Ottawa Marathon 2026: Date, Start Time, Location, Route Map, Prize Money

Tamarack Ottawa Marathon 2026: Date, Start Time, Location, Route Map, Prize Money, How To Watch.






The Tamarack Homes Ottawa International Marathon 2026 (often called the Ottawa Marathon) is the highlight of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Canada's largest multi-day running festival and a World Athletics Elite Label event. It's known for its flat, fast course perfect for PRs and Boston qualifiers. The full marathon is sold out (capacity ~5,000), but other weekend races may have spots.




When is Ottawa marathon 2026?

Sunday, May 24, 2026.


This is part of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (May 23–24, 2026). The marathon is the first major race on Sunday.


Where is Ottawa marathon 2026 Held?


Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The start and finish are here, with the scenic route spanning Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec) across bridges, showcasing Canada's capital landmarks.


How to watch Ottawa marathon 2026? 

In-person: Cheer from spectator zones along the course (check runottawa.ca for viewing areas and Kal Tire cheer stations closer to the event). Popular spots include Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal paths, and waterfront areas.  

Online/Live coverage: Limited official live streaming is typically available (past events have had highlights or select coverage on the Run Ottawa YouTube channel or social media). Follow @RunOttawa

 on social platforms (X, Instagram, Facebook) for live updates, athlete tracking, and post-race recaps.

No major TV broadcast is usually announced for this even


What time Does Start Ottawa marathon 2026?


7:00 a.m. ET (Eastern Time, local to Ottawa).

Runners must complete the race within ~7 hours (cut-off around 2:00 p.m. ET; slower participants may be redirected after the 27 km mark by ~11:30 a.m.).


Ottawa marathon 2026 Route


The course is flat and fast with minimal elevation changes, certified for accuracy and Boston Marathon qualification.

Key highlights include:  Crossing bridges between Ontario and Quebec provinces.  

Passing iconic landmarks: Parliament Hill, Peace Tower, National War Memorial, Rideau Hall (Governor General’s residence).  

Extensive scenic sections along the Rideau Canal (UNESCO World Heritage site) and Ottawa River (including the Kichi ZÄ«bÄ« MÄ«kan parkway for river views).  

Water/Xact stations every ~3 km, kilometer markers throughout.

It's designed to showcase Ottawa's vibrant neighborhoods, cultural sites (e.g., Lebreton Flats, Chaudière Island), and waterfront beauty.





Ottawa marathon 2026 Map


Official course maps (PDF) are available on the Run Ottawa website (runottawa.ca/races-and-events/ottawa-marathon) under event details—download there for the full interactive or printable version. Start/finish area maps are also posted. The route loops through downtown Ottawa, crosses into Gatineau, and returns via scenic paths.





Start Line and Finish Line Ottawa Marathon 2026



Both the start and finish are at Ottawa City Hall

(110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada). 

Start: 7:00 a.m. ET, Sunday, May 24, 2026 (corralled by pace/bib color).  

Finish: Same location, with medal zone and post-race area in front of City Hall.



2026 Ottawa marathon 
Prize Money?


The 2026 prize purse (open and Canadian categories) totals significant amounts for elites: 


Open (Men/Women):

1st: $24,000 CAD each;

2nd: $14,000;

3rd: $8,000;

4th: $4,000;

5th: $3,000;

6th: $2,000.  


Canadian (Men/Women):

Additional bonuses like 1st: $5,000 each; 2nd: $3,000; 3rd: $1,000.

Elite athlete applications require meeting standards (details on runottawa.ca). Prize info is from official elite guidelines; confirm closer to the event as it may include bonuses or masters categories.


Ottawa Marathon Past winners


Recent Ottawa Marathon Winners (Men/Women)

2025:Albert Korir (KEN, 2:08:22) / Mercy Chelangat (KEN)

2024: Results indicate Ethiopia's Maeregu Hayelom won in 2:32:19

2019: Albert Korir (KEN, 2:08:02) / Tigist Girma (ETH, 2:26:33)

2018: Yemane Adhane Tsegay (ETH, 2:08:52) / Gelete Burka (ETH, 2:22:17)

2017: Eliud Kiptanui (KEN, 2:10:13) / Guteni Shone Imana (ETH, 2:30:17)

2016: Dino Sefir (ETH, 2:08:14) / Koren Jelela (ETH, 2:27:06)

2015: Girmay Birhanu (ETH, 2:08:14) / Aberu Mekuria (ETH, 2:25:30)

2014: Yemane Tsegay (ETH, 2:06:54 - Course Record) / Tigist Tufa (ETH, 2:24:30)
 

Historical note: The event dates back to 1975 (inaugural with 146 finishers). 




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