Next race
Sunday, 30 May 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Hilly · 201 m gain
201 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Ottawa Marathon draws approximately 3,500 finishers on an urban road in Ottawa, Canada. The course starts and finishes at Ottawa City Hall. The route crosses the Ottawa River into Gatineau, passes Parliament Hill, and follows the Rideau Canal. Mostly flat with a climb on the Alexandra Bridge.
Ottawa Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 3,500 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:06:04 — Andualem Shiferaw (2022)Women: 2:22:17 — Gelete Burka (2018)
Course & terrain
Ottawa Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Ottawa Marathon is a capital loop starting and finishing at Ottawa City Hall, crossing the Ottawa River into Gatineau and passing Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. The canal-side and riverfront sections are the easiest because they stay relatively flat, while the bridge crossings and subtle rollers around Gatineau are the tougher moments; crowd support is strongest at City Hall, around Parliament Hill, and along the Rideau Canal.
Ottawa Marathon route map
The Ottawa Marathon course is hilly over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 201 metres of climbing and 199 metres of descent, with a net climb of 2 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Hilly · 201 m gain — approx. 71 m above sea level
↑ 201 m · ↓ 199 m · net +2 m
Registration
Ottawa Marathon entry requirements
For the Ottawa Marathon, yes. The mostly flat course along canal pathways and urban roads, cool spring conditions, and the race's competitive field with quality pace groups make Ottawa a solid BQ option for Canadian and international runners alike.
Getting there
Ottawa Marathon travel
Airports closest to Ottawa for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Best for most flights
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
10 km / 6 mi
- Closest airport
Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO)
7 km / 4 mi
Race footage
Ottawa Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Ottawa Marathon Course, in Ottawa, Canada
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ottawa Marathon elevation profile?
- The Ottawa Marathon has 201 metres of total climbing and 199 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is hilly, with 2 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Ottawa Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Ottawa Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Ottawa River into Gatineau, passes Parliament Hill, and follows the Rideau Canal.
- How long is the Ottawa Marathon?
- The Ottawa Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Ottawa City Hall.
- What time does the Ottawa Marathon start?
- The 2027 Ottawa Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 30 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Ottawa Marathon course run along the Rideau Canal?
- Yes. The Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest naturally refrigerated skating rink in winter — is central to the Ottawa Marathon course. Runners travel along its scenic pathways on both the Ontario and Quebec sides of the waterway.
- Does the Ottawa Marathon pass Parliament Hill and major national landmarks?
- Yes. The course passes Canada's Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court of Canada, the National War Memorial at Confederation Square, and crosses between Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec — making it a genuine tour of the Canadian capital's most significant sites.
- Is the Ottawa Race Weekend one of the largest running events in Canada?
- Yes. Ottawa Race Weekend is one of the largest road running events in Canada, with tens of thousands of participants across the marathon, half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km distances. The marathon typically draws around 3,500 finishers within a much larger festival atmosphere.
- When is the Ottawa Marathon held?
- The Ottawa Marathon is held in late May, typically the last Sunday of the month, when the capital's tulip season is drawing to a close and spring temperatures — usually 10–18 °C — make for ideal racing conditions.
- Is the Ottawa Marathon a good race for a Boston Qualifier?
- Yes. The mostly flat course along canal pathways and urban roads, cool spring conditions, and the race's competitive field with quality pace groups make Ottawa a solid BQ option for Canadian and international runners alike.
Official resources
Ottawa Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
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West GloverVermontUnited States· 283 km away
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FairleeVermontUnited States· 327 km away
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Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.