Ottawa Race Weekend Reminder: Fee Increase February 15

News

Fee Increase: February 15

A fee increase will take effect for all registrations received after February 15, 2007. Fees will increase again for registrations received after April 30, 2007. An additional fee increase will be in effect for late registration at the Pfizer Health & Fitness Expo.

Register now to make your commitment!

Online Volunteer Sign-up Now Open

The Ottawa Race Weekend simply could not happen without the army of dedicated volunteers that come together each year to support our runners. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a part of this event, please visit our online volunteer section and sign-up for one of the hundreds of available positions.

Click here for more information

Ottawa Race Weekend—Then and Now

As anyone who has ever organized any event can understand, the Ottawa Race Weekend doesn’t exactly come together on its own. Instead, two full time staff, a board of directors, a race committee and over 1,500 amazing volunteers manage to create an unforgettable experience for thousands of athletes every year. One of those employees, Jim Robinson, the ORW’s General Manager, has been with the organization since 1996.

“The weekend, which includes the ING Ottawa Marathon and the MDS Nordion 10K, is one of Canada’s best racing festivals,” says Jim. “I am proud to have been a part of this event for so long, and to have seen it grow and change in so many ways. When I started with the race in 1996 there were fewer than 5,000 participants, and I still remember how exciting it was when we broke the 20,000 mark in 2003. This year, as runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes come from all over the world to take advantage of everything the Weekend has to offer, I am so excited to see our once small event grow to over 30,000 people! In 2007 I am especially excited about changes such as the earlier half marathon start time (8:30 a.m.) and the new marathon and half-marathon race courses. Every year a huge and dedicated team of volunteers work together to make it a little bit better than the year before. Those people are the reason our event keeps growing, and I am so proud to be working with them again this year. See you all in May!”

Training

Whether this is your first Race Weekend, or your twenty-first, we can 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.

This month, be sure to check out conditioning tips from the Running Room on our Training page.

Fundraising update

Raise Funds for the Ottawa Hospital . . . and Run for Free!

When individuals raise more than $150 in pledges for the Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation will refund their Ottawa Race Weekend registration fee. It’s easy to qualify:

1. Register to raise pledges for The Ottawa Hospital.

2. Raise more than $150 in pledges.

3. Bring your pledges to the Foundation booth at the Pfizer Health and Fitness Expo.

Foundation staff will collect your pledge form and funds raised, verify your registration and reimburse your Race fee. It’s easy to raise funds online. Visit our online fundraising site and start raising pledges today! While there, read about past inspirational supporters, find out how to direct your funds to an area of the Hospital that means most to you, and see who has raised the most money so far. For more information, call 613-798-5555, ext. 19820.

Fun and games

Do you or your family and friends have pictures from a past Ottawa Race Weekend that you would like to share with the world? Send us the best photos you have of your experiences (newsletter@runottawa.ca) and if we choose yours to post on the website, you will be entered in a draw to win a Timex watch! Photos must be received by March 12.

The winner of last month’s trivia contest, and the owner of a brand new Timex watch is Jane Davies from Pickering, Ontario. Congratulations, Jane!

Question: What was the name of the Canadian runner who broke a 22-year old record at the 2006 Ottawa Race Weekend, who held the previous record and what was it?

Answer: Lioudmila Kortchaguina ran the 2006 marathon with a time of 2:29:42, beating the 22-year old record, 2:30:37, held by Syvia Rueggar.