Ottawa Marathon

Registration is open to all runners on a first-come basis and stays open until the race fills. Elite athletes must meet athletic standards and apply separately. There is also a Green Bib option if you want to support a charity in place of receiving a finisher medal.

Yes, the Ottawa Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. Roughly one in ten finishers cross the line with a BQ-eligible time, which reflects a field that includes a solid mix of competitive and recreational runners.

The race has a seven-hour time limit, which is generous enough for a wide range of pace groups.

The course is effectively flat, with a total elevation band of under 90 feet between its lowest and highest points and a net elevation change of zero. There are no significant climbs or descents to manage, making consistent pacing the main tactical consideration.

Expect a cool morning start in the mid-50s Fahrenheit that can warm up to the low-to-mid 70s by midday. Conditions are generally manageable, but the temperature rise from gun to finish line means the second half of the race can feel warmer than expected.

Recent editions have seen roughly 4,800 marathon finishers, making it a mid-sized race with enough participants for a good race-day atmosphere without the logistical complexity of the very largest events.

The race starts at Ottawa City Hall. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is about 12 km away, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or the city's O-Train light rail. Many hotels are within walking distance of the start, and OC Transpo public transit is a reliable option for getting around the city.