Ottawa Marathon Weekend 2026: Full Downtown Road Closures, Transit Changes and Rain Forecast

Ottawa’s downtown core will be difficult to navigate this weekend as the sold-out Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend 2026 brings thousands of runners, spectators, volunteers and support crews into the capital for two days of races.

The event runs Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, with participants competing in the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon. All races start from the City Hall area before moving through major parts of Ottawa and Gatineau, creating temporary closures on busy streets, bridges and parkways.

For drivers, Sunday is expected to be the more difficult travel day. Road closures are scheduled from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while Saturday’s race-related closures are expected from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The official Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend road closure page says temporary closures will be in place across Ottawa and Gatineau, with delays expected during peak race hours. Emergency services access will be maintained, and police officers will be stationed at major intersections to help manage crossings and traffic flow.

Roads and bridges affected during Ottawa Race Weekend

The closures will affect several of the capital’s most heavily used downtown routes. Drivers should plan for disruptions on Laurier Avenue, Elgin Street, Queen Street, O’Connor Street, Bank Street, Wellington Street, Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Booth Street, Rideau Street, Colonel By Drive, Pretoria Bridge and Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

Several scenic and commuter routes are also part of the affected network, including Sussex Drive and Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. These roads are important links for people travelling between downtown Ottawa, the ByWard Market, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe and the eastern parkway corridor.

Cross-border travel may also be slower than usual. Chaudière Bridge and Alexandra Bridge are listed among the impacted routes, meaning some trips between Ottawa and Gatineau could take longer or require a different crossing depending on the time of day.

Anyone heading near Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, City Hall, the ByWard Market, LeBreton Flats or Gatineau’s downtown edge should check the route before leaving. Even short trips may take longer because rolling closures can shift as runners move through the course.

Transit, weather and what visitors should know

OC Transpo is adding early train service to help people reach the event without driving into the closed zones. Line 1 and Line 2 trains will begin operating at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 24, giving runners and spectators more time to get downtown before the longer races begin.

Public transit will likely be the easier option for most visitors, especially those travelling from outside the downtown core. Riders should still allow extra time, as stations near the race area may be busier than normal and some surface routes could be affected by nearby closures.

The weather may also shape the day. Environment Canada is calling for rain on Sunday, with temperatures expected around 14 C and showers likely. Runners should prepare for wet pavement, cooler conditions and longer wait times near start areas, while spectators may want umbrellas, waterproof jackets and shoes suitable for standing outdoors.

Because every race is sold out, crowd levels are expected to be high throughout the weekend. Restaurants, hotels and coffee shops near the race route may see heavier traffic, while parking close to City Hall and downtown landmarks could be limited or harder to reach.

Large running events have created similar weekend traffic pressure in other cities this spring. Swikblog recently reported on Toronto Marathon 2026 road closures and TTC diversions, where thousands of runners forced major route changes across several neighbourhoods.

The best approach for Ottawa residents is to treat the weekend as a planned downtown disruption rather than a normal Saturday or Sunday commute. Avoid unnecessary driving near the race route, use trains where possible, and check official closure updates before travelling.

For runners and spectators, the message is just as clear: arrive early, dress for rain and give yourself extra time. With sold-out races, early-morning closures and several major bridges affected, Ottawa Race Weekend will bring energy to the city — but it will also require careful travel planning.

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