This was my first marathon. It was great - the city is scenic to run through, the course was almost perfectly flat, and the weather great. I liked the double loop, my family was able to stand at one bridge over the canal and watch me four times by just crossing over.

However, there were a few problems. First, the half marathon started 2.5 hours after the full marathon. I was just past the half way point (4:45 runner) when the half marathoners came flying by. The marathoners were pushed and elbowed out of the way. I actually had to go to the side and stop so I wouldn't be trampled. (plus, forget about the mental job it does running along side the fresh half marathoners at that point)

Second, they had ran out of everything by mile 20. No cups at one stop (they actually handed us the water jugs to take a swig out of and hand back), no gatorade at another. And post-race refreshments???? I think all those rude half marathoners must have gotten them all.

Lots of positive things to say about this race. Plenty of excitement with the other weekend events (in-line skate marathon, 10 K, 1/2 marathon, etc.), plenty of crowd support overall, especially in the last 5 km. The people of Ottawa really get out to support the events! This was the third marathon that I've run, and it was by far the best. Oh, and it was flat, which helps too. The only negative: they were 15 minutes late getting us started (2001). Talk about pre-race nerves! I was worried that the 2-loop course would be mentally difficult, but in fact found that it really helped with pacing.

My husband and I ran the Ottawa Marathon in 2000. It was the first one for both of us. The event is very well run. The race starts an hour earlier for those who are not able to complete it in five hours. The crowds tended to thin out by the time I finished (4:40), but overall the crowd support was pretty good. I am not sure about the two loop course, yes, it lets you know where you stand in terms of timing, but I found it was a little boring the second go round. It is basically very flat, with only one uphill around 18 and 32k. The variety of food was diminishing by the time I crossed the finish line. Overall, I would recommend it for first timers and people looking for a real week-end event. We brought our children (ages 15 and 10) and my mom and had a great time touring around the City.

I actually ran in two of the events in 2000: the 10K the night before the marathon and in the one-loop half marathon the following day (the marathon does the loop twice). Both events are well orgainzed and offered 'chip' timing.

Also, a 5K and a kids race are offered (while the 1/2-marathon, marathon is being run). Hence, this is a very good race for a 'two runners with kids' family. Be sure to take in the many sights that Ottawa offers; most are either a walk or short bus ride away from the city center. Americans will find the hotel/food prices to be very reasonable.

I live in Ottawa. It's a beautiful city. The marathon was exceptionally well organized. As people tend to say, it is a good place to do it for the first time.

The city is easy to get around. Lots of things to see...museums, galleries, etc. Hotels downtown are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Weather is usually nice - cool and dry. The course is flat but scenic for the most part. A lot of it parallels the Rideau Canal through the heart of the city. The course is a double loop, which is nice if you want to see everything again. Organizers have done a good job, but the wheelchair marathon interrupted the running marathon, and could have been started at a different time. Volunteers are terrific! They go all out to keep your spirits up, especially towards the end.

I just ran this yesterday. It was tragic with the death of a fellow runner. For a first timer I highly recommend this race due to its two loop format. It allows the runner to pace oneself and know where he/she stands in terms of going the distance. It is a relatively flat course along the banks of a canal with a few roaring waterfalls. You get the feeling that you are in a city and in the wilderness at the same time.