Cheering Stations

An important element in National Capital Marathon Inc.'s (NCM) corporate responsibility is a commitment to the community.  This is demonstrated through our annual Community Spirit Award, a $4000 fund used to reward communities for their support of Ottawa Race Weekend.

We challenge all communities located on the marathon route to get involved by setting up a neighbourhood cheering station to greet runners as they pass through.  “A lot of people don’t realize the positive impact it has on our runners to have spectators cheer them on,” says John Halvorsen, President of  Ottawa Race Weekend and former elite runner. “This shows the runners that our residents support the event and makes a great impression on participants who come to Ottawa to run."

We have a panel of judges who pass by all the registered cheering stations and select the top two locations. The Crichton Community Council took top honours in 2011 (and has won the award the past four years), with Hintonburg Community Assocation garnering second place.

The 2011 Ottawa Marathon had a total of 14 cheering stations and the list continues to grow each year as more communities become involved.  "It will make our judging more difficult.”says John Halvorsen.

To register your community for a cheering zone please contact the office at: 613 234-2221 or email ryan@runottawa.ca