Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Information Page

Registration is now open for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025!

2025 Race Weekend Schedule

All races start at Ottawa City Hall (110 Laurier Ave. W, Ottawa)

Saturday, May 24

Ottawa Kids Marathon– 2:00 p.m.

Ottawa 2K – 3:00 p.m.

Ottawa 5K   – 4:00 p.m.

Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa  – 6:30 p.m.

Please note the elite women’s 10K begins at 6:15 pm

Sunday May 25

Tartan Ottawa International Marathon – 7:00 a.m.

Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins  – 9:00 a.m.

Race Kit Pick-Up at the Running and Fitness Expo

Carleton University Fieldhouse 

  • Thursday May 22 – 4 PM to 9 PM
  • Friday May 23 – 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday May 24 – 8 AM to 6 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why is Run Ottawa switching registration platforms?

Starting November 11, Run Ottawa will transition to a new registration platform, Let’s Do This. This change aims to enhance the overall participant experience.

Let’s Do This is a trusted partner for some of the world’s top endurance events, including the iconic TCS London Marathon, ensuring a high standard of support and innovation in participant engagement.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend registered participants will receive an email from Let’s Do This titled “Your Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend entry is now on Let’s Do This” with a unique booking number and link directing participants to their registration on the new platform. If you’re unable to find this email, please reach out to questions@runottawa.ca or support@letsdothis.com. 

All 2025 Run Ottawa events, including Run Ottawa Membership will be hosted on Let’s Do This registration platform.

How can I add a product, like an event shirt, to my registration?
To add products, click “Edit your booking” in your confirmation email, or follow the instructions on Let’s Do This here.

Where can I find hotels offering preferred pricing for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend participants?
Visit our hotel partner page for a list of participating hotels. Book early, as these fill up quickly.

What is the Green Bib program, and how is it different from in-person participation?
Green Bib registrations are available for both in-person and virtual participants. Those in the Green Bib program do not receive a medal when crossing the finish line. Instead, part of their registration fees goes to a charity of their choice.

For virtual participants in the Green Bib program, you will receive a digital race bib. Only items purchased during registration will be mailed to you. Participants in the Green Bib program will not receive a medal.

How can I buy a Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend entry as a gift?

It’s easy! Simply visit the registration page and start by entering your own details at the top. Then, when prompted for participant information, enter the recipient’s details.

If you want the registration to remain a surprise, you can use your own email address for all contact fields. Once you’re ready to give the gift, just update the registration with their email address.

Can I get a refund if I’m injured or unable to attend Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025?

  • If you purchased registration insurance before November 11, 2024:
    Submit a refund request through Protecht by clicking “Request a refund” in your Refund Protection Program confirmation email (sent from Protecht). If you can’t find the email, contact help@protecht.com to request a new link. Full instructions for filing a claim can be found here.
  • If you purchased registration insurance after November 11, 2024:
    Follow the full instructions provided here to file your insurance claim. Run Ottawa does not action insurance claims nor do we have access to any insurance information.

I’ve signed up for one distance, but I’d like to change to a different distance, how do I do this?

To transfer to a new distance if you registered after November 11, 2024:

  • Click “Edit your booking” in your confirmation email, or go to the event page in your Let’s Do This account.
  • Select “Manage” next to your entry.
  • Choose “Transfer your entry.”
  • A $5.00 transfer fee will be added to the transfer transaction.

If you can’t find your confirmation email in your inbox, spam, or promotions folder, please fill out this form to have it resent.

If you registered before November 11, 2024, please email the full name and email address of the registered participant to questions@runottawa.ca.

You will receive a promo code that applies a discount for your new registration fees, including taxes. Please note that processing fees are not included in this credit. Kindly allow several days for the promo code to be created and sent to you. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

I can no longer run, can I transfer my registration to a new runner?
Participant-to-participant online transfers are not available for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025. However, registered participants have the option to transfer to a shorter distance or to the virtual event, allowing them to run at a time and place that best suits their schedule.

Can I buy someone else’s race bib?
Participant-to-participant transfers are not currently available for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
Please do not purchase a bib from Facebook Marketplace or other resale platforms, as it may not be valid and could prevent you from participating.

If transfers become available, clear instructions will be posted on this FAQ page. We recommend checking back closer to race weekend for updates.

