Runs

ON THE RUN IN…Ottawa: Canada’s national capital of running

April 30, 2010
By Noel Paine

In one 5K run in Ottawa, you can circle Canada’s Parliament, pass the famous Rideau Canal, the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Gallery and two museums before running over a wooden planked bridge that takes you into Quebec and back. Despite being Canada’s capital, Ottawa has the feel of a small, quiet city, with clean streets, plenty of greenery, museums, galleries and a population of active people.

More than 170K of paved paths in the city provide multiple circuits for the many runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers and in-line skaters in the city. Easy-to-find paths line both sides of the Rideau Canal, starting downtown and winding below and behind the Parliament Buildings. Follow the paths to Gatineau Park, Mooney’s Bay park area, or take a running tour through downtown Ottawa and the nearby town of Hull, Que.

On the Town

Races

The Ottawa Marathon, held on the last weekend in May, has an IAAF Silver Label and is one of Canada’s premier races. It’s part of the Ottawa Race Weekend, a series of races that started in 1975. In 2009, the weekend’s various events drew just under 37,000 participants. Boston Marathon winner Deriba Merga blazed to a 27:23 last year in the 10K. www.ncm.ca

The Army Run in the fall is Canada’s fastest-growing race. It includes a 5K and a half-marathon and many injured Canadian Forces soldiers also run and walk. In 2009, single-leg amputee Rick Ball broke the world record for 10K. www.armyrun.ca

Ottawa also boasts North America’s only 400m indoor track - at 1659 Bearbrook Road

Running Stores

Sports4 (149 Bank Street) is Ottawa’s independent homey running store tucked right downtown; specializes in helping you find what you need and sponsors many local races. www.sports4.ca

Running Room (160 Slater Street and 901 Bank Street) provides the popular Running Room products and clinics and has two downtown locations. www.runningroom.com

Bushtukah (203 Richmond Road), an outdoor gear shop in the heart of Ottawa’s Westboro Village, offers a wide selection of running shoes and gear. www.bushtukah.com

To Stay

For those not too worried about price but who want a nice place to stay, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier (1 Rideau Street) and Lord Elgin (100 Elgin Street) hotels offer luxury and location seconds from all of Ottawa’s sights and running paths. (www.lordelginhotel.ca and www.fairmont.com/laurier)

The Extended Stay Deluxe Downtown Hotel is another option where guests are treated like family and the canal is only steps away.   www.extendedstaydeluxe.com

To Eat and Drink

For a nice post-run coffee go to Bridgehead for fair trade, organic brews, sandwiches and goodies at one of 10 locations in Ottawa including one right downtown on Elgin Street. www.bridgehead.ca (282 Elgin Street)

To celebrate a good run or a great marathon treat yourself to one of hundreds of tasty and often odd burgers, including one with peanut butter and bacon at The Works on Bank Street.  www.worksburger.com (580 Bank Street)

If a nice restaurant or something different strikes your fancy, put on your sneakers and walk to the many cafes and restaurants in Ottawa’s funky neighbourhood called “The Glebe” or grab the 95 bus and explore the shops and food in Westboro.

Running Routes

SHORT 5K: Parliament - Portage Prowl

This short loop takes in Parliament Hill, crosses the Portage Bridge over the Ottawa River into Quebec and swings back across a wooden planked bridge. Get out during the morning hours to see the sun shining over Parliament as you finish your run.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3417378

MEDIUM 10K: Rideau Ramble

Starting at the centre of downtown Ottawa at Confederation Park, this nice, quiet run follows the Rideau Canal bike path. On warm days, you’ll pass by boats and kayaks on the canal and on cold days you can watch skaters. With no cars to worry about, this is a relaxing way to do a 10K.

http://www.runningmap.com/?id=158202

LONG 16K: Capital Communities Run

Begin your run in front of City Hall on Elgin Street and wind your way through Ottawa’s gay community, Chinatown, trendy Westboro and back through the Italian portion of the city before returning to your starting point. A quick way to get a look at different sections of the city in one run.

http://www.runningmap.com/?id=158211

Noel Paine strives to stay ahead of the mid-packers and the hands of time while pushing his personal limits, running around Ottawa from his home in Hull, Que.