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May 10, 2024

Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) Runner Comments

Back to Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.3

Spectators 4.3

Number of comments: 193 [displaying comments 131 to 141]

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s. d. from Calgary, Alberta CANADA (7/15/2005) "Good 'un!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
Marco Sanchez from New York, USA (7/7/2005) "Great Experience" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
Jim Brady from New York City (6/25/2005) "A thoroughly enjoyable experience" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
J. M. from Colorado, USA (6/22/2005) "A GREAT race to do your FIRST MARATHON!" (about: 2005) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
D. P. from Ipswich, MA USA (6/15/2005) "A world class event" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
V. V. from Houston, TX (6/6/2005) "One of the best marathons in Canada" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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!
J. F. from Baldwinsvillle, NY USA (6/5/2005) "Great city! Great marathon!" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a great weekend getaway. I ran the beautiful marathon course and my sons ran the 5K the night before. Topnotch organization run. Thank you Ottawa!!!
Lyn Young from Moncton NB (6/3/2005) "This race makes getting sore a whole lot of fun!" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Always a great race. The city is spotless with lots of great restaurants and the market is an annual tradition for us. It's great to have such a diversity of musical entertainment along the course. Every one of our group from Moncton were finishers. Our thanks to the wonderful volunteers. Well done Ottawa!
T. D. from Toronto (6/3/2005) "The best in North America" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 13th marathon and also the site of my first, the site of my first qualifier, and now the first time I have not been able to formulate a suggestion for improvement. The course is as fair and as flat as it gets, folks (okay, except Columbus, Massey, and Vegas, but a PB course nonetheless). Race medical support was abundant. Separation of athletes from spectators in the recovery area was at last accomplished. A medal from the Canadian Mint. The 7 a.m. start was a good try at avoiding the later day heat, although breakfast with Ally Rono the day after at the race hotel confirmed even the best succumb to humidity. (Elite athletes were justing hanging out over there... cool.) I am satisfied, proud, and I'll be back.
d. g. from toronto, canada (5/31/2005) "Can't I give it 6 stars?" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my second time running the full-marathon, in addition to one half marathon and one year here as an injured spectator. It is just an amazing event and a fun weekend. I personally preferred the old two-loop course due to the mental benefit in the second half of having familiar milestones. However, I can see why they changed the course to incorporate most of Ottawa's main tourist sites. Ottawa is a very beautiful city and the course is a reflection of this. The first half is somewhat hilly, and the second is virtually flat. The organization is as good as I have personally experienced or even read about. Good expo, great race t-shirt, perfectly spaced/stocked/manned aid stations, and a large recovery area. There is a small army of excellent volunteers that reflect how much the city appreciates the race. Spectators are very gracious, if a little bit sparse compared to what you might expect based on the general quality of the race. However the final 2 km are downright Chicago-like, making it a memorable finish!! I would highly, highly recommend this race to absolutely anyone, Canadian and foreign. One of the best things of this event is that there are 5 different running distances, two inline skating events, and from what I understand the marathon and 1/2 are walker friendly. This would be a good trip for the whole family since there is something for everyone and Ottawa is a city worth visiting. I would also recommend the marathon to people who avoid the crowded megamarathons like Chicago, London etc.., but don't want to sacrifice overall professional organization.

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