Terry Fox Athletic Facility, Ottawa , Ontario

The Canadian Morning 8Km & 3Km Fun Runs are a big part of the"Canadian" weekend. They are being held early in the day though - at 8:00 a.m. - so you will have to get up early to be part of the fun. The runs are held in conjunction with the Canadian Iron 226 Triathlon and Duathlon. This positioning allows recreational runners to join in the fun and chaos of the Canadian, and its 1300 participants. It will be a blast! You will really enjoy the course, which runs along the Rideau River on the recreational path - a beautiful and scenic course.

One of the most unique running events in Canada, the Canadian Evening Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Half Marathon, starts in the early evening (5:30 p.m. for the Marathon, and 7:00 p.m. for the Half Marathon). There is a time limit on the Marathon Run.  Participants must be able to finish within a 5 hour time limit (i.e. must finish by 10:30 p.m. which is also the maximum time for the Iron 226 particpants). Runners can choose to run solo, or get a team together and run the Marathon Relay.  You will be out there in the cool of the evening and will be able to share your run with the Iron 226 participants who are also doing the Marathon after a day of swimming (4Km) and cycling (180Km).  We think it will be an evening like no other.

Athletics Canada/Run Canada Certification - ON-2009-152-BDC

The Canadian Evening Marathon and Canadian Evening Half Marathon have received official certification by Athletics Canada and Run Canada and are considered official distance events.  The course was measured by Dave Yaeger, and certified by Bernie Conway, National Course Certifier, IAAF Grade A Measurer, and USATF/RRTC Final Signatory.

This certification along with our ChampionChip Timing means that the Canadian Evening Marathon may be used as a "Qualifier for the Boston Marathon".  Qualification is automatic if the Boston Qualifying standard is met during this race.

a marathon participant's testimonial
Dear Somersault:   Thank you for organizing 'The Canadian' evening marathon two weeks ago.  The course works well along the canal, as the runners can watch ducks, kayaks, canoes, and other runners.  The organization was impeccable.   I made my Boston qualifying time, and registered for the BAA marathon.  'The Canadian' course was perfect for pacing myself for the BQT.   Regards, J.P.

Bring the whole family to the Canadian - even the kids. They can enter the Morning Wylie Ryan Canadian Surf and Turf. For more information on this great kids 11 and under event, go to http://www.somersault.ca/eventcdnsurfnturf.htm.

race director

Terry McKinty - terry@somersault.ca

ottawa tourism
www.ottawa.com
www.ottawatourism.com

event highlights

• Medals to all finishers presented at the finish line
• Evening Marathon and Half Marathon
• Marathon is a Boston Qualifier
• Personalized participant bib numbers
• Gold, Silver, & Bronze Medal Lanyards for the top 3 in each category
• Official performance certificate available online  
• Fast, efficient Race Kit Pick Up on race morning 
  

carefor health & community services - official charity of the canadian

Somersault is proud to announce that Carefor Health & Community Services is the Official Charity of the 2012 Canadian Weekend.

For more than 110 years, Carefor Health & Community Services, a not-for-profit charitable organization has been helping families stay together longer at home by providing home health care and community support services. From nursing to personal care, assisted living options and respite care services to support caregivers and families with loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer's or other dementia's, all Carefor services meet the needs of the local communities we serve.

All funds raised during the Canadian weekend will go towards Carefor’s charitable work in Ottawa. Over the past year, we have seen demand for our services continue to increase while financial support of programs decreases. So you participation in the pledge program is encouraged.

As a Somersault event participant you have the opportunity to support Carefor by choosing to make a donation when you are entering online, or by clicking here to learn more about the pledge program. For more information on Carefor Health & Community Services, please visit www.carefor.ca.

Help us to care for our community! Carefor charitable registration # 11928-4768 RR0001.

kidsport ottawa - the official charity of the somersault event series
Somersault is proud to announce that KidSport Ottawa is the Official Charity of the 2012 Somersault Event Series - ‘So All Kids Can Play!’

KidSport Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children and youth living in the City of Ottawa overcome the social and economic barriers limiting or preventing their participation in sport. This is achieved through the issuance of registration fees and/or equipment grants.

As a Somersault event participant you have the opportunity to support KidSport Ottawa by choosing to make a donation when you are entering online, or by clicking here to download a Pledge Form, which you can use for collecting donations from friends and neighbours before the event, and submit them to a KidSport Ottawa representative when you arrive at the event.

For more information on KidSport Ottawa please visit www.kidsport.on.ca/ottawa

The Champions Challenge program is for those of you who participate in more than one Somersault Run Series race, and who might be interested in seeing how you stack up against others in overall, gender, and age group categories, in the Somersault Run Series.

