The Ottawa Race Weekend, the premier running event in Canada will take place on May 28-29th, 2011 in downtown Ottawa. This truly popular and internationally recognized event welcomed more than 39,010 participants in seven races in 2010. This year the city is expected to welcome more than 42,000 participants and well over 150,000 residents and well wishes from across the country and around the world to this iconic event.
The Ottawa marathon and the 10K race are both recognized as a first class event by the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) the world governing body for track and field.
Each year top athletes and those who are working hard to be recognized battle earnestly to take home top titles. The games has a high respect among runners plus its high ranking on the IAAF index makes the rivalry more exciting.
The Races are scheduled thorough the day on Saturday and Sunday with the main attraction and featured race of the event the Marathon kicking off at 7am.
History of the Ottawa Races
Started back in 1975 by 146 students from the Carleton University, the Ottawa race weekend has become the most visited, most attended and most anticipated community race event in Canada. It Range from 2k to the Marathon race; these events attract professional coach(s), top athletes, the average runner and the unwavering faithful runners and spectators across North America and the world.
The event was previously known as the ING RUN, ING Ottawa Marathon and the National Capital Marathon.
New to Ottawa Races
If you are new to Ottawa and wondering where the best spots to enjoy the races, my suggestions are:
(1) Starting point - Laurier and Elgin directly in front of the Confederation park
(2) Finishing - Any access point on the Queen Elizabeth drive and along the Rideau canal
(3) On the way - Sussex Drive the main racing route is a great place to enjoy and participate in this energising event
(4) Cool spots - Section of the city known as “china town” which is on Somerset Street can provide a commanding view of sections of the races with its newly build arch over the road way.
From BBI Ottawa its 10-12 Minutes walk to Laurier and Elgin the starting point of the races. The Queen Elizabeth and Rideau Canal “on the way” points are about 5-6 Minutes walk from our Ottawa location. Oh and keep in mind that many of the roads will be closed to accommodate this premier events hence walking or biking (bicycles) are the best way to enjoy these events.
So “on your Mark”, “Get Set”, and “Go” ………..to the 2011 Ottawa Races
