Sunday Race Day

Wave starts for the half marathon

We will have two waves.  First wave will start at 9:00 a.m. and the second wave at 9:15 a.m.  We will send off the fastest 3 corrals first followed by the remaining 3 corrals.  Each bib will indicate wave 1 or wave 2 based on estimated finish time.

By initiating wave starts we will reduce crowding on narrow parts of the course and crossing of the MacDonald Cartier Bridge. It will also lessen the impact of the merge where half marathon join marathoners and it will also mean less congestion at the finish line and recovery area.

Race and Events	Start Times	Location
Ottawa Wheelchair Marathon	6:55 a.m.	Intersection of Elgin and Laurier Streets
Ottawa Marathon	7:00 a.m.	Intersection of Elgin and Laurier Streets
YMCA Ottawa Kids Marathon	8:00 a.m.	Intersection of Elgin and Laurier Streets
Ottawa Half Marathon	9:00 a.m.	Intersection of Elgin and Laurier Streets
Awards Ceremony	12:00 p.m.	Festival Plaza - Outdoor stage

Race Kit Pick Up

You can pick up your race kit up until 4:00pm (closing time) on Saturday May 28, 2011 at the Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo.

Course Information

The Ottawa Marathon course is certified distance and a Boston Marathon qualifier. The route is flat, fast and takes in many of the Nation Capital's tourist sites. There are excellent viewing areas for spectators and coaches.

• The Ottawa Marathon is the site of the 2011 Canadian Marathon Championships.
• The Ottawa Race Weekend is the site of the Canadian Forces Running Championship.

Click here to view the Ottawa Marathon and Half Marathon map.

Start Corrals for Marathon and Half Marathon races only

Each runner will be assigned to a colored start corral based on the estimated finishing time that was entered on the registration form. Your assigned race bib will indicate the color of the corral you have selected. Look for the colored banner at the start line that corresponds to your corral color on your bib and line up behind the corresponding corral banner.

Start Corrals for the 2011 Ottawa Marathon and Ottawa Half Marathon races are as follows:

Ottawa Marathon	Ottawa Half Marathon
Under 3:00	Under 1:30
3:00 - 3:30	1:30 - 2:00
3:30 - 4:00	2:00 - 2:15
4:00 - 4:30	2:15 - 2:30
4:30 - 5:00	2:30 - 3:00
+ 5:00 and Walkers	+ 3:00 and Walkers

Elite Athletes

Top international, national and local runners who qualify for the Elite Athlete Program can earn a front-of-the pack starting position. Click here for more information on elite athlete status.

Pace Bunnies

Pace Bunnies, provided by Running Room, will be available for the Ottawa10K. The bunnies will wear pink ears and carry a sign with their pace time. At the race start, line up near your pace bunny. Pace times will be:

Ottawa Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 and 3:30

Ottawa Marathon:  3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, and 5:30

Race Bibs and Timing Chips

Your bibs must be pinned (unmodified and fully-visible) to the front of your shirt and displayed throughout the entire race. All participants must attach their chip to shoelaces as per instructions in your race kits. Please be sure to write your full name, emergency contact information and any allergies or health conditions you have on the back of your race bib. 

Participants are responsible for verifying that the timing chip device provided by Ottawa Race Weekend or the participants' own device is working properly prior to race and worn correctly during the race. Any problems with the timing chip device must be addressed at the Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo at the Corrections desk.

Timing Chip

This year the timing chip is a one time use timing chip and all runners can keep it as a souvenir.

Sweat Check

Sweat Check is provided free to all runners near the start line in Confederation Park. A baggage claim tag and zip tie will be included in your Race Kit. Attached the tag to your bag and give to the attendant at the Sweat Check. Your bib number is needed to pick up checked baggage after the race. Sweat Check will open at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. Come early to avoid line ups!

Water, Gel and Sponge Stations

• Water / Gatorade stations are set up every 3K for the marathon and half marathon
• Stations are set up with tables on both sides of the road with water only
• Gatorade Thirst Quencher (orange & lemon lime) is served at the first tables of each station, and water at the following tables
• PowerGel Stations are located before the waterstations at 20K and 32K (11K for the half marathon)
• Sponge stations are located just after water stations at 27K and 36K (6K and 15K for the half marathon)

Finish Line Etiquette

As a courtesy to those finishing behind you please keep moving once you cross the finish line. Do not wait for family or friends in the finishing chute as it will get congested and some runners may not be able to finish. Proceed through the chute where you will be given your medal.

Metro Recovery Area

The Metro Recovery Area is located in Confederation Park (It is bordered on the south by Laurier Avenue and