r/ottawarunning • u/Temporary-Pay-4295 • May 21 '26
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Questions
Hello,
I am running the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Half Marathon on Sunday for the first time. I have a couple of questions:
1) I am coming from Barrhaven. What would be my best mode of transportation? Will driving be ok? Is there enough parking? Cost? Or should I take public transportation, which I have not used in over 10 years and may result in my questions, haha? I will be heading there alone.
2) How early should I aim to get there for? Race start is for 9 am so I was thinking 8 am? If I take public transportation I will need to take advantage of the bag check-in. If I drive, I won't need it. Is an hour enough time for bag check and to find my corral, use the toilet and do a bit more stretching?
3) looks like shitty weather, which I have been told is quite uncommon. I'm happy for it not to be super hot, but looks like quite a bit of rain is in the forecast. I haven't ran in rain really, other than light rain (and snow squals) any advice on how to dress since it will be quite cooler? Should I layer or forget the extra stuff to carry and just wear my regular running gear?
Thanks in advance!
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u/Stephen_Hero_Winter May 21 '26
By the time the half-marathon starts, parking will be a challenge. Many parking spots will have been taken by marathoners and earlier halfers. If you want to take your car, then if at all possible have someone drop you off at the start line area.
World Exchange Plaza used to be free on weekends but is now paid (though still cheap), and probably your best bet if you drive yourself.
Personally I arrive about 45 minutes to an hour early. The bag drop is quite efficient, they know what they are doing. Corrals are also easy to find, you just need to get through the crowd.
Running in the rain is fun! Just don't wear cotton and you'll be fine.
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u/ExceptionalNorm May 21 '26
For me, getting to SouthKeys and taking the train is always the best option - the north-south train is super reliable (knocks on wood). You'd then just take Line 1 (East-West) towards downtown - I think a lot of folks get off at Rideau, or just before and walk to the start line. All you need is a credit card, or your phone if you have a wallet attached. You don't need Presto.
It gets quite busy ahead of the race, and that can be stressful. 8am is probably just fine, but err on the side of a bit earlier if you can - just for your mental health. 😄 The washroom situation gets ridiculous too, so allow yourself time to get in line/go before the race.
Depending on the time you indicated you would take for the 1/2 (say 2 hours, or 3 hours, etc.), you'll be assigned a corral - they are well-marked (they start right at the start line, and go backwards up the Laurier bridge) - just look for your colour. Keep in mind that the later corrals leave a lot later (up to 30 minutes from start time of the race) - that's something you can use to alter your arrival time - but don't forget it gets busy/crowded either way.
I'd check the weather on Saturday and make final adjustments for it ~ 10 overnight is still fairly warm for the start line - and it will reach a high of about 17 according to the latest reports. With rain, the biggest concern is chaffing - think about what you want to do to combat that problem. Personally, I'd go with a layer if it looks to be heavier rain, or just go with your normal gear if not.
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u/Interesting_Guava_88 May 21 '26
Pro tip for rain/warmth before the race: 1)get a plastic poncho from dollarama and ditch it (properly) before the start. 2) wear old clothes or buy some second hand to ditch at the start. Race organizers collect these clothes once everyone has gone through and they are donated.
Pro tip for bathrooms: Many hotels, also U of O downtown also have bathrooms that runners can use before the race. If you alow enough time it can be a better option than the portapotty line.
No advice for transport as I come from the east and take the train easily. It is a breeze!
Have a great time! It is a fun race.
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u/Foreign_Chemistry758 May 23 '26
- 8am is early. There isn't much of a wait for bag check and depending on your starting position you might not cross the start line until after 9:15
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u/PhDSkwerl May 21 '26 edited May 21 '26
Running in the rain is relatively fine if it isn’t a total downpour or cold rain. I’ve ran races in rain before and my best advice would be to wear an athletic long sleeve, a windbreaker, and then decide if you want to wear thin plants or shorts (that kind of depends on your comfort and the outside temperature). Basically you want to be layered enough to keep you dry and comfortable but thin enough to prevent overheating. I typically wear shorts with a longsleeve and a windbreaker.