Training with the Train

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the biggest multi-day race event in Canada, drawing in thousands of out-of-town visitors and 200,000 spectators. OC Transpo is your best choice to get to the start line with easy options to pay your fare with O-Payment to using one of the many O-Train Stations just minutes from the event.

If you’re one of the 35,000 runners taking part, your training is almost complete! After logging many kilometres, you may be looking to change things up.

Have you ever considered that an O-Train Line 1 station could be a perfect start or end point for your next run?

The Next Stop Blog is here to provide some inspiration on how you can take advantage of the O-Train to travel to new running destinations. Here’s our guide on how you can “train with the train.”

Why train with the O-Train?

O-Train Line 1 runs from Tunney’s Pasture Station in the west, through downtown, to Blair Station in the east. Along the way, you can access one of the most extensive pathway networks in North America – perfect for cycling, walking and of course, running! Whether you’re doing an out and back, a loop or simply running to one destination, the O-Train network gives you flexibility when planning your training route.

Use our Travel Planner or download the Transit app to discover a new part of the city. With OC Transpo, you can enjoy the benefits of changing up your running routine and run at your own pace. All rides include a minimum 90-minute transfer window so there’s no rush. Take your time and feel free to walk-run!

You've got your playlist on your phone or smart watch; did you know you can pay your fare with those devices too? With O-Payment, you can tap your credit card or mobile wallet at fare readers on buses and fare gates at O-Train Line 1 stations.

Route 1 “Le ‘grammable”– Bayview Station to Parliament Station (5 kilometres)

This 5-kilometre interprovincial route runs between Parliament and Bayview stations. It will take you past Parliament Hill and guide you through the cobblestoned roads of downtown Gatineau and back. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Ottawa River and take in the Canadian War Museum and LeBreton Flats – a great way to see a bit of the National Capital Region and some prime photo locations when posting your run online.

Route 2 “The Canaler”– Bayview Station to Tremblay Station (10 kilometres)

This 10-kilometre route offers the opportunity to enjoy a run along the famous Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Running between Bayview and Tremblay stations, you’ll travel through Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhood, Dow's Lake, Lansdowne, the University of Ottawa campus and across the Rideau River. Most of this route is on a multi-use pathway that has minimal stops, features water fountains when in-season, and gives you a preview of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend half  and full marathon  courses.

Route 3 “The end to ender”– Tunney’s Pasture Station to Blair Station – (20 kilometres)

This 20-kilometre route is a scenic way to venture through Ottawa and get bragging rights for running from one end of Line 1 to the other. Saunter past Dow’s Lake, the home of the Canadian Tulip Festival, and take in the sights of Lansdowne Park before making your way through the grounds of one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Canada, St. Paul’s University. Be prepared to stop for Canada geese when running along the Ottawa River.

Plan your race weekend travel with OC Transpo

Skip traffic, forget about parking and avoid road closures by using O-Train Line 1 to travel to and through the downtown core. With three O-Train stations within a 15-minute walk from the start line, OC Transpo is the most convenient, accessible and eco-friendly way to get to and from the event safely.

O-Train Line 1 will run as scheduled on Saturday May 25, from 6 am to 2 am. On Sunday May 26, O-Train Line 1 will open at 5 am ahead of the 7 am start of the marathon.

If outside the downtown core, there are many Park & Ride lots across Ottawa that offer free parking for attendees using transit. Paying your fare is easy and convenient with O-Payment. All fare readers on buses and fare gates at O-Train Line 1 stations accept credit card and mobile wallet options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Race participants can also take advantage of free OC Transpo service on May 24 and 25 when traveling to pick up race kits at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Health and Fitness Expo being held at Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park.

No matter the distance that you’re running, OC Transpo is here to take you there.

Do you have a running route that takes advantage of transit? Let us know by emailing thenextstopblog@ottawa.ca