Ottawa Marathon

Ottawa Marathon course route

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 elevation profile

The Ottawa Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.

Entry requirements

The Ottawa Marathon uses open online registration at runottawa.ca for the May race during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. The field of around 3,500 finishers is allocated first-come, first-served with tiered pricing — no ballot or qualifying standard. Early registration secures lower fees before the Parliament Hill course reaches capacity.

Ottawa Marathon course video

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

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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 2 metres of net climb from start to finish.

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.

Is the Ottawa Marathon flat?

Yes. The Ottawa Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 201 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Ottawa Marathon start?

The 2027 Ottawa Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runottawa.ca/ 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.