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

BIB PICKUP AT THE RUNNING AND FITNESS EXPO

The week of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, you’ll receive an email titled “Race Day Essentials: Don’t Forget Your Check-In Pass!” This will include your bib number and QR code. Have this handy on your mobile device or printed out when you arrive at the Expo.

If someone else is picking up your bib, simply forward them your bib number and/or QR code.

You’ll be picking up your bib by bib number, not by last name. Please line up at the booth that corresponds to your bib number—there will be screens above each counter displaying the bib number ranges.

Picking up your race bib on the same day as your event? Give yourself four hours from the time your reach the expo to when you’ll be arriving at the start line. There are lots of activities happening around the city, give yourself plenty of time to keep race day a pleasant one!

TRANSFERS

Switching to a Different Distance After April 25

Online changes closed on April 25, but in-person transfers are available at the Running and Fitness Expo.

To transfer:

  • Pick up your bib for the event you originally registered for
  • Visit the Let’s Do This booth to complete your transfer

Transfer to a shorter distance: $25 fee + taxes/processing
Transfer to a longer distance: Fee TBA

Note: If your desired distance is sold out (challenges, marathon or half marathon), you may be transferred into the Green Bib Program. This means:

  • You’ll participate without a medal
  • A portion of your registration fee will go to charity
  • Medals may become available for purchase at the Run Ottawa Shop

Learn more about the Green Bib Program here.

Participant-to-Participant Transfers

It is very important to complete this transfer process. Race weekend medical staff must have accurate emergency contact information and be aware of any medical conditions. Available in person at the Running and Fitness Expo only.

  • Have the original participant forward their QR code and/or bib number email to the new participant
  • The new participant picks up the bib and any add-ons
  • Take the original bib to the Let’s Do This solutions desk (transfer line-up) to have the bib transferred into your name
  • Only the new participant needs to attend
  • A $25 transfer fee (plus taxes and booking fees) applies

Baggage Check presented by Dymon

Location:
East side of City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W.
Hours of Operation:

  • Saturday, May 24: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 25: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Before dropping off your bag:

  • Detach the baggage tag from the bottom of your race bib (it shows your bib number).
  • Attach the tag securely to your bag.
  • Ensure your bag is fully closed to prevent anything from falling out.
  • Do not check valuables—Run Ottawa is not responsible for lost or missing items.

Pick-up Reminder:
Bags must be collected immediately after your race. Any unclaimed bags may be donated or discarded. Make it part of your cool-down—you’ve earned it!

TIME LIMITS for events

  • 10K: Participants are expected to finish by nightfall (sunset in Ottawa on May 24 is approx. 8:39 PM).
  • Half Marathon (21.1K): Must be completed within 4 hours.
  • Marathon (42.2K): Participants must reach the 27K mark by 11:30 AM. Those who do not reach this point by that time will be redirected to the finish line, this is for the safety of both participants and volunteers. We kindly ask that all participants respect the guidance of on-course volunteers. If you anticipate not making the time cutoff, we’ll be happy to help you transfer to the half marathon at the Expo.

Registration Information

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.

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.

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.
  • Ottawa 10k minimum age is 14.

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.

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.

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.

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.