Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Information Page

Event Schedule

What are the race start times?

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Sunday, May 24

Route, Road Closures & Elevation Map

Where can I view the course maps?

The interactive course map is available here. 

What can I see on the map?

  • Routes for each event
  • Road closures
  • Elevation profiles

How do I switch between race days?

Use the button at the bottom of the map to toggle between Saturday and Sunday courses.

Are the courses final?

Courses are subject to minor last-minute adjustments.

Public Transportation (OC Transpo)

How do I plan my trip using public transit?

You can plan your route using the OC Transpo Travel Planner

Simply enter your starting point, destination, and preferred arrival time to receive step-by-step directions using buses, the O-Train, or a combination of both. Be sure to allow extra travel time so you arrive early and stress-free. 

Do participants get free transit?

Yes! All Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend participants receive free transit on OC Transpo services on race weekend.

How do I use free transit?

  • Show your race confirmation to the operator when boarding a bus
  • If using the O-Train, follow event signage or staff directions

Why take public transit?

Public transit is the easiest way to get to and from race sites, helping avoid road closures, traffic, and limited parking during race weekend.

Hotel Booking 

I booked through the HTG link—do I have a hotel confirmation?

Not yet. Reservations are held by HTG as part of the event room block. Hotels do not have guest details at this stage.

When will I receive my confirmation?

This month, HTG will assign rooms and provide your details to the hotel. The hotel will then send your official confirmation number and reservation details.

Apparel Add-On

Where do I pick up my event shirt?

Event shirts can be picked up at the Running & Fitness Expo at the same time you pick up your race bib!

Can I purchase an event shirt?

Yes,  2026 event shirts are available for purchase  through your participant dashboard on Let’s Do This.

How do I purchase them?

Follow the step-by-step instructions here. 

What if my size is sold out?

A Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend capsule collection designed by Praise will be available for purchase at the Running & Fitness Expo.

Race Bib Pickup

Where do I pick up my race bib?

Race bib pickup takes place at the Running & Fitness Expo:
 Carleton University (Fieldhouse) 

1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

What do I need to bring?

Your QR code and bib number (emailed the week of the event).
 Have it ready for scanning to ensure a fast pickup.

Can I still get my bib without my QR code?

Yes, volunteers can look you up by name.
Check your spam folder or search for “QR Code and bib number” before arriving.

Can someone else pick up my bib?

Yes, they must have your QR code.

Running & Fitness Expo

Expo Hours

  • Thursday, May 21: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday, May 22: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 23: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Where can I find more information about the Expo?

You can find full details about the Running & Fitness Expo, including hours, location, and vendors, on our website!


What is the Expo?

The Running & Fitness Expo is where all participants pick up their race bibs and explore a wide range of vendors, products, and event experiences.

What can I expect at the Expo?

  • Race bib pickup
  • Event merchandise and apparel
  • Exhibitors and vendors from the running and fitness community
  • Event information and support desks

Kids Marathon: Parent Policy

Can parents or guardians run with their child?

No. The Kids Marathon is a kids-only event. Parents and guardians are not permitted on course.

Who will my child run with?

Participants run with their school group or in an assigned group with children of a similar age.

Is the course supervised?

Yes. The course is fully secured, and children are supported by staff and volunteers throughout the event.

Where do I meet my child after the race?

At Confederation Park following their finish.

How does my child receive their bib?

  • School groups: Teachers receive event details and pick up race bibs for their students
  • Individual participants: Bibs are picked up at the Running & Fitness Expo (details above)

Corral Changes

Can I update my estimated finish time or corral?

No. Changes closed on April 30. Bibs are in production and corral assignments are final.

What if my pace has changed?

  • Running faster: arrive early and line up at the front of your assigned corral
  • Running slower: on race day you may move back to a slower corral without any changes to your bib

Does my start position affect my time?

No. The race is chip timed. Your result reflects your actual run time, not your start position.

Will I be able to pass people on course?

Yes. There is space on course to settle into your pace and pass as needed.

Is there a members-only option?

Run Ottawa Members assigned to the first three corrals have access to a members-only corral located just ahead of their assigned start. If this interests you, become a member here!

Member Deferrals 

Can I defer my registration as a Run Ottawa Member?

Yes, our  Run Ottawa Membership includes a one-time deferral option with pre-race approval. 

How does the deferral work?

  • Your 2026 registration is cancelled
  • Your registration fee is not refunded and is carried forward to 2027
  • You are added to a deferral list

How do I register for 2027?

You will receive a registration code by email in August.
 Use this code to register for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2027.
 Standard processing fees may still apply at checkout.

What if I don’t receive my code?

Check your spam folder. If you don’t see it, contact us and we will resend it.

I’m a Run Ottawa member, how do I request a deferral?

Email us at questions@runottawa.ca to request approval before Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.

Refunds (No Insurance)

Can I get a refund or deferral?

No. Refunds and deferrals are not available for standard registrations without insurance.

What are my options?

OPTION 1: Run Ottawa Membership (Deferral Option)
 Run Ottawa Members have access to deferral options as part of their membership up until May 15, 2026.

 Activate your membership here, then email us at questions@runottawa.ca!

OPTION 2: Transfer Your Distance (in person at the Expo)

Transfers are only available at the Running and Fitness Expo.

What you can transfer to

  • Transfers are available only into events that are not sold out. For example, the 10K is sold out, as a 5K participant, transferring into the 10K will not be available at the Expo. 
  • Transfers between days (Saturday ↔ Sunday) are not permitted due to capacity limitations

Fees

  • $25 transfer fee + tax/fees
  • If you transfer to a longer distance, the price difference will apply
  • If you move to a shorter distance, refunds in full or partial are not permitted. 

OPTION 3: Transfer to Another Participant

Completed in person at the Running & Fitness Expo. Only the new participant needs to attend.

How it works:

  • Send your bib number and/or QR code to the new participant (emailed race week)
  • They pick up your bib
  • They visit the Let’s Do This Solutions Desk
  • A new bib is issued with their details
  • Transfer fee: $25 + tax and processing fees

Important

Run Ottawa and Let’s Do This do not process refunds for transferred registrations. Any payment arrangements are handled directly between participants.

Refunds (With Insurance)

Can I get a refund?

If you purchased registration insurance, you may be eligible for a refund through the insurance provider, Protect Group. Enter your booking number or email you used during registration  in this form to submit a claim.

What is required for approval?

Your claim must meet the policy’s Terms & Conditions.
 Supporting documentation may be required (e.g., doctor’s note, employer letter).

Does Run Ottawa process refunds?

No. All refund requests with insurance must be submitted through the insurance provider.

What if my claim is not eligible?

You may still have options:

  • Transfer to a different distance (subject to availability)
  • Transfer your registration to another participant

See related FAQ sections for transfer details.

Payment Issues

Why was my registration cancelled?

Your registration was cancelled after multiple unsuccessful payment attempts. For payment plans, three attempts are made to process the balance, along with reminder emails. If payment is not completed, the registration is automatically released.

Can my registration be reinstated?

No. Cancelled registrations cannot be reinstated.

What can I do?

If your payment plan was cancelled after May 15, 2026, email us directly at questions@runottawa.ca. 

This can also be resolved in the Expo, at the Let’s Do This Solutions Desk.

Baggage Check

Dymon

Dymon is the Official sponsor of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Baggage Check

Baggage check is available within Lisgar Field, directly behind Festival Plaza.

Earlier is Easier

Please arrive with plenty of time before your event. Baggage check handles thousands of bags throughout Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, and arriving early helps create a smoother experience for everyone.

Our volunteers work hard to safely organize and secure participant belongings. Thank them when you see them!

Before You Drop Your Bag

Your baggage tag is located at the bottom of your race bib.

Before arriving at baggage check:

  • Detach the baggage tag from your bib
    • Attach it securely to your bag
    • Ensure your bag is fully closed
    • Remove valuables before drop-off

After Your Race

Please collect your bag after exiting the Recovery Area.

Have your bib available when retrieving your belongings to help volunteers reunite you with your bag as quickly as possible.

Hours of operation:

  • Saturday, May 23 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 24 6:00 am – 1:00 pm

Virtual Race

Is there a virtual race option?

No. A virtual option is not offered for 2026.

What can I do if I can’t attend? (See above)

  • Have a friend or family member pick up your race bib at the Running & Fitness Expo (with your QR code)
  • Transfer to a shorter distance (subject to availability)
  • Transfer your registration to another participant

Age Guidelines

Run Ottawa follows Athletics Canada age guidelines for road races:

  • Marathon: 18+
  • Half Marathon: 16+
  • 10K: 14+
  • Youth participation in shorter distances is permitted within published age ranges.

Please visit Athletics Canada’s Guidelines for the Inclusion of Children and Youth in Road Races for full details.

  • Accessibility and Adaptive Athletes Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend welcomes athletes of all abilities.

    • Adaptive athletes register through the main registration platform, and indicate their accessibility needs in registration.
    • On the first Friday of every month, an email will be sent to all participants who have indicated they are adaptive athletes. This email will include a unique link that allows your guide or support runner to register for complimentary entry into Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
    • Adaptive athletes and support runners will have a designated table at the Running and Fitness Expo for race bib pickup. Exact location to be announced.
  • May I bring my service dog or are guides available?
    • Service dogs are welcome on the course in accordance with the law. However, if you feel the weather may be too hot for your service dog, we encourage adaptive athletes to consider using a guide/support runner instead.
    • You can leverage the promo code you received after registering under the adaptive athlete program to register a guide runner at no cost. This way, you can ensure the safety of your service dog while still having the support you need, saving your pup’s paws from the hot asphalt in exchange for a guide runner in sneakers!
  • Handcycle Category – Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa\
    • Handcycle athletes are welcome to participate in the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. To register, please email danielle.avery@runottawa.ca to receive a direct registration link.

Questions, feedback, or requests for accommodations can be directed to: Danielle.Avery@RunOttawa.ca

Additional Race Day Questions

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

  • Strollers and baby joggers are only permitted in the Ottawa 2K at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
  • Everyone on course needs to be registered for the event, including those in the stroller.
  • Backpack child carriers are not allowed on any race course for safety reasons.
  • Strollers are always welcome at other Run Ottawa events!

Can I run with my dog?

  • Dogs, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted in any of the events. If you’d like to enjoy a race with your dog, consider participating in the Wiggle Waggle Walk and Run, a dog-friendly event hosted by the Ottawa Humane Society! It’s a great way to bring your pup to the start line.

Can I wear headphones?

  • Yes, but for safety and awareness, we strongly recommend leaving them out or keeping volume low.

Is there a walk category?

  • Absolutely, many participants choose to walk, speed walk, or pole walk as part of their Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend experience. You’re welcome to participate at your own pace. Simply select the walking option during registration, and your results will be listed with fellow walkers in your chosen event. We’re proud to support a race environment that celebrates every kind of movement.

Do any of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend distances have time limits?

  • Marathon participants are expected to reach the 26km marker by 11:30 a.m. If they have not, they may be redirected to the finish line. Marathon participants are expected to complete the race within 7 hours.
  • Half marathon participants are expected to complete the event within 4 hours.

Volunteer Opportunities

Not racing this year but still want to be part of the excitement? Join the incredible community of volunteers who help bring Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend to life.

The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend experience wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers. Whether you’re passionate about running or just want to be part of the action, we welcome you to join our team. High school students can also take part and complete the volunteer hours required for graduation.

Virtual Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

The virtual event will not be offered in 2026. We look forward to seeing you in-person as we come together as a community.