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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 181 to 191]
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M. C. from Ottawa, Canada
(5/12/2003)
 "A great first marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I ran my first marathon here in Ottawa, and had a fabulous time. Although I train on the course all year round, I didn't find it boring, as there were lots of spectators and bands. The course itself is beautiful, especially since this is the best time of year to see Ottawa. It's also fairly flat, which makes the run a bit easier for first timers. The finisher's medal was fabulous, one that I will cherish forever. My only negative comment is that the field of runners was much larger than in previous years, and the great organization of the race was strained by the numbers. For example, they ran out of cups at some water stops, and started to reuse discarded ones. They ran out of blankets at the finish, and runners were required to wait for up to ten minutes in line to get water after the race. This wasn't an issue for all runners; I've talked to some people who finished ahead of me, and didn't have any problems with the organization. Overall, this was a marathon that I would not hesitate to run again, or to recommend to friends. The race organizers are trying to design a one-loop course for 2004, which would make the race that much more enjoyable. I had a great time running this race. Ottawa is a great city for tourist, making this a perfect destination marathon for visitors and their families. Hope to see you there next year! | |
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A Runner from Ottawa
(9/5/2002)
 "Really Excellent Marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fifth marathon and my best. It is a really nice course with excellent support along the way. The only thing that was frustrating was the 1/2 marathoners passing me like I was stopped through my 2nd loop. I like the 2 loop format cause you always know where you are at. Keep up the good work Ottawa! | |
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A Runner from Upstate NY
(6/3/2002)
"Loved the course and city" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I also ran my first marathon in Ottawa and found it to be a terrific experience. The city is beautiful and the people there are friendly. The course was easy to negotiate (not crowded, few hills). I enjoyed the double loop course because it was so scenic. Medical attention was readily available, bands and water/gatorade stops were plentiful, port-a-johns were in sufficient quantity, and many hotels were within walking distance of the start/finish. About the only negative would be the few number of spectators in many places. Overall, a fantastic experience. I would run it again. | |
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A Runner from Ottawa, Canada
(5/18/2002)
"Great marathon for 1st timers" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I must say that it was a great experience. The organization was great. All the volunteers were helpful and excellent in their enthusiasm on the course. As for the spectators, they encouraged each and every runner on the course. For anybody considering running a marathon for the first time, you should check out Ottawa. It's a great friendly city and beautiful during that time of the year. | |
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A Runner from Montreal, Canada
(5/13/2002)
 "great course, and generaly a well-organised event" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I read in a comment that there were too many spectators in the recovery area and I would say that they didn't seem to interfere with anything. Everyone was well-behaved and all seemed to go smoothly. And it made it easier for runners to get together with their friends, family, etc. It never got overcrowded either. I stayed until past noon (marathon started at eight), left after the presentation of the marathon awards, and still there seemed to be no problem to report. Maybe there were some glitches or worse elsewhere, but I feel some people complain a little too easily. The course is great, quite even (not perfectly but the 'hills' are gentle, rarely steep, most of the time you feel as if there isn't much change to the elevations). It is also pretty, running along a canal in nice-looking neighbourhoods, and around a small lake and back to the road alongside the canal, but coming back on the other side of it. And the spectators, although not always in great numbers, except at the start/finish and where a lot of tourists might find themselves, were impeccable. The goodie bag at the expo was less than full, and they didn't even have plastic bags left when I arrived on Saturday afternoon, but we didn't come here for the goodies. I also set a PR (although my training had something to do with it, not just the course) and generalLy got the impression that this was a well-run event. Traffic was well-controlled while I was there; would run this again, DEFINITELY. Ottawa is quite scenic indeed. Go there, don't let a few bad comments influence your perception or decision to go, not just for the city but for the week-end of races also! | |
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A Runner from Toronto Ontario Canada
(5/13/2002)
 "More than the organizers can handle" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 There were as many spectators as runners in the porta potty lines just before start. There was no announcement to encourage slower runners to locate themselves well back of the front and the first turn was too close and too sharp. There were runners in distress after the finish and no race medical to be seen. Spectators filled the recovery area, no blankets, and you had to push to get fluids, but hey, it's a great course. On the plus side, let me see, uhm, oh, the music along the course was way better than last year. | |
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A Runner from Herndon, VA
(12/2/2001)
 "Great Marathon (although a few problems)" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 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. | |
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A Runner from Brampton, Ontario, Canada
(5/27/2001)
"Overall, an excellent marathon experience!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 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. | |
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A Runner from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
(1/10/2001)
"A great marathon for a first-timer!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. | |
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A Runner from Peoria, IL
(10/11/2000)
"Good for the '2 runner with kids' family!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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. |
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