Each 2012 Somersault Run Series race is part of the Champions Challenge. Check out how you can score points in the Champions Challenge at http://www.somersault.ca/championshipstri.htm

date of the event

Saturday September 1, 2012

event distances
Morning - 3 & 8Km Run

Evening - Marathon, Half Marathon, & Marathon Relays

start time
8:00 a.m. - 3 & 8Km Run

5:30 p.m. - Marathon & Marathon Relays

7:00 p.m. - Half Marathon Run
participation categories - age as of december 31, 2012

junior program

We are proud to continue to build the Junior Program in 2012, with the addition of the 3Km Runs.  The Junior program is designed to encourage those 12 - 19 years to participate, by including 2 year categories beginning at 13 & under, up to 18-19.  Athletes in these categories will feel comfortable in Somersault events, and are automatically ranked in the Junior Champions Challenge.

the evening marathon & half marathon

Canada's first evening Marathon and Half Marathon has been introduced to provide longer distance runners with the opportunity to run a summer event, in the cool of the evening.  Making these runs even more special is that the participants will be out there on the same course as the Iron 226 participants who have been racing their Iron 226 since 6:30 a.m.

We anticipate the company and camaraderie will benefit the Iron 226 participants, while inspiring the marathon and half marathon participants to achieve their goals. Expect a modest turn out but an intimate race experience. Expect a small but intimate field of runners, in a unique multi-loop format.

Please note that there is a time limit for both the Marathon and the Half Marathon races. The course closes at 10:30 p.m., so marathoners must be able to fiish within 5 hours, and half marathoners must be able to finish within 3 hours.

the evening marathon relay -  6 per team

The Marathon Relay allows 6 friends to enjoy an evening of running, along with the marathoners, half marathoners, and the Iron 226 participants. It is a chance to share the experience with all these participants.  We guarantee it will be an emotional evening. There is a time limit of 5 hours for the marathon relay finish as well.

student discount

Students born in 1988 or later, and enrolled in school during the 2012 year, receive a 40% discount on the entry fee.

early season entry discounts
As a courtesy to those of you who enter many Somersault events, who plan well ahead or who are just thrifty, we have a generous early season entry fee discount program. The discount schedule is outlined below. For more information on early season discounts, trade discounts, and draw prizes for which early season entrants are eligible, please go to http://www.somersault.ca/earlydiscounts.htm.

free change of entry if entered by january 31st
Each early season entry received by January 31, 2012, is eligible for one free change to another event in the same calendar year, if the event change request is made by the Sunday August 26th.

Each entry received after January 31, 2012 and before March 1, 2012 is eligible to change to another event in the same calendar year, for an administration fee of $15, if the event change request is made by Sunday August 26th.

Please Note: There are no partial refunds if the event change request is to a less expensive event. There will be an additional charge if the change is to an event with a higher entry fee.

early season entry fee discounts and deadlines

entry fee schedule

Click on the "Enter Now"button at the top of the page to view the entry fee schedule for the events. 

late entries accepted at race kit pickup

After the Online Entry Deadline has passed (Sunday Midnight August 26th), participants may still enter at Race Kit Pick Up.  The late entry race fee at Race Kit Pick up must be paid in cash, and is at a higher price.

entry fee conditions

There are no refunds for any reason - this includes event cancellation or event changes. Credit cards are accepted for online entries only, up to Sunday August 26th. Entries after Sunday August 26th, must be made at a Race Kit Pick Up and must be paid in cash. Souvenir shirts are included free with your entry up to Sunday August 26th- no exceptions. Those who enter after Sunday August 26th do not receive a souvenir shirt.

important deadlines

awards & prizes
Everyone
All participants receive a completion medal at the finish line of their race.

Race Winners
The first place male and female solo winner of each race, receives a merchandise prize.

Top 3 Overall
The first three overall finishers in each race - male and female - will be honoured in an award presentation ceremony that will take place in the Awards Area shortly after they finish.

Category Top 3 Finishers
Each Age, Weight and Relay Category top 3 finisher, is eligible for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze 'Award Medal Lanyard'. The 'Award Medal Lanyard' must be picked up on race day, any time after the results are posted at the Awards Table, or at the Award Ceremony.

Award Medal Lanyard Must Be Picked Up on Race Day
Check the official results to see if you finished in the top 3 in your category, and then you may claim your 'Award Medal Lanyard' at the Awards Table or at the Awards Ceremony.

