathon. I knew when picking up my race kit was efficient and I was greeted by friendly volunteers that this would be a good race.

The double loop was good and bad. Great because I knew exactly where I was, but bad because tons of 1/2 marathoners flew by just as I was hitting the 36k wall. But hey, with those tulips, that canal - how could you not finish. Fantastic!

The fans were fantastic. They way out from the core of the city also. Thanks Ottawa.

I was only three minutes off my goal, and I have myself to blame for that - must learn to pace! But what a way to start. Ottawa you've got me hooked on marathons! Job well done!

The Ottawa Marathon is the benchmark that should be used for other running events in Canada.

Fluids were in abundance, smiles were plentiful, and vaseline, sponges, gels, markers, guidance, and first aid could not be missed. I felt reassured that had I pushed myself and something had gone wrong, there would have been ample resources available.

The course was great and the vounteers were amazing. There is just nothing that went wrong... ooooh, but why after running 3:28:44 for my first marathon would the sponsor at PowerBar make people spin a wheel before they were given something to eat. Have any of these fools ever run a marathon??

In addition to the race being exceptionally organized, Ottawa is an amazing city to visit. Coming from Toronto, I was quite mesmorized by the city. There is much to see and experience, all within walking distance of all major hotels.

Thanks citizens of Ottawa for having us in your city!!!

This was my first marathon and I couldn't have chosen a better race. The course is flat, with just enough rolling hills to break things up. Doing two loops of the same route was psychologically a little challenging, but I understand that the organizers are working on a single loop course for next year.

Overall, the organization was excellent -- kit pick-up was easy, and the race itself started right on time at 8:00 am. Furthermore, the finish line area was handled very efficiently. Course support was great -- plenty of water stops and "porta-potties", tons of live music along the way, and terrific fan support in both English and French. A wide field of participants, but not so many that it felt too crowded. Pace bunnies were a great idea, and I only wish I'd stuck with mine consistently!

Distance markers were all in km's, which made it a little difficult to pace for those of us who 'run in miles'. It also seemed a little odd that there were no clocks at all along the course -- only one person at the 20 km mark calling out times and projecting possible finish times. I used my watch to pace myself, but it would have been nice to have at least a couple of clocks out there.

I wouldn't hesitate running this one again, and highly recommend it, especially for first-time marathoners. Great job!

I ran my first marathon here in Ottawa, and had a fabulous time. Although I train on the course all year round, I didn't find it boring, as there were lots of spectators and bands. The course itself is beautiful, especially since this is the best time of year to see Ottawa. It's also fairly flat, which makes the run a bit easier for first timers. The finisher's medal was fabulous, one that I will cherish forever.

My only negative comment is that the field of runners was much larger than in previous years, and the great organization of the race was strained by the numbers. For example, they ran out of cups at some water stops, and started to reuse discarded ones. They ran out of blankets at the finish, and runners were required to wait for up to ten minutes in line to get water after the race. This wasn't an issue for all runners; I've talked to some people who finished ahead of me, and didn't have any problems with the organization.

Overall, this was a marathon that I would not hesitate to run again, or to recommend to friends. The race organizers are trying to design a one-loop course for 2004, which would make the race that much more enjoyable. I had a great time running this race. Ottawa is a great city for tourist, making this a perfect destination marathon for visitors and their families. Hope to see you there next year!

This was my fifth marathon and my best. It is a really nice course with excellent support along the way. The only thing that was frustrating was the 1/2 marathoners passing me like I was stopped through my 2nd loop. I like the 2 loop format cause you always know where you are at. Keep up the good work Ottawa!

I also ran my first marathon in Ottawa and found it to be a terrific experience. The city is beautiful and the people there are friendly. The course was easy to negotiate (not crowded, few hills). I enjoyed the double loop course because it was so scenic. Medical attention was readily available, bands and water/gatorade stops were plentiful, port-a-johns were in sufficient quantity, and many hotels were within walking distance of the start/finish. About the only negative would be the few number of spectators in many places. Overall, a fantastic experience. I would run it again.

This was my first marathon and I must say that it was a great experience. The organization was great. All the volunteers were helpful and excellent in their enthusiasm on the course. As for the spectators, they encouraged each and every runner on the course. For anybody considering running a marathon for the first time, you should check out Ottawa. It's a great friendly city and beautiful during that time of the year.

I read in a comment that there were too many spectators in the recovery area and I would say that they didn't seem to interfere with anything. Everyone was well-behaved and all seemed to go smoothly. And it made it easier for runners to get together with their friends, family, etc. It never got overcrowded either. I stayed until past noon (marathon started at eight), left after the presentation of the marathon awards, and still there seemed to be no problem to report. Maybe there were some glitches or worse elsewhere, but I feel some people complain a little too easily. The course is great, quite even (not perfectly but the 'hills' are gentle, rarely steep, most of the time you feel as if there isn't much change to the elevations). It is also pretty, running along a canal in nice-looking neighbourhoods, and around a small lake and back to the road alongside the canal, but coming back on the other side of it. And the spectators, although not always in great numbers, except at the start/finish and where a lot of tourists might find themselves, were impeccable. The goodie bag at the expo was less than full, and they didn't even have plastic bags left when I arrived on Saturday afternoon, but we didn't come here for the goodies. I also set a PR (although my training had something to do with it, not just the course) and generalLy got the impression that this was a well-run event. Traffic was well-controlled while I was there; would run this again, DEFINITELY. Ottawa is quite scenic indeed. Go there, don't let a few bad comments influence your perception or decision to go, not just for the city but for the week-end of races also!

There were as many spectators as runners in the porta potty lines just before start. There was no announcement to encourage slower runners to locate themselves well back of the front and the first turn was too close and too sharp. There were runners in distress after the finish and no race medical to be seen. Spectators filled the recovery area, no blankets, and you had to push to get fluids, but hey, it's a great course. On the plus side, let me see, uhm, oh, the music along the course was way better than last year.