At a glance
Key takeaways
- After two wins, OC Owl is soaring toward a Mascot Race three-peat.
- Take a peek inside OC Owl's training routine.
- Transit makes it easy to catch the Mascot Race and cheer OC Owl to victory!
Every year, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend brings out the city's fastest feet, biggest crowds, and the fiercest competition of all: The annual Mascot Race.
OC Owl, the pride of OC Transpo and reigning two-time Mascot Race Champion, is back again this year with one goal in mind, a third win.
But winning is not just about wingspan and speed. It is also about practice, planning, and of course, taking transit. Whether you're running, cheering, or simply trying to get around the city during Race Weekend, OC Owl has a couple of hoot-worthy hacks to share.
Inside OC Owl's training routine
OC Owl takes race prep very seriously, or at least as seriously as a nocturnal animal can. As a two-time defending champion, they've crafted an evening training routine that includes everything from sprinting across the Place d'Orléans Station highway pedestrian bridge to climbing the 95 stairs at Rideau Station. However, OC Owl's secret weapon for winning races is training alongside the O-Train, because nothing builds momentum like trying to keep up with a diesel-powered FLIRT vehicle with speeds up to 80 km/h. For some inspiration, check out last year's “Training with the Train” blog.
When it comes to diet, OC Owl prefers to stick to aerodynamic foods and energy-boosting seed bars approved by the OC Transpo nutrition committee. OC Owl is also convinced that the Happy Goat Coffee at Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture stations deliver a secret boost of stamina.
Next is the essential mental prep. OC Owl makes it a habit of picturing victory while riding the bus and reminding themselves that legends aren't hatched; they are bred. With a third win on the line, OC Owl is ready to flap, dash, and chirp all the way to the finish line.
Where to spot OC Owl on race day
If running isn't your thing and you would rather observe the action from the sidelines, no sweat! Transit makes it easy to get right to the heart of the excitement. Thanks to nearby stations like uOttawa and Parliament, spectators, volunteers, and runners can travel to the start/finish lines with ease.
And if you want to witness greatness up close, make sure you're perched in the right place at the right time. Your chance to cheer for OC Owl is coming up soon:
📆 Saturday, May 23
⏰ 12:45 pm
📍 Ottawa City Hall — 110 Laurier Ave W
With road closures and detours in place during race weekend, OC Owl suggests leaving your cars at home and taking advantage of transit. OC Owl also knows that the early bird gets the train, so take advantage of the 5 am start time aboard Lines 1 and 2 for the big marathon on Sunday, May 24.
Can OC Owl reach the trifecta?
The Next Stop Blog has checked the transit schedules, the wind direction, and a very wise bus operator, and predicts that there is a 90% chance of victory, 10% chance of friendly competition, and a 100% chance of entertainment.
The only real way to know for sure is to see it for yourself. Join us on Saturday, May 23 with your friends and families, and be ready to witness history from the sidelines.
For more transit tips and tricks, visit the O-Train Lines 1 and 2 will start earlier on Race Weekend Sunday article.
