The 43rd Annual Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

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Photos by Andre Gagne

The 43^rd annual Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend wrapped up this past Sunday May 28^th with two days of beautiful weather, two additional multi-distance events, and a new fundraising record. Although registration figures were lower than last year, the money raised for charity was greater than in previous years. With 43,148 participants in six races, over 2,500 volunteers and more than 200,000 spectators this was a great first step into the summer of celebrating Canada’s 150^th anniversary.

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is organized by Run Ottawa, the National Capital Region’s premiere running organization.

This year they were responsible for the organization and coordination of six races including Ottawa 2K, HGT Sports Ottawa 5K, Scotiabank Half Marathon, Scotiabank Ottawa Kids Marathon, Ottawa 10K and finally Canada’s largest marathon and the weekend’s cardinal event, the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon.

Through this marathon, Scotiabank exhibits the dedication they have to the community. In a recent press release by Run Ottawa, Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Region, Carole Chapdelaine states,” We’re celebrating 150 years of Canadian history and Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, as Canada’s largest running weekend, is the perfect stage for runners to demonstrate the generosity Canadians are known for.”

This year the Scotiabank Charity Challenge raised $826,000 which will be divided up evenly among the race’s 64 local and national charities.

The city underwent major changes as the courses weaved through Centretown, Westboro, Gatineau and even reaching as far as Rockcliffe.

There were a variety of festivities taking place all weekend long including the Health and Fitness Expo, Beau’s Beer Garden, the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, Sparks Street Party and more!

From Thursday through Sunday, a handful of Canadian bands and artists occupied Celebration Stage in Ottawa City Hall’s Festival Plaza. The enchanting Amanda Lowe, neo-soul band The Split,newcomers Slack Bridges and Juno Award Winner Whitehorse are just a few of the performances that took place over the weekend.

From residents cheering on runners from outside their home to the Carleton University Ravens Football team assisting with the kids’ marathon, this year’s Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend was a celebration of athletic achievement and community.