This is my sixth marathon and I would definitely put this one among the top. I have run some of the big ones (including New York and Chicago) and I would rank this one among them. The only weakness is the crowd support. However if a scenic, fairly flat, course that is well policed with aid stations is what you are looking for, then this course is for you. The organizers and support teams were extremely helpful and the organization at the finish for the runners was excellent. I would recommend this to anyone, veterans and novices. I would also add that the downtown area is really geared up for the participants and treated us very well.

I have been a Canadaphile all my life and this races tops the list of things I love about Canada, even above Sarah McLachlan and the BYO restaurants on the Plateau of Montreal.

As context for my comments, I regularly run marathons, having run 4 in the past year and a half (Prague, Detroit, Honolulu and now Ottawa).

The marathon is part of National Capital Race Weekend, a series of races including a 2k, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and two inline skate races in addition to the marathon. In total 23,000 people participated in the '04 races, including 4300 or so in the marathon. It would appear to be a logistical train wreck waiting to happen but the organizers pull it off with true excellence.

The expo is a good size and number pickup is easy. This year we got a nice long sleeve t-shirt and a Cool Max running shirt with the entry fee. At the expo they offered free course tours on double-decker buses that were well worth the two hours on the bus. The guide pointed out all of the 'hills,' 95% of the course was covered on the tour, and we got some historical information on Ottawa as well.

On race day there were several races starting before the marathon, but somehow it didn't seem like the typical nightmare start scenario. I showed up 30 minutes before and could have even showed up 15 min later. There are a slew of hotels near the start, which makes for easy access.

The course is pretty easy. There are a few slight inclines because of bridges and such, but they are not a problem at all. There are a few neighborhoods with a bunch of turns, but again, this was not a problem. There is a lot of scenery. You run through the city, both through Ottawa and French Gatineau side, then north of the city and back. You have great views of the city coming back, and then you head south. You run along a very beautiful river and canal, and even some 'rapids' at Hog's Back Park.

There is steady fan support throughout, with the one exception from about 25-30 km on Col. By Drive. There are several other points in the marathon other than the finish where there are a lot of people cheering for you. There is some good music along the way too: Latin, Alt. Rock, Classical, Belly Dancing, etc.

A few other comments. As an American, I have to say, I love the metric system! You print a wrist band from MarathonGuide.Com showing every km and you have more to occupy your mind and motivate you for the whole race. By the time you pass one km marker, the next one closely follows. It's so easy to keep on pace. There also were big arches every 5km that you could see from quite a distance away. On occasion, the km markers seemed to be a bit off, but I believe that was because of narrow bridges and things like that.

Water and Gatorade stations were every 3km or so. They also had a medical station at nearly every stop, if not every one. There were two points where they distributed Power Gel and two others with sponges.

As far as the city is concerned, Ottawa rocks! There is great food and a lot to do. It is clean and beautiful and the French influence is stronger there than other Canadian cities outside of Quebec, and I think that's a good thing. I could live in Ottawa, and that's saying a lot. I don't understand why so many Canadians think it's a boring place.

By the way, I did a PR and BQed by 8 seconds. But even if I did not I would still be as ebullient in my praise of this vastly underrated race and city. I recommend this race to anyone.

The 2004 NCM was easily the best organized race I have run.

I get a strong impression that the organizing committee is truly committed to excellence with a focus on improving ALL the events in the ambitious weekend schedule. No racer needs feel that their race is merely an afterthought. I loved the fast and flat double-loop but I'm sure that the new course will be as good and realize that many people hated the double loop. I liked the fact that you knew what to expect in the second half. I'm happy to know at least that the second half this year will be that fast and flat half-marathon route.

Not too happy about the date being moved 3 weeks further into May but at least the start time is one hour earlier. The awards ceremony runs like clockwork and I'm very impressed that Eddy Helleybuyck will be a guest this year because, as a masters runner, he's an inspiration. One thing I would love to see is digital clocks at every mile like you see at many U.S. races like the Columbus Marathon, and age-graded results like you see at many U.S. races. While the field gets ever more competitive each year and some locally competitive runners might find it harder to place I think that the depth of the competition has a trickle down effect of creating an aura of excellence and excitement that in combination with the superb organization will help everyone at whatever level to run their best times.

This was my first marathon, and after running it I am convinced it will not be my last. Ottawa in the spring is beautiful, and the course was not only through the city but along a canal and through gardens and parks as well, so you got to see everything in bloom. The course is flat and fast, perfect for a first marathon. The crowds were a little thin, but the mass of people at the end was great to come home to. The expo was good (lots of free stuff), and the best part was getting to meet Frank Shorter, who was there as a speaker. One thing I will never do again: sleep in a tent the night before the race to save money. Bad idea! Conclusion: Go to Ottawa. It is wonderful.

Unlike some others, I LIKE the double-loop course and was a little disappointed to hear they're changing it in 2004.

The weekend has a lot of events, but it's a testament to the organizers' efforts that they run seamlessly together.

The high and low points in my race happened at mile 26 with the finish line in sight. As I plodded along, there was a great roar from the crowd and people jumped to their feet. Strengthened by the incredible crowd support, I brightened up considerably and was a little overwhelmed by the noise. Gee, all these people cheering for me.

Suddenly, this guy chasing two motorcycles blew past me like I was going backwards. It wasn't until later in the recovery area that I realized I had been caught by the half marathon winner (who started 13 miles and an hour behind me).

Oh well, better luck (and a faster pace) next year.

This event got me hooked on marathon running. Good expo, great on-course support, nice shirt. I loved the double-loop course as a first-time marathoner struggling to finish, since you have milestones toward the end that you recognize from the first loop.

Alas, the double-loop is no more, but I'm sure it won't be a challenge for organizers to find a gorgeous running route in this green city.

This event has everything for everyone --- a 2K, 5K, 10K, half and full marathon, plus inline skating, wheelchair and walking events. This is truly Canada's premier running event.

My only complaint was the crowd --- the finish area was congested, and a long line to get water after a marathon is not good! As well, some walkers from the 5k got in the way of the marathoners and 2k runners --- but this can easily be fixed. Besides, only a really great event can attract roughly 20,000 people in one weekend.

I'm from Toronto, and I only wish that our city could embrace a marathon the same way Ottawa does with the NCM.

The Ottawa Citizen National Capital Marathon was my fourth marathon and I found it to be a well organized and executed race.

Runner support from race organizers and tons of volunteers (both during the race and at the finish) were excellent and appreciated.

The double-loop, largely flat, city-street course was beautiful (if redundant!) and crowd support was strong, particularly at the middle/end of the race. Live music was particularly uplifting.

Aside from the déjà vu of the double-loop ('I've been here before and I enjoyed it more the first time!'), the only 'problem' with the course was the lack of race clocks. I was also a bit taken aback when I received my 'SARS' facemask two weeks prior to the race! (I will display it with the nice finisher's medal.)

Great event overall. I would recommend the NCM to other marathoners -- new and experienced -- particularly if the double-loop is eliminated.

Pros:
Good H2O and Gatorade stations
Nice fan support
Very fast and scenic course
Good expo (if a bit too crowded)
Great medal and socks
Affordable and nice city

Cons:
A little crowded after the race
I heard stations ran out for late runners
Race shirt color