Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Apr 28, 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 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

S. I. from New Jersey, USA (5/29/2012) "Well-organized, great crowd, nice T/ bib / medal" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 One of my better marathon experiences, definitely. The expo was large and well- represented, colorful bibs with runner names were great, tech T was great and race info for runners and spectators was plentiful and easily accessible. Actual race was nice - crowd support was outstanding and medals were nice. 10K and marathon on different days helped multiple family members participate. Fluid stations were well stocked. Minor improvement possibilities: Chip was old fashioned, nowadays chip in bib is standard. Walk after end of race was a little long (meeting place was convenient).
M. B. from Montreal, Canada (5/28/2012) "Top notch" (about: 2012) 3 previous marathons \| 2 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is only my third marathon (I've run 1 other, aside from Ottawa) so my experience is limited. Nonetheless, I feel that this marathon is probably among the best organized. Wait times - even during peak period - for race packet pick-up was very short. Expo was extensive - although crowded due to it being a huge 'race weekend' of 40,000+ runners. Plenty of water, gatorade, and at least 3 gel stops on the course. Plenty of porta-potties at the start and I saw at least 5 different places on the course (there may have been more) with porta-potties too. Lots of medical teams both on the course on bikes and at various water stops. Another reason I like this run, is for the family 2k run on the day before. I was able to run a nice short 2k with my 6 year old and with my partner. She ran a 5k later in the day (10k last year). It's a great chance to have all family members involved and everyone can run a race of their liking (they have 2k family, 5k, 10k on Saturday followed by 1/2 Marathon and Marathon on Sunday). Because this weekend hosts so many runners over two days, I think that the organizers have no choice but to run a tight ship. As such the race is very well organized. In some areas at mid distance, the fans were non-existant but in other areas, the crowd support was truly awesome, particularly from km35 onwards - in fact the crowds helped me through my hellish final 3k's. My one criticism is that in some places the road quality was poor and I imagine a few people might have twisted some ankles. Yet, compared to my city - which has notoriously poor roads, it was far better. Ottawa is a marvellous city, lots to see and do and I regret that I didn't have an extra day to enjoy it. I found the people to be rather friendly. Finally, my hotel, was somewhat pricey. I waited a bit long to book a room (December) and my choices were limited. Also, it took a few visits to the front desk to convince them to allow me to check out at 12pm rather than 11pm, so that I could have a nice shower. (National Hotel - I'm not sure I would give it a great rating). To conclude: run Ottawa for a really cool running experience.
T. C. from Ottawa, ON (7/18/2011) "New race route is the best yet !" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 New course route was the best ever. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as a pace bunny from start to finish; the runners who ran with me were amazing and I enjoyed our bantering. :) Highlights -water and gel stations were excellent -39km of course dedicated to the marathoners was AWESOME (i.e., we didn't have to share the road or water stations with the ½ marathoners). -spectator support terrific (esp. the orange slices and freezies provided in various spots) Areas for Improvement -Tshirt design better from previous years but still not one that impresses me -name on bib should be in larger font -more music stations on course especially in the 'dead-zones' i.e., Western Pkwy and Aviation Pkwy Definitely a great race and one you should consider (hope to see you next year). :)
J. S. from Grosse Pointe, MI (6/5/2011) "Love, love, love this race" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was the second time I have run the full marathon in Ottawa. The course changed from last year, but for the better I think. The stretches along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal are beautiful and the spectators are second to none. Great support, they were cheerful and encouraging even in the pouring rain. Even though I crashed and burned (managed to finish though) I plan on making this my must do marathon every year.
A. G. from Ottawa (6/2/2011) "AMAZING!" (about: 2011) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Ottawa Marathon was my first and it was simply amazing! The course is great (although I had run most of it in training), and allows for family to meet up several times if they choose to. The support from the crowd was amazing despite the rainy conditions! Having people cheering for you by your first name (on your bib) is really encouraging! The organization was well done. I didn't have to wait to use the washroom before the race and there were many many water stations along the course. The finishing chute is a little busy, but it is to be expected with the marathon/half coming in at the same time. I would DEFINITELY do it again!
A. M. from Charlottesville, VA (6/1/2011) "Flat, scenic, well-organized race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great race to run for a number of reasons: - weather was relatively cool for a marathon for this time of year - overall flat and fast course - water stations were plentiful and well placed along the course - Gatorade was not watered down like it usually is in races - volunteers handing out drinks were by far the best volunteers I've come across in a race yet - plenty of porta-potties at the start; didn't have to wait long at all in a line - great finisher's medal - crowd support was good - nice small size for marathon - 4,000 runners - so didn't feel congested at all during the race - half-marathoners start after the marathoners - race directors were quick to respond by email to questions regarding the race Hope to do this one again!
R. S. from Baldwinsville, NY (5/30/2011) "Ottawa does it Right!!!" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a terrific event. The course was wonderful. It was very scenic. The organization superb. Mile (Km) markers at every km. The volunteers did a great job and were extremely encouraging. The best thing about this race were the people. It is obvious that the people of Ottawa take great pride in this event. There were tons of spectators throughout the race even though it was raining fairly hard for most of the event. Especially the second half. They were very enthusiastic and encouraging. Good job Ottawa!!! I would recommend this event to any marathoner in the Northeastern US as a great destination race because of this city and its people.
S. M. from Ottawa, ON (5/30/2011) "Fun Race" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 My 30th marathon! There is nothing like running in your home town. This race was better than last year's with the course changes, increased gel stations and sponge stations. It could do better with cheaper entry fees and more water stations (one every 2 kilometers). Great crowd support (even with the rain) and good runner support at the end. Will do it again but there is room for improvement.
E. B. from Miami (2/18/2011) "Great race" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Had a great time in 2010. Everything was extremely easy to get to and the race organization was good. The weather was near 60 degrees and cloudy. If I had any negatives, it was the stinking hill at Mile 22 that killed my shot at finishing in under 4 hours. There wasn't much crowd support during Miles 18-23, but it really picked up closer to the end. Very flat course - definitely a PR-type of course. I never felt as packed in as at other races either because of the marathon-only start.
B. E. from Maine/Virginia (2/14/2011) "Nice race" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ottawa Marathon (National Capital Race Weekend) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was marathon #1 for me. I thought it was great. I have nothing to compare to but there were lots of people cheering and plenty of aid along the route. Everything seemed friendly (I love the Canadians) and the course provided some interesting views at points.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use