Race Weekend Quick Facts

2013 FACTS & FIGURES

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend – May 25-26, 2013

Ottawa Race Weekend by the numbers

1:	The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is number one: it is the biggest multi-distance race event in Canada and has the largest marathon in Canada. The Ottawa Marathon is only one of two IAAF sanctioned events in Canada, and the Ottawa 10K is the only Canadian 10K race sanctioned by the IAAF.
43,300:	Approximate number of people registered in the 2013 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (excluding elite athletes). In 2012, there were 42,600. Race Weekend registration has grown by more than 350% since 2000.
28.7:	It is estimated that Race Weekend pumps approximately $28.7 million into the Ottawa-Gatineau economy.
9,000:	The approximate number of hotel rooms booked in Ottawa-Gatineau on Race Weekend.
427,000:	Number of drinking cups that will be diverted from the landfill thanks to our partnership with Cascades Recovery.
25,000:	Number of sponges to be handed out to marathon and half-marathon runners.
55:	Number of pace bunnies who will be helping runners meet their goals this year.
3:	Number of participants who have run every single Ottawa Marathon.

Registration numbers and demographic breakdown

• Marathon – 6,203 spots - SOLD OUT on March 22
• Half-marathon – 11,878 spots – SOLD OUT on January 9
• 10K – 10,557 spots – SOLD OUT on January 21
• 5K –9,953 spots – SOLD OUT on February 11
• 2K – 3,608 spots – SOLD OUT on March 7
• Y Kids Marathon – 723 spots – 36 % SOLD
• In 2013, 43.8% of overall participants are male and 56.2% are female.
• There are 382 walkers registered for the half-marathon and 101registered for the marathon.
• 58.2% of total TORW runners are 40 and under – out of that number 59% are women.

Volunteer support

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend relies on the dedicated support of more than 2,000 volunteers who work in the following areas: registration and race kit pick-up; at the start and finish lines; water stations; sweat check; medical tent; on the route; at the information booth; and, in the recovery area. 

Running for a cause

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend offers unique opportunities for charities to generate fundraising dollars. Registered charities in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend have raised close to $1 million over the years. In 2013, 25 charities are affiliated with Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

Official cheering stations

Approximately 100,000 spectators will be cheering on runners along the Rideau Canal and at official cheering stations during the marathon and half-marathon races.

Hydration stations

More than 800 volunteers will be manning 15 hydration stations this year. 

World-class medical support

Each year, the Drill Hall is converted into a fully equipped medical area complete with emergency room doctors and nurses, paramedics. There are also 10 medical stations on the route and a mobile medical team on bicycles. 

Ottawa Marathon Torch Relay

This year, the Marathon Flame - which celebrates the spirit of participation and fair play - will be coming to Ottawa to burn throughout the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.  On Thursday, May 23, Mayor Iordanis Louizos of Marathon, Greece will light the torch and pass it to the first of the close to 80 torchbearers who will run a 42.1 km relay from the hamlet of Marathon, Carp to Ottawa City Hall. Those interested in running a half-kilometre leg in the Torch Relay are invited to enter the “Show us your Pheidippides” photo contest, which ends April 30, 2013.

Pace bunnies

Pace bunnies (wearing bunny ears and carrying signs) will help runners in the 10K, half-marathon and marathon keep time and get them to the finish line at their desired pace. With over 55 pacers, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend has the largest group of pacers of any race in Canada! 

Event records

Ottawa 10k

Men:	27:24	Deriba Merga (ETH)	2009
Women:	31:24	Grace Momanyi (KEN)	2005

Ottawa Marathon

Men:	2:09:12	Laban Moiben (KEN)	2012
Women:	2:27:41	Asmae Leghazoui (MOR)	2009

Milestones 

1975:	The first Ottawa Marathon was held May 25, 1975 with 146 participants. Organizers thought it was a one-time affair.
1986:	The 10K distance is added.
1997:	Jim Robinson joins as Race Director.
1998:	The 5K and half-marathon distances are added.
1999:	The 2K is added.
2008:	Kids Marathon debuts.
2013:	This year marks the 39th consecutive running of the marathon. Jim Robinson retires and John Halvorsen assumes the role of Race Director and President.