OTTAWA MARATHON OCTOBER 12, 2003 by Julia Fournier
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in East-end Ottawa was the site of the 2nd Annual Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon, a fast growing event. The 1100 participants (more than 500 in the half marathon!) and more than 100 volunteers created a successful event under beautiful Indian Summer skies.
The races got off to a late start because of thick fog which posed a safety concern out on the roads, but within 15 minutes all races were off and running. There was a race for every one, the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km, 5km, and a Turkey Trot 1 km Run which stayed on the Museum grounds for the Kids. The running course is hilly and a great challenge for runners. It was spectacular to see the runners climbing the hill and working their way out of the fog that was still settled in at the lower elevations. The day turned into a gloriously sunny day reaching 22 C by mid day. After the races the runners were all given a meal and had the opportunity to enjoy a massage.
The Marathon winner, Ken Macleod of Ottawa, won the Marathon for his second year and attention should be drawn to the 1:09:00 winning time in the Men’s Half by Deng Kuol of Kingston – and who said this was a tough course! All results can be found on Somersault’s website www.somersault.ca
The Ottawa Food Bank collected on site and from homes along the running route $3000 and more that 1800lbs of food. In addition, the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Friends of the Museum, the Canterbury Rowing Club and the Rideau Canoe Club were also big winners through fundraising endeavours!
We want to thank our many sponsors and community supporters for helping us make this event the success it is. if you haven’t put this event on your schedule, you should in 2004!
Julia Fournier
Race Director
Ottawa Marathon
