For those of us at the Ottawa Race Weekend, however, we have been thinking about Spring 2007 almost since Spring 2006 came to a close! It’s hard to believe there is only half a year until the next ING Ottawa Marathon and MDS Nordion 10K.

As always, we are excited about the new opportunities that lay ahead and about creating the best race experience possible for our runners. We know that you start to get ready early, and we like to be right there with you! Registration is officially open and this year we are kicking things off with a new look for our website and newsletter. Every month you will receive news about the ING Ottawa Marathon and MDS Nordion 10K right in your inbox.

We’ll help you stay motivated with excellent training tips from John Stanton, founder of The Running Room and nutrition advice from Beth Mansfield, a Registered Dietician, Sport Nutrition and Exercise Specialist with Peak Performance.

One big change for next year will be the new early start time for the ING Ottawa Half Marathon. We heard your feedback and in response, the 2007 race will start at 8:30 a.m.

As you start to think about your run next spring, I encourage you to take a look around our new website www.runottawa.ca—get to know the organization working for you!

Looking forward to our year together,
Susan Longbottom, President
ING Ottawa Marathon and MDS Nordion 10K

News

Registration Now Open

It is never too early to register for the ING Ottawa Marathon, the MDS Nordion 10K or one of the other events of the 2007 Ottawa Race Weekend. Registration is now open for all events on our website. A fee increase will take effect on February 15, 2007, so click here to register and make your commitment!

Bourahmdane, Matui, Adilo and Cheruiyot Confirm Return to ING Ottawa Marathon

Already, elite athletes from the 2006 event are flocking back to face off on May 27 next year. The 2006 champion Abderrahime Bouramdane (Morocco) will race Amos Tirop Matui (Kenya), Kasime Adillo Roba (Ethiopia), David Cheruiyot (Kenya) and top Canadian Matthew McInnes for the crown. On the women’s side, Canadian marathon champion Lioudmila Kortchaguina—who this year smashed a 16-year old course record with her time of 2:29:42—is confirmed to return to the event. She will face Helena Kiprop (Kenya) and second-seed Canadian marathoner Nicole Stevenson.

Click here for the full story!

Accommodation

The ING Ottawa Marathon and MDS Nordion 10K attract thousands of participants and spectators to the city of Ottawa over the course of the Race Weekend. Hotel rooms fill up fast, so if you are planning on staying in the city check out what is available and book early!

Fundraising Update

Formalizing a great partnership

MDS Nordion and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation have officially joined forces—and it’s a perfect fit! The global leader in health and life sciences entered into a five-year partnership in support of the Foundation’s annual fundraising challenge at the Ottawa Race Weekend. Of course, MDS Nordion employees have been a huge part of the Race Weekend for years, raising an incredible $400,000 for The Ottawa Hospital since 1998.

Now MDS Nordion and its dedicated staff invite you to Run for a Reason! Every year, thousands of participants like you raise funds in honour of a loved one by supporting treatment and research for debilitating diseases such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer’s. And all proceeds stay right here in our community!

To read about past inspirational supporters or to find out how you can complete your Race Weekend experience by raising funds online, visit www.ohfoundation.ca or call 798-5555, ext. 19820.

Name this newsletter!

A brand new newsletter deserves a brand new name; send your ideas to newsletter@runottawa.ca. If your idea is chosen you will win a pair of Rudy Project Sunglasses!