Here’s what you need to know about Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Runners cross the finish line during the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon and half-marathon on May 25, 2025. (Joshua Marano/CTV News Ottawa)

More than 40,000 runners and walkers will dash through the streets of Ottawa and Gatineau this weekend, as part of the biggest race weekend in nine years.

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is set for Saturday and Sunday, with the start line on Laurier Avenue near Ottawa City Hall and the finish line on Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

Organizers announced on Tuesday that all six events have sold out – the Ottawa Kids Marathon, the 2K, the 5K, the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, the Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins and the Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon.

“This will be the biggest race weekend since 2017,” a spokesperson for Ottawa Race Weekend told CTV News.

Here is what you need to know about Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

Schedule

Saturday

• 1 p.m.: Ottawa Kids Marathon
• 4 p.m.: 5K
• 6 p.m.: Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa

Sunday

• 7 a.m.: Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon
• 9 a.m.: Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins

Fitness Expo/Bib pickup

The bib pickup for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is located at the Fitness Expo.

The expo runs Thursday to Saturday at the Carleton University Fieldhouse at 1125 Colonel By Drive.

• Thursday, May 21, 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 22, from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23, from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The three-day expo will feature more than 55 exhibitors showcasing the latest in wellness, sports gear and nutrition.

OC Transpo

O-Train Line 1 and Line 2 will open early on Sunday for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

OC Transpo says service on the LRT lines will begin at 5 a.m.

Runners and spectators can use the Rideau and uOttawa stations to access the start and finish line areas.

Start lines/finish lines

The start line for all races at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is on Laurier Avenue near Elgin Street.

The finish line is on Queen Elizebeth Driveway, just north of Somerset Street.

Baggage check

Baggage check is available for runners at Lisgar Field, behind Festival Plaza.

• Saturday, May 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24 from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Race day questions

Can runners wear headphones during a race?

Yes. However, officials recommend running without headphones or keeping low volume for safety and awareness.

Can I run with a stroller or use a backpack child carrier?

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend says strollers and baby joggers are only permitted during the 2K.

Can I run with my dog?

Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted during any of the events.

How can I track athletes?

You can track runners in the Run Ottawa app and find your results on Sportstats.

Road closures

Saturday

• Laurier Avenue (Metcalfe to Nicholas): 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Elgin Street (various segments): 1:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
• Queen / O’Connor / Wellington: 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Somerset to Preston): 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Colonel By Drive (Hawthorne to Bronson): 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Lakeside / Lakeview: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Bronson Avenue southbound (lane reductions): 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Bank Street Bridge: afternoon and evening impacts

Sunday

The Alexandra Bridge and Chaudiere Bridge will be closed on Sunday morning.

• Laurier Avenue: 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Elgin Street (northbound): 5:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Wellington Street (eastbound): 6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Lawrence Freiman to Laurier): 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Elgin to Preston): 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Colonel By Drive (Rideau to Hog’s Back): 6:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Lakeside Avenue (lane): 6:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Bronson Avenue southbound (lane): 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Bank Street Bridge: restricted during peak hours
• Rideau Street (Sussex to Mackenzie): 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Mackenzie Avenue: 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• St. Patrick Street: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Sussex Drive: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway: 6:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Parkdale Avenue: 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Tunney’s Pasture Driveway: 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Booth Street (local access only): 6:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Slidell Street: 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway (Vimy to Island Park): 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Booth Street: 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Wellington Street (eastbound): 6:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Chaudière Bridge: 6:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Eddy Street in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Alexandre-Taché Boulevard in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
• Montcalm / Laurier in Gatineau: 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Alexandra Bridge: 6:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.