If you do not receive your 'Award Medal Lanyard' on race day, you may send a self addressed, stamped envelope indicating the award, to 'Somersault, 411 Lefebvre Way, Ottawa, K1E 2W5', and one will be mailed to you.

official performance certificate
We are pleased to offer each race finisher, the opportunity to download and print an official certificate of their event performance. That's right, by Wednesday after each event you will be able go online to the event web site, punch in your race number and obtain a certificate that highlights your race, finish time and place in the race.

somersault iTab

You will LOVE the new Somersault event finishers’ medals!  Complete your race day experience with an iTaB .  Personalize your medal with your will your Name and Finish Time engraved on a small plate which fits neatly in to the back of your finishers’ medal. After the event, don’t forget to order your iTab. 

Check it out –CLICK HERE - to complete your iTaB order.

marathon & half marathon souvenir shirts

Solo participants in these races will receive a Tech T-Shirt if their entry is received by the souvenir shirt deadline. 2 person Marathon Relay Team members will receive a souvenir Tech Shirt, and the 4 & 8 person Marathon Relay Team members will receive a souvenir t-shirt.

You are eligible for the souvenir shirt only if you attend at Race Kit Pick Up to pick it up. If you do not pick up your race kit, you are not eligible for the souvenir shirt.  Please do not request a shirt after the event. 

3 km and 8km souvenir shirts
If your entry is received by Sunday, August 26th you will receive a free souvenir T-shirt if you are participating in the 3Km or the 8Km races. There are no exceptions to this deadline, so enter early. 

You are eligible for the souvenir shirt only if you attend at Race Kit Pick Up to pick it up. If you do not pick up your race kit, you are not eligible for the souvenir t-shirt.  Please do not request a shirt after the event. 

tech shirt option
If you are in the 3Km or the 8Km events, you can upgrade your souvenir event t-shirt to a high quality Tech T-Shirt for an extra $15, but only before the souvenir shirt deadline.  You are only eligible for the souvenir Tech T-Shirt,

• if you upgrade to the Tech Shirt when entering online, and
• if you pick up your race kit by event day.
  

zoomphoto.com photography
We are pleased to be able to offer a photo program for participants in the Canadian Run.  Zoomphoto will be offering you classy photos commemorating your participation.  Just go to http://www.somersault.ca/results.htm the day after the event for your photo.

chimo hotel - the official somersault event hotel

The CHIMO Hotel in Ottawa, is the official Somersault Event Hotel for 2012.  The CHIMO is conveniently located directly off Highway 417, via the St. Laurent Blvd. North exit. The hotel address is 1199 Joseph Cyr Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1J 7T4.

The hotel is to excellent shopping, restaurants, and National Capital Region attractions. Visit the Chimo Hotel web site (www.chimohotel.com). All rooms come with free parking, free high speed internet access, free local phone calls, a mini-fridge, and coffee maker.

If you are attending or have attended a Somersault event in 2012 you are eligible for the "Somersault Promotions Preferred Corporate Rate".  You can contact the hotel at 1-800-387-9779, or email chimo@chimohotel.com.

food and refreshments
Look for good stuff to munch on after the race - fruit, bagels, water and eLoad.

championchip timing - by sportstats  
We use Sportstats ChampionChip Timing at all Somersault races.  This timing system requires that all participants wear a ChampionChip Bracelet on their ankle during the race.  This bracelet contains a computer chip that allows you to be timed.  You are responsible for obtaining your ChampionChip Bracelet on race morning from the timing people at the Sportstats Tent near the Finish Line.  Do this at least 30 minutes before your race - earlier is better! 

Races will not be held up waiting for those who forgot their bracelet. You must return your ChampionChip Bracelet immediately after you cross the finish line.  You are responsible for the cost if it is not returned - and it is expensive.

your results (Age is as of December 31, 2012)
Your personal results will be posted very soon after you finish the race. Please check the results as soon as you can, to be sure they are accurate. If  there are discrepancies, go to the Sportstats van near the Finish Line and provide them with the information you think is correct.  Results will not be adjusted post race day.  Have the results people make changes before you leave the event site, or live with the results! Results will be posted at www.somersault.ca the evening of the race.

race day schedule

directions
We recommend that you - click here - for the map of the courses, which can also be used to find your way to Ottawa and the race site. Just click on "Map" and then use the Zoom Out function on the ladder on the left of the map, to find your route from where you are.

Terry Fox Athletic Facility is the race site. It is at the Southwest corner of Hogsback Rd.and Riverside Dr. in Ottawa. The entrance to Terry Fox Athletic Facility itself is the first right turn on the West side of Riverside Dr. South of Hogsback Rd.

Coming from the East (Orleans - Montreal)
For those coming from the East on the Queensway (Hwy 417), take the Riverside Dr. Exit and follow Riverside Dr