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May 24, 2026
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The Ottawa Marathon features a scenic loop course through Canada's capital, starting and finishing at Parliament Hill. Runners traverse the iconic Confederation Boulevard, along the Rideau Canal, through the Greenbelt, and past major landmarks including the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery. The predominantly flat course is fast and spectator-friendly with excellent crowd support throughout.
Late spring weather in Ottawa is mild and pleasant, ideal for marathon racing. Runners can expect temperatures around 16°C with occasional rain, providing comfortable running conditions without excessive heat.
The Race
Ottawa
The Ottawa Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Ottawa, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.
The fastest time ever recorded at the Ottawa Marathon is 02:11:24, set by Weldon Kennedy in 2012. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Ottawa.
Runners come to the Ottawa Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Ottawa has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
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02:11:24
Weldon Kennedy (2012)
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