I agree with other comments that this was the best organized race I have ever run. I didn't even mind the quiet parts of the course because they made the designated cheering areas all the more uplifting. The crowds at the finish were fantastic.

Well done guys. This race was great. Good expo, very easy to get your race kits. Magnificent and scenic course. Running into Quebec and along the Rideau Canal were outstanding. Being Canadian and running in our capital you get the sense of what this great country of ours is all about. So many wonderful buildings to see. Loved the restaurants and the Irish pubs in the Byward Market. Nice to wake up at a sensible hour, walk out the hotel door and run the race. All in all the organizers did us proud. Thank you, and merci to our Francophone friends. No matter where in the great land of Canada you come from the Running Room, Grant and Kenaston, Winnipeg rock.

This was my second time running this marathon, and this year was even better than before. The cheering, the organization, the scenic route, and beautiful Ottawa were all well worth the run. I think the organizers handled the huge increase this year really well. I'll be back.

Thanks to all the volunteers, staff, race director, and citizens of Canada, for a terrific weekend. Ottawa is a beautiful city and race weekend was superb. I have done 14 different marathons and I would rate this one as tied for the best (w/ Twin Cities). The expo was fine, the bus tour of the course was informative and a fun time. The start/finish line was very well organized. The course was beautiful. The volunteers were well prepared, and the tables stocked with Gatorade, water, gel. Fanfare was somewhat sporadic, but those out were participating in cheering us on. The last few KM's were lined with folks cheering. The weather was perfect. The dry release shirt excellent, and the medal pretty cool. I would not hesitate one instant to run this one again or recommend it to everyone. Speed demons can certainly BQ here as the hills are very managable. Do this race, you'll have a great time.

This was my favorite of the nineteen marathons I have run. I was pleased with everything about this race. Even the weather was outstanding. Ottawa is a nice city - a great place to visit.

This was the 6th half marathon that I have run and so far it is the best.

23,000 people showed up and there seemed to be no ill effect. The volunteers were chipper and helpful, 4 bands playing along the route, nice flat course, nice scenery, great spectators and an organized rest area afterward. I would recommend running this one for anyone.

This was my first ever half-marathon and it was a great first-time experience.

The spectators were great - you rarely went more than a few a few kms (even in the middle) without a least some, and generally lots, of cheerers.

The pace bunnies were a little messed up at the beginning - the slower ones started in front of faster ones - and were a little hard to find at first, but it they got sorted out. Also, my t-shirt is so big that it looks like a dress.

Other than those two minor things, the entire weekend was an amazing experience and I'm already planning to train to run the full marathon next year as my first full.

Best organized event that I have attended.

Loved the course! Volunteers and the crowd support were amazing. Only thing that could make this event better -- improve the water (was it really from the canal?).

Ottawa was my first marathon ever and what an enjoyable experience. Being a rookie on the circuit, I didn't really know what to expect, but the organizers, support staff, and even the hotel staff where we stayed did a wonderful job taking care of the group I ran with.

The sports expo and race packet pick-up went very smooth. Runners received a long-sleeve t-shirt as well as a Brooks Dri-Fit short-sleeve shirt too in their race bag.

The course was well marked, and surprisingly, easy to run. A few inclines at the beginning but nothing too difficult. The most enjoyable feature of the race, at least for me, was the opportunity to see the entire city during the race.

Gatorade/Water stations every three kilometers with sponges and PowerGel packs dispersed along the course was well timed. Music entertainment was a welcomed sight; however, we could use 'thinner' belly dancers for 2005.

I can honestly say my first marathon experience was a pleasurable one thanks to the folks of Ottawa. I did begin to pull a hamstring at kilometer #41 and the crowd saw me in pain and cheered me on to the end. Because of them, I was able to finish my first marathon in less than four hours. THANKS OTTAWA! See you next year for sure.

My 13th marathon... 9th location (Los Angeles-5x, Catalina Island, Portland, Disney World, San Francisco, Warwick to Providence-RI, Assisi-Italy, Cape Cod & now Ottawa...if it wasn't the best, it certainly was tops!! Most beautiful course on a most beautiful day...I loved it! Outstanding organization & everyone was SOOO NICE!!

The pre-marathon pasta dinner was great...we arrived late but there there was plenty of good food left!
For someone who isn't a morning person at all, I practically rolled out of bed onto the start line...it was that easy! I literally left my room less than 5 minutes before the start & still made it on time. :)

Special touches: two shirts, a cool running shirt & long-sleeve shirt for later, roses for the women, & one of the coolest medals! During the race there was Gatorade galore, much medical aid, and couple of spots distributing huge, colorful sponges...very cool in more than one way! Big ING arches at every 5k was a neat idea...hope they do this at NYC this year! Really nice, encouraging fans, but of course it's not the same as a big city marathon. Yet, Ottawa is very international, safe & clean... would've loved to stay longer in this lovely place, as I love the French/ European flavor. I love Canada!

Suggestions: it was intimidating (and could be dangerous) for us slow (and by then, tired) marathoners, when the fresh & fast half marathoners came stampeding upon us...and, was a bit anti-climatic when crossing the finish line w/out any distinction from the half marathoners. Also, it would be special if right after you cross the finish line someone congratulates you by placing that medal around your neck as they did at all the other marathons I've done, but this marathon had me searching awhile to find out where to get my medal... altho' the medals were definitely worth it!!

Also, it was super wonderful receiving a free, awesome massage after!!! I heard of this at other races, but they always pack up before us slow ones come in...but not this time! And tho' I wanted to give a big tip to my fabulous massage therapist who spent so much time on me, he even declined saying they weren't allowed to receive tips.

Alas, I'd like to express my GREAT gratitude to all who made this such a fantastic marathon...thank you!!! God bless you!!!