Your Ultimate Guide to a Fun Weekend at the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Your Ultimate Guide to a Fun Weekend at the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

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    Presented by XACT Nutrition — Official Fuel Partner

    The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend isn’t just a race. It’s a weekend-long celebration of running, community, and positive vibes from start to finish line — and beyond. XACT Nutrition is here for it all: fueling your race, cheering you on, and partying with you at the finish. Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of race weekend!

    We’ve joined forces with Ottawa City Run Club and Slow Fast Slow and friends in a BIG way for this weekend's marathon festivities.

    Four days, open-door events, collaborations, partying…and even some running. 
    Plus satellite activities starting Tuesday 20 May in Montreal and Ottawa to get you in the mood for race week. 

    Meet the Crews

    • Ottawa City Run Club (OCRC): Shakeouts, cheer zones, and post-race parties — they bring the energy every time.
    • Slow Fast Slow: The unofficial vibe department of Ottawa running. Hosting the Sunday afterparty and more.
    • Arboretum Hill Club (AHC): Free Friday Fitness legends. Catch them running, cheering, dancing, and making it all look easy.

    Here’s What’s Happening

    🗓️ Tuesday, May 20 — Kickoff Shakeouts

    • Montreal: Shakeout Run x Run In Montreal x Boutique Courir
      📍 Boutique Courir, St-Denis, Montreal
      ⏰ 6PM | Sign up via Eventbrite
    • Ottawa: OCRC x Brooks x Bushtukah Shakeout
      📍 Beyond the Pale Brewing, 250 City Centre Ave, Bay 106
      ⏰ 7PM meet-up, 7:30PM start

    📦 Thursday–Saturday — Race Expo

    • 📍 Carleton University Fieldhouse, 1125 Colonel By Drive
      🕙 Friday & Saturday | Expo details here

    🎽 Friday, May 23

    • 6AM — AHC Run Club
      📍 Dominion Arboretum
      Run, workout, dance, coffee.

    🏃 Saturday, May 24

    • 9:30AM — Blacktoe Running Shakeout
      📍 427 Richmond Rd (future Ottawa store)
    • 10AM — OCRC Shakeout Run (3K or 5K)
      📍 Carleton Fieldhouse
      With snacks and vibes from XACT Nutrition
    • 4PM–8PM — Bestest Cheer Station w/ @marsquest 🕶️
      📍 Pretoria Bridge at Queen Elizabeth Dr
    • 4PM — OCRC Cheer Station + Pizza Party
      📍 Frank at QED | Hosted with Ottawa run crews and @on

    🎉 Sunday, May 25 — Race Day

    • 7AM — OCRC Cheer Station
      📍 Frank at QED
    • 8AM–12PM — Bestest Cheer Station w/ AHC + XACT
      📍 15 Sussex Drive (corner of Mackay St)
    • 10AM–Finish — XACT Runner’s Lounge
      📍 Confederation Park
      Hydration, relaxation, and DJ Danny Valois
    • 2PM–5PM — Official Afterparty
      📍 Wheelhouse Cycle, 145 Spruce St
      Hosted by Slow Fast Slow x OCRC x Don’t Trip Run Series
      Burgers, beer, NA bevs, tattoos by @fdorseytattoos_tl + @balmoralsports
      Sponsors: @cieleathletics, @on, @elanrunning, @xactnutrition

    Your Race Day Game Plan

    • Marathon: Sunday 7:00AM
    • Half Marathon: Sunday 9:00AM
    • 5K & 10K: Saturday afternoon
    • Kids Run: Saturday morning

    Getting Around — No Stress, Just Movement

    Forgot Something? These Shops Have Your Back

    Fuel Up — Our Favorite Eats for Runners

    Sip Something Local — Post-Race Cheers

    • BTP Brewing
    • Slow Fast Slow + OCRC + friends — Warehouse Afterparty

    Cool Down Like You Mean It

    • Rideau Canal Pathways
    • Major’s Hill Park
    • Gatineau Park
    • Parliament Hill

    We’ll Be With You Every Step (and Snack) of the Way

    This isn’t just a race. It’s your weekend. Tag @xactnutrition and use #fuelyourgoals all weekend long. We’ll see you at every shakeout, fueling station, cheer zone, and party.

    XACT Nutrition – Official Fueling Partner of the 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend