In an effort to help runners, volunteers and spectators get to the start line, the organizers of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and OC Transpo have announced that O-Train Line 1 will open early on the day of the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon.
During Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Line 1 will travel to and through the downtown core, with three O-Train stations within 15 minutes of the start line.
O-Train Line 1 will run as scheduled on Saturday, May 25, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., then on Sunday, May 26, it will open at 5 a.m. ahead of the 7 a.m. start of the marathon.
“This is great news,” Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said in a release. “This is going to make public transit a much better choice for all those coming to enjoy Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. I want to thank OC Transpo, City staff, and partners for working to adjust the schedules and accommodating Run Ottawa to find a better way to get the thousands of fans, runners, and volunteers to the downtown core with ease.”
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the biggest multi-day race event in the country, drawing in thousands of out-of-town visitors and 200,000 spectators.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ottawa’s marathon and it’s the first time in several years the marathon has reached maximum capacity.
With 35,000 runners registered to take part, runners are encouraged to travel to the event using transit.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with OC Transpo and the City of Ottawa to bring early opening of the O-Train Line 1 at 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 26th,” said Executive Director of Run Ottawa, Mike Vieira. “As thousands of eager runners, volunteers, and spectators converge for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, Run Ottawa extends a warm invitation to all participants to take advantage of this environmentally conscious and convenient way to get downtown.”
Also, if travelling from outside the downtown core, there are many Park & Ride lots across Ottawa that offer free parking for attendees using transit.
You can plan your trip in advance here.