Volunteers

Every year, over 2,000 volunteers come together to make Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend happen, and we are excited to have 2026 volunteer registration open! From handing out race kits before the race starts to making sure runners stay hydrated on course to congratulating participants with medals at the finish, the work of volunteers brings Canada’s biggest running weekend to life.

Those interested in participating as a volunteer are encouraged to browse the roles and shifts available. More opportunities to get involved may be posted in the weeks leading up to the event.

 

How-to and What to Expect When You Register to Volunteer:

1. Search for an opportunity that interests you. You can search by day or by the type of role.
2. Once you find a day or role that interests you, click the link in the document. It will take you to the available shifts.
3. Add your desired opportunity to cart and check out. Unfortunately the system does not allow you to register for multiple shifts in one single transaction.
4. Enter your information and proceed with the steps.
5. Upon submitting your registration, you will receive two emails, both through Let’s Do This (the registration platform): one is a default one with basic details confirming your registration;
   the second is a note from Run Ottawa about what to expect.
6. That is it! Will be in touch leading up to the event with details specific to your volunteer shift. You can reach out to us with questions at any time.

Group Volunteering

Are you part of a group that would like to come out and participate as volunteers together? We would love to have you! Corporate, non-profit, school, and club groups are all encouraged to reach out to us at volunteer@runottawa.ca to explore ways to get involved and solutions to get you all registered together in the easiest way possible.

Depending on group size, there may be opportunities to explore group transportation and honorariums.

Who our volunteers are

Volunteers can be anyone who wants to participate in one of Ottawa’s marquee events without running! This includes:

• Runners looking to give back and experience a different side of running events
• Members of the community who want to take part in the excitement
• Groups who come together to volunteer and raise money for charities
• School groups taking part in the activity as a fun event
• Students accumulating volunteer hours

What types of roles are available?

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend has a wide range of event services to assist our participants getting from the start to the finish line. You can choose to volunteer for any of the following areas: 

• Race Kit Pick-up
• Information Booth
• Finish Line
• Run Ottawa Retail Program
• VIP Finish Line Tent
• Start Line
• Baggage Check
• Water Station
• Route Security
• Recovery & Refuelling
• Post-event Management
• and more!

If you would like additional information, please email volunteer@runottawa.ca.