Run to Empower increases prize purse and becomes an Athletics Canada Road Race Labeled event

Run Ottawa’s 2nd 2025 race series event takes place Saturday, May 3

February 4, 2025, Ottawa — In advance of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb 5, Run Ottawa announces enhancements to its support and advancement of women’s running in Ottawa and across Canada in 2025 with its female-focused event, Run to Empower. 

In an effort to elevate the profile of the event and attract a larger field of Canadian elites, Run Ottawa has increased the prize purse for Run to Empower’s Fastest Women 5K, a performance race for any persons who identify as female 12+. 

The race, a women’s-only performance event, has received a $5,000 increase in its prize purse, qualifying it as an Athletics Canada Road Race Labeled event, a program with the goal of supporting existing events and increasing the number of high-level competitions across the country.

A total of 10 cash prizes will be awarded, with the top three athletes taking home $1,500, $1,200, and $900, respectively. This year will also feature top 3 prizing for the Fastest Women 5K Masters (40+) category. To qualify, athletes must have run under 20:00 for the 5K (or an equivalent result) since January 1, 2024

As in past years, any runner in the performance field who breaks Rachel Hannah’s course record of 15:57.5 set in 2014, will receive a bonus of $500. And any runner who breaks the existing Canadian 5K road race record will win a bonus of $2,000. Emilie Mondor set the Canadian 5K record at 15:16 in 2004.

“We are excited to welcome some of Canada’s fastest women to Ottawa for this event,” says Stephen Andersen, Run Ottawa’s Elite Coordinator. “The event is the perfect opportunity to prepare for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend as well as the upcoming track season. May is truly an exciting time for fans to watch distance running in Ottawa.”

This year’s event raises funds for Fast and Female, a Canadian charity celebrating 10 years of empowering girls through sport, physical activity, and education. Fast and Female aims to build confidence and leadership skills in young girls by hosting a wide range of national and local events and programs.

The race also features an inclusive Open 5K for all athletes, and a Little Warriors Kids 1K. The day is a celebration of women’s running, while also inspiring the next generation by introducing young runners to strong, empowered role models.

Also new this year at Run to Empower is a dedicated Stroller Wave. The Stroller Wave will be deployed as the first wave to cross the start line, in an effort to allow parents to run with their children in a safe and competive environment for all. 

For more information can be found about the events here: https://www.runottawa.ca/races-and-events/run-to-empower-5k

To register, please visit: https://www.letsdothis.com/ca/e/run-to-empower-238638

Media contact:
Lisa Georges
media@runottawa.ca

Elite athlete contact:
Stephen Anderson
EliteProgram@runottawa.ca

Run Ottawa

Run Ottawa is the National Capital Region’s premiere running event not-for-profit and the organizers of Canada’s most popular multi-day running event, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Other races include Richmond Road Races, Run to empower, Canada Day Road Race, Farm 5/15, Great Big Cookie Run, and the Grit and Grind Trail Race. www.runottawa.ca

Athletics Canada

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for track and field, para athletics, cross-country, and road, mountain, and trail running. Its purpose is to support high performance athletics excellence at the world level, and to provide leadership in developmental athletics. Athletics Canada is a not for profit, charitable organization operating under a board of directors elected by provincial / territorial members. https://athletics.ca/

Fast and Female 

Fast and Female is a registered Canadian charity on a mission to empower girls through sport, physical activity, and education. Through an evidence-based curriculum crafted by industry leaders, they are on a mission to empower girls aged 8-20, strengthening their confidence and leadership skills. Their events and programs (in-person and virtual) are developed in collaboration with community partners and like-minded individuals who share our vision. 

Fast and Female strives to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where every girl can thrive, regardless of her background or circumstance. For more information: https://fastandfemale.com/