Here are the 2025 Ottawa Race Weekend road closures
Organizers expect over 36,500 runners and walkers to participate Saturday and Sunday
Several major Ottawa roads will be closed this weekend to make way for participants in the Ottawa Race Weekend.
The kids', 2K, 5K and 10K races will take place Saturday, followed by the half marathon and marathon Sunday.
Organizers expect over 36,500 runners and walkers to participate over the two days.
Road closures begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Laurier Avenue W. between Metcalfe and Nicholas streets, and Elgin Street northbound between Lisgar and Slater streets.
Saturday's closures mostly affect Centretown and extend south along the Rideau Canal to Dows Lake. Other downtown closures including parts of Elgin, O'Connor and Wellington streets.
Some closures will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday's closures start earlier with some streets around Ottawa city hall shutting down to traffic starting at 5 a.m.
By 9 a.m. the closures will stretch as far as Island Park Drive, Manor Park and Hog's Back Park before receding to roads along the Rideau Canal by 1:30 p.m.
Most closures on Sunday will be lifted by 3 p.m.
A full list of road closures over the weekend is available on the Ottawa Race Weekend website.
Here are some other events that could affect traffic in the coming days:
- The Great Glebe Garage Sale is happens Saturday across the central Ottawa neighbourhood, making it tougher to drive or bus through until late afternoon.
- Odawa Native Friendship Centre's 50th Anniversary Powwow is going on all weekend at the centre near St. Laurent Boulavard and McArthur Avenue.
- The King and Queen visit Ottawa on Monday and Tuesday. Watch for more road closures related to their schedule.