Top 11 moments you might have missed at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025
Every May, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend brings thousands of participants, volunteers, and spectators together for a celebration of running, resilience, and community. The 2025 edition was no exception, delivering incredible performances, unforgettable stories, and plenty of moments that will be remembered for years to come.
If you could not be there or if you want to relive the excitement, here are 11 of the biggest stories you might have missed from Canada’s biggest and best weekend long running festival.
1. Mercy Chelangat’s marathon debut and victory
Uganda’s Mercy Chelangat made her marathon debut in Ottawa, and what a debut it was. She stormed through the course with poise and determination, not only finishing her first 42.2 km, but also claiming the top spot in the women’s field with a time of 2:23:33. A first marathon and a first victory is a storyline that will be talked about for years.
2. Rory Linkletter’s historic run
Canadian marathoner Rory Linkletter etched his name in history by running the fastest marathon ever recorded by a Canadian on Canadian soil. His 2:08:31 finish made him the Athletics Canada Road Race Label men’s series leader and marked one of the standout performances of the weekend.
3. German embassy’s cheer station brings the energy
The German Embassy Cheer Station, led by Ambassador Nicole Mikhael, was one of the liveliest spots on the course. With music, cheers, and incredible crowd support, they kept runners motivated all morning long. As part of the excitement, one lucky participant even won an entry to the Berlin Marathon, adding to the excitement of the day.
4. Road race label sweep
Ottawa solidified its place as Canada’s racing capital when all of the top three performances of the Athletics Canada Road Race Label season, on both the men’s and women’s sides, came from Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Charles Philibert-Thiboutot, Cam Levins, Gracelyn Larkin, Anne Marie Comeau, and Malindi Elmore all delivered world-class results that raised the profile of the event even further.
5. Jason Dunkerley lights up the 10K
Paralympian Jason Dunkerley returned to Ottawa to race the 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa, reminding everyone of the power of perseverance and excellence. His presence on the start line was inspiring to fellow participants and spectators alike.
6. Running a half in Crocs
In one of the most talked-about stories of the weekend, Radwan Makboul from Gatineau completed the half marathon in a pair of Crocs, and did so with a time fast enough to potentially set a new world record. Proof that Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is a stage for extraordinary performances of every kind.
7. Global recognition: Top 50 marathons
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend earned a new international accolade this year, ranking 18th on the list of the world’s top 50 marathons by economic impact, according to a report from Brandirectory. This recognition cements the event’s reputation not only as a Canadian favourite but also as a major player on the global running scene.
8. Community spirit on display
Beyond the elite performances, Ottawa once again proved why it is one of the most supportive running cities in the world. From neighbourhood cheer stations to live bands along the route, thanks to the Official Cheer Station Sponsor of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025 Kal Tire, the energy from spectators lifted every participant toward the finish line.
9. From tragedy to triumph
In early 2018, Maxime D’astous was left in a coma after a devastating car accident that resulted in two fractured vertebrae, a dislocated neck, and head trauma. Doctors told him he was lucky to survive, warning of the possibility that he could spend the rest of his life as a paraplegic or quadriplegic. This spring, D’astous not only completed the Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins, but he also set a personal best, crossing the finish line in 1:34:20. A remarkable reminder of resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.
10. A “Prime” spectator
This year’s Ottawa International Marathon had a uniquely Canadian moment when Prime Minister Mark Carney made a surprise appearance as a spectator. Stationed near Rideau Hall, he cheered on runners and even gave a wave to eventual men’s champion Albert Korir and top Canadian Rory Linkletter as they passed. A marathon fan and runner himself, Carney has completed the Ottawa Marathon in 2011 with a time of 3:48:02 and the London Marathon in 2015 with a time of 3:31:35, making him the only Canadian PM to run an Abbott World Marathon Major. With a course that winds past Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and other national landmarks, Ottawa Race Weekend proves that you never quite know who will be cheering along the way.
11. Pushing beyond limits at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
At this year’s Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend three people with reduced mobility were given the chance to experience the thrill of race weekend thanks to an initiative led by kinesiologist and local runner Stéphane Fournier. Inspired by a patient who once asked him to push them in a race, Fournier teamed up with NeuroGym Rehabilitation Ottawa to make it happen in the 2K, 5K, and 10K events. This year, the participants were seated in innovative racing chairs designed by Quebec company Kartus, built for both comfort and performance. Fournier hopes this is just the beginning of a long-term tradition that will expand accessibility and bring the joy and social connection of running back to those who miss it most.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025 was filled with inspiring stories, remarkable performances, and unforgettable memories. And the best part? We get to do it all again!
Registration for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2026 is now open. Join us May 23–24, 2026, for another weekend of community, celebration, and incredible racing. Secure your spot today and be part of the next chapter in Ottawa’s running legacy.