Ottawa is a big enough city to provide all the amenities - great hotels, restaurants and shopping all within walking distance of the start line and a small enough city that the marathon weekend events are a major focus. The course was mostly flat and interesting and well-supported. Loved the sponges! The expo was a great size and not at all crowded. Only two sore points: the first porta-potties were at 18KM and there were only two of them. Also, be aware that pacers are only human and can make mistakes too. Go with a pace group if you choose but do monitor your own progress if your finish time is important to you. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this race to anyone. Have fun!

I didn't run the marathon, as we were in Ottawa to visit our son. I wanted to be part of the race weekend, so I ran the 10K. After watching the beginning of the 1/2 marathon and the end of the full, I got the best of all. I was so inspired, I am returning this year to run the 1/2 marathon. Looking forward to the challenge.

Have run this before and will do so again. Nothing compares in Canada (and the rest know it) - course, organization and fans - full stop. All you Americans, make a trip, you will not regret it.

This was my first marathon as a runner. Totally awesome. Well organized, great volunteers and I can't say enough about the fans. I have worked on other marathons; none have come close to Ottawa. Looking forward to making this an annual event!

How it was....

Course: hard to argue with the Rideau Canal as a venue. Not a trivial overpass crossing at 35km, and a smaller one at Hogs Back (~33km.) With 12 marathons under my belt, I know flat and I know rolling and I know hilly. This was rolling in the first third of the race with some 'punches' later as mentioned. Not bad, just so runners are aware.
Organization was great - lots of water/Gatorade (but potently mixed).

I would do this one again knowing what I know now about the course.

The first half is somewhat challenging but the second one is very flat along the Rideau Channel. Kids cheering us on in pj's (it starts at 7:00 am) and students handing out water and Gatorade by the university. It is a unique experience. Great urban and forest views!

I was very impressed with the city and the race experience. I thought the course was the best I have experienced. Being from the U.S., I was surprised to discover that I actually prefer kilometer markers as it gives you more frequent checks on your pace. Pace setters are a plus. I was somewhat disappointed that the weather was warm, but I would definitely consider returning.

This was an INCREDIBLE experience! As an organizer for a marathon in Colorado, I know how much work goes into organizing events like this - Ottawa did an AMAZING JOB! A great expo, high quality runner's gifts/Ts, knowledgeable volunteers. The actual run was excellent - the new course is BEAUTIFUL and gives the runner a great sense of Ottawa. The aid stations were excellent, and the music and bands along the run were entertaining! This was my first full marathon, and an incredible experience - I would recommend it to ANYONE!

This was my 14th marathon, and my best experience to date. The course was just about perfect, flat and fast. If there were any hills, they were inconsequential. My best race to date by far. The people were very friendly and the architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere were enlightening. My experience in Ottawa was super. Our hotel was the Fairmont Laurier. A great place to wine, dine and be pampered before the race. I don't like to repeat what I've already experienced, so I can't say that I'll be back soon...but I'm tempted. This is a must do race. Please be sure to put this on your to do list and if you miss it, it's your loss.

I've run marathons in Toronto and Vancouver in the past and this one is by far one of the best! The crowds the last five miles were amazing! What a great course too! If anyone is planning a trip to Canada, plan it around this race!