Everything you need to know before you race one of Canada’s premier 10Ks.
There’s something unforgettable about racing in Ottawa. The energy, the layout, and the chance to run alongside Canada’s best make the Ottawa 10K one of the most electric and accessible races in the country.
“By the time we hit the Bronson bridge at 5K, I knew it was one of those rare days cool air, smooth legs, and the buzz of a big race on a perfect course.”
This year, I had the chance to coach three athletes in the Canadian National 10K Championships, and all of them walked away with massive personal bests. But whether you’re gunning for the front or just hoping for your fastest time yet, this course delivers and I’m going to tell you why.
Ottawa 10K Course: Fast, Flat(ish), and Fair
The Ottawa 10K race course is essentially a curving out-and-back that hugs the scenic Rideau Canal. If you’re into races that balance crowd energy with PB (or “PR” for our American friends) potential, this one checks all the boxes.
Here’s what to expect:
- Start to 5K: Slight downhill, packed crowds, easy to go out too fast. Soak up the energy, but check your watch.
- Bronson Bridge (~5K): Short incline over the overpass—the only real climb on the course. Stay relaxed and know you’ll get it back soon.
- Back half: Flat and honest. Focus on running the tangents as the course curves alongside the canal.
Pro Tip: If it’s windy on the way out, you’ll likely be shielded or helped on the way back due to the layout of the canal path. Stay patient early and aim for a negative split.
Race-day soundtrack: Optional, but if you run with music, expect it to get drowned out by the crowd noise through the first 2K in a good way.
The Conditions: Cool, Crisp, Perfect
This year brought ideal racing conditions–a cool spring evening with overcast skies. If you’ve raced the Ottawa 10K before, you know it can get hot, but 2025 gave us one of the best setups in recent memory. No excuses. Just fast racing instead.
Real Results: What’s Possible on This Course
Three of my longtime athletes (and TRR coaches) used the Ottawa 10K as part of their spring speed series before heading into fall marathon prep. They were in different phases of training, but all walked away with PRs:
- Thomas Nobbs – 6th in the men’s national field in 28:58
- Teagan Robertson – 12th in the women’s national field in 34:18
- Elaina Raponi – 19th in the women’s national field in 35:49. Elaina’s Strava activity link.
These are athletes I’ve coached for years and what this race showed again is that when you combine great prep with the right course and competition, magic happens.
See the full results here.
Ottawa 10K Logistics: Stress Free and Spectator Friendly
- Expo: Quick in and out. Bib pick-up took under 10 minutes.
- Gear check: Efficient and easy to access post-race.
- Bathrooms: Ample, never a long wait.
- Warm-up space: Tons of room around City Hall, as well as along Elgin Street and the Canal.
And if you’ve got friends or family coming to cheer? They’ll love it. The canal path makes it easy for spectators to see you multiple times, both by bike and foot, and the finish area is super accessible from both sides of the city.
Mental Notes: Strategy Tips for First-Timers
- Don’t get greedy early. The downhill start and crowd noise will tempt you to go out too fast. Hold back.
- Stay smooth over Bronson. It’s the only climb, and you’ll get rewarded with a downhill right afterwards.
- Run the tangents! The curves along the canal are deceiving, therefore running the tangents can save seconds.
- Save something for the finish. You’ll hear it before you see it, and there’s nothing like closing strong with the crowd going wild.
Final Thoughts: Should You Race the Ottawa 10K?
100% yes!
The Ottawa 10K is a course that rewards smart racing, attracts deep competition, and offers a smooth, exciting experience from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing your first 10K finish, your fastest, or something in between, you’ll have everything you need to run your best.
So when you’re planning your 2026 race season, mark the Ottawa 10K down.
Brant Stachel is a coach with Team RunRun based in Kingston, Canada. He works with runners and triathletes of all skill levels, from beginners to international and professional athletes.