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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 161 to 171]

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M. R. from Pennsylvania, USA (6/2/2004) "My Favorite Marathon" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
Jason Burgoyne from Petawawa Ontario (6/2/2004) "Wonderful experience" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
C. T. from Toronto, ON (6/1/2004) "Great first 1/2 marathon" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 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.
M. L. from Ontario (6/1/2004) "Fantastic" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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?).
Ron Novack from Sackets Harbor, NY (6/1/2004) "Awesome First Marathon!!!!" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
Pauline Nishida from New York City (6/1/2004) "Beautiful... and the best!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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!!!
R. S. from Charlotte, NC (5/31/2004) "One of my favorite marathons" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
Kyle Okimoto from New York NY (5/31/2004) "Best Marathon I Have Run" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
R. W. from Toronto (5/31/2004) "A World Class Event" (General Comments) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The 2004 NCM was easily the best organized race I have run.
N. D. from Toronto (5/21/2004) "Possibly the best marathon in Canada." (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.

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