Payment Plans and Registration

1. Can I use a payment plan to pay for my entry?
Yes! With our new registration platform, Let’s Do This, participants can opt into a 0% interest payment plan to spread the cost of their entry over five payments.

Important Details:

  • The final payment must be made by May 1, 2025.
  • If all payments are not completed by this date, your registration will be cancelled, and you will be removed from the event.

2. How do I sign up for a payment plan?
During the registration process, you’ll have the option to select the payment plan. The system will automatically calculate your installment amounts and schedule payments for you.

3. What happens if I miss a payment?
If a scheduled payment fails, you’ll receive a notification with instructions to resolve the issue. All payments must be completed by May 1, 2025, to keep your registration active.

Age Guidelines for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2025

Run Ottawa follows the guidelines set by Athletics Canada regarding developing runners and long distance road racing.

  • The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is restricted to participants 18 years and older.
  • The Ottawa Half Marathon presented by Desjardins is restricted to participants 16 years and older.

Please visit this link to read the Guidelines for the Inclusion of Children and Youth in Road Races from Athletics Canada, including age restrictions for the 10K, half marathon, and marathon.

How can I personalize my medal?
You can order an iTAB that fits perfectly onto the ribbon of your Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend medal. It’s engraved with your name and finish time, making it a great way to celebrate your achievement. At this time,  iTABs are available by following this link or referring to your confirmation email and select manage my booking. If these options don’t work, please reach out to support@letsdothis.com.

Your personalized iTAB will be mailed to you within one month after your 2025 race.

Fundraising Questions
I noticed that over $1M was raised for charity in 2024, how can I fundraise for my favourite charity?
Please see below for tips on getting started!

Create your fundraising page!

Visit the List of Charities and select the charity you’re fundraising for. After that, you will be immediately prompted to set-up your NEW fundraising page. If your preferred Charity is not on that list, they are likely still onboarding to JustGiving. Please email charitychallenge@runottawa.ca with the name of your charity and we will notify you when you can set up your new pages.  

We encourage you to include the link to your new JustGiving page on your Race Roster fundraising page so you don’t miss out on potential donations. And, of course, we can help you with that! Please do not hesitate to reach out to charitychallenge@runottawa.ca if you have any questions about accessing your Race Roster page. 

Have you already raised funds on Race Roster?
Don’t worry! The charity has already received those funds (thank you!) AND you can add your funds raised so far on Race Roster, or offline, on your JustGiving fundraising page’s totaliser. See this guide to learn more.


Have existing donations?
If you want to display donors from your Race Roster fundraising page on your new JustGiving fundraising page, you can post updates thanking your donors individually. See this guide to learn more.

Volunteer Questions

This isn’t my year to participate in Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend but I’d like to volunteer! How do I become a volunteer?
The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend experience is only possible because of the generosity of valued volunteers. High school students are welcome to join us to help fulfill their volunteer hours needed for graduation.
Register for a volunteer opportunity by following this link.

Race Day Questions

What accommodations have you made to ensure an accessible event for adaptive athletes?
Please visit the Adaptive Athlete program page on the Run Ottawa website for details on adaptive athlete registration. We are working with adaptive athletes to ensure a seamless race day experience for all participants. Feedback from adaptive athletes is always welcome and can be directed to Danielle.Avery@RunOttawa.ca.

Service dogs are welcome on the course in accordance of 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!

Can I push a stroller during my race? Can I use a backpack child carrier on any of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend courses?
With the exception of the Ottawa 2K, baby joggers and strollers are not permitted. Backpack child carriers are not permitted on any Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend courses.
Strollers are always welcome at the Run Ottawa Saturday Series, where children participate for free!

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 run with headphones?
While the use of headphones is permitted on the course, they are not recommended.

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.

Will there be walk categories for the virtual and in-person events?
Yes! Many participants choose to walk, speed walk, or pole walk during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. You can select a walking option during your event registration, and your results will be listed alongside other walkers.

Will there be bag check?
Yes! Full details will be sent to registered participants via Race Director emails, and will be updated here when available.

Virtual Participant FAQ

How and when do Virtual Participants receive their race kits?
Race Kits  will be mailed out via Canada Post beginning in mid-June. Participants who chose the Green Bib program and did not purchase a t-shirt will not receive a kit by mail.