Chase the Pace

Online registration is now closed.  PLEASE NOTE: there will be NO onsite registration.

View the 2026 heat lists here.

View your 2026 results here.

 

A collaboration between Mile2Marathon and Run Ottawa

Track meets are often geared toward the fastest runners, but Chase the Pace is all about inclusivity. Everyone deserves a chance to hit the track with confidence, run in a supportive environment, and experience the thrill of racing with pacers, professional timing, and trackside cheers.

Come out, have fun, and connect with your local running community!

All adult races are 5000m (12.5 laps of the track)—a sweet spot between speed and endurance. Whether you’re aiming for 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 35 minutes, or beyond, you will be placed in a heat with runners at your pace. Mile2Marathon’s expert pacers will handle the pacing—you do the chasing!

Or try the Mile! Perfect for those who want to test their speed or experience the magic of the track in a bite-sized challenge, the Mile offers the same inclusive, supportive vibe—with pacing, pro timing, and big energy—just in fewer laps.

This event is open to all, no matter your speed or experience.

Bringing some speedy little ones? Awesome! We’ve got 400m and 800m races just for them.

 

Our charity partner for this year’s Chase the Pace is Camp Quality. Camp Quality provides inclusive-year round programs for children with cancer and blood disorders that support the whole family through fun camp adventures.

 

You will be asked what your pace is during registration to help place you in the correct heat. Not sure what your pace is? Use the Ottawa Run pace calculator to help calculate your pace!

 

EVENT DETAILS

Races: 5000m, 800m, 400m and Mile

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Time: 4:00pm

Location: Terry Fox Athletic Facility

 

PLEASE NOTE: Only participants who are registered before June 7 will have their names on their bibs.

 

FEES:

  • 5000m Adult: $73.13 + HST
  • 5000m Youth (ages 14-24): $33.75 + HST
  • 5000m Kids (ages 10-13): $19.13 + HST
  • 800m Kids (ages 5-13): $19.13 + HST
  • 400m Kids (ages 5-13): $19.13 + HST
  • The Mile Adult: $45.00 + HST
  • The Mile Youth (ages 14-24): $33.75 + HST
  • 400 x 1 Relay (all ages): FREE

 

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, racing your first-ever track event, running alongside friends, or simply enjoying a summer evening at the track, we’re excited to have you with us.

Please take a few minutes to review the information below before race day.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Race bib pickup opens at 4:00 PM.

Earlier is easier.

Arriving early means less time waiting in line, easier parking, and plenty of time to pick up race bibs, collect timing chips, warm up, and settle in before your event begins.

EVENT SCHEDULE

KIDS’ EVENTS

Please arrive by 4:45 PM and make your way to the infield. Mile2Marathon coaches and volunteers will be available to organize athletes into their heats and answer questions.

  • 5:00 PM – Kids 400m
  • 5:40 PM – Kids 800m

EVENING TRACK SCHEDULE

  • 6:10 PM – 5000m #1 (27:00 and up)
  • 6:50 PM – Friends & Family 4×100 Relay
  • 7:00 PM – 5000m #2 (21:55–26:40)
  • 7:30 PM – Mile #1 (2012 and younger)
  • 7:40 PM – Mile #2 (2012 and older)
  • 7:48 PM – Mile #3 (2012 and older)
  • 7:58 PM – 5000m #3 (19:55–21:40)
  • 8:20 PM – 5000m #4 (17:55–19:45)
  • 8:40 PM – 5000m #5 (15:50–17:30)

Please note that track schedules can shift slightly throughout the evening. Earlier is easier, and arriving ahead of your scheduled event will help ensure plenty of time for bib pickup, timing chip collection, and warm-up.

BIB PICKUP & TIMING CHIPS

Race bibs and ankle timing chips will be distributed on-site at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Please pick up race bibs first, then collect timing chips.

The number on each bib must match the number on the corresponding ankle timing chip to ensure results are recorded correctly.

Participants competing in more than one event will receive a separate bib and timing chip for each event. Please double-check that the correct bib and timing chip combination is being used before each race.

Questions? The timing team and volunteers will be happy to help.

PARKING

Free parking is available on-site at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Additional paid parking is available at Mooney’s Bay. Please allow extra time for parking and walking to the facility, particularly during the busiest arrival period between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Carpooling, cycling, and public transit are encouraged whenever possible.

WEATHER

The event takes place rain or shine.

Current forecasts are calling for warm temperatures, so participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

Check the latest forecast before leaving for the track. 

HYDRATION & RECOVERY

Water and XACT Nutrition hydration products will be available throughout the evening.

Light recovery snacks will be available at the finish line following each event.

Kids participating in the youth races will be treated to a freezie after they finish.

FOOD & REFRESHMENTS

The canteen will be open throughout the evening with a variety of food and refreshments available for purchase.

Beyond the Pale Brewing Company will also be onsite serving beer and non-alcoholic beverages for participants and spectators.

Whether racing, cheering, or sticking around to watch the final heats under the lights, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere.

 

 

5000M PACERS
There will be pacers courtesy of Mile2Marathon, for the following goal times: TBD
The pacers for each heat will be announced at the start line a few minutes before the heat begins. Please note, some last minute changes to exact pacing groups may be made.

ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Online registration closes Wednesday June 10 at 11:59pm.  PLEASE NOTE there will be no onsite registration.

 

TRAIN WITH RUNNA

Runna is the Official Training App of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2026. Try it out for free for two weeks here. 

 

GREEN BIB OPTION

The Green Bib does not include a medal, instead a portion of your registration fee will be donated to the event charity partner Camp Quality. Camp Quality believes in the joy of camp and the healing power of laughter bringing strength to families and children living with childhood cancer and blood disorders.

 

RUN OTTAWA MEMBERSHIP

You can now buy an RO membership seamlessly in-registration when signing up for a Run Ottawa event! As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits like 10% off all Run Ottawa races and discounts with partner services, enhancing your running experience! Dual, youth and family options now available! Find out more.

*Please note event details are subject to change. Any questions please email questions@runottawa.ca.