Ottawa Marathon Photo Race Report

Ottawa Marathon Photo Race Report - Full/Ultra Marathon #29

Thrilled to have run the Ottawa full marathon. Just a week ago, did not participate in the Whitby marathon since I was ill. Thankful for the doctor finding nothing physically wrong and by Thursday afternoon, felt much better. Revised my VIA train ticket so I arrived in Ottawa on Saturday late morning and arrived back in Toronto Sunday evening.

 

 

Time-chip (on back) bib

Tech shirt - front

Tech shirt - back

The pair of shoes on the right is my donation. This was the pair I wore in 2012. The expo was very crowded. I did not purchase anything.

Sunday morning view of Rideau Canel and Parliament Buildings.

Sunday 7 AM - at start line.

Headed north on Elgin. Parliament buildings on the left, view of War Memorial.

Chateau Laurier. Checked hotel price - $319/night

Great spot for spectator view! Heading south parallel to Rideau Canal.

In the background is University of Ottawa.

Reached 2 K mark. Incredible 4559 finishers of the Ottawa Marathon!

Aagh! The famous shoe for good luck! This is a famous piece of art.

Reached 5 K mark. There was a time mat here. About to leave running parallel to the Rideau Canal.

6 K.

Little Italy! We head west.

Entertainment on the course.

Volunteers at the Gatorade/water stations. Very well organized and well stocked with tables strategically placed. Located every 3 K.

Spectators!

10 K. Running on Wellington. Good crowds.

Power Gel Station! They were located at 14 K and 28 K. Also on the course was Sponge stations located at 16.9 K, 25 K, 32 K, and 36 K - very helpful when the sun came out and it got humid. Orange and banana stations at 14 K and 28 K as well.

15 K. This is the isolated part of the race - along Ottawa River Parkway.

An out-and-back.

At 18 K mark. About to leave Ottawa for Gatineau, Quebec.

A good reminder of the upward inclines. I had to walk these! Quite a few upward inclines in Gatineau as well as after 32 K.

The bridge taking us into Gatineau.

Half marathon completed! Walked the upward incline. This one was quite steep.

More entertainment on the course.

Nice view in Gatineau.

The Museum of History! I wanted to visit this on Saturday but it would have been too far to walk. The very fast half marathon runners converge with the slower marathon runners.

Alexandra Bridge taking us back to Ottawa.

A circle to stand on - great opportunity to take with Parliament Buildings in the background. Thank you for the spectator taking the photo for me.



Now marathon runners continue heading south on Sussex. Half marathon runners head to Rideau Canal for final few Ks in their race.

Running by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Scenic view!

30 K.

Scenic view. A nice downhill part of the course.



32 K. The sun is now out and shining strong. No shade.

35 K. Run, walk, run, walk, ... gotten humid.

Great sign!

Another creative sign.

Lots of walking now. No energy left - with uphill incline.

Repeat of first couple of Ks.

Great location for inspirational posters with finish line in sight.

There it is - the finish line!

 

Finisher's Medal!

 

Bud wearing our finisher's medal!

YTD = 545.3 K

(32.1% of 1700 K goal completed)

 

 

Next: Niagara Ultra Marathon 50 K on Saturday, June 20, 2015. This is one of my favourite races since it is scenic, with turnaround at Niagara Falls. Racers are very friendly. Looking forward to 4th consecutive year running this race. Also, will be full/ultra marathon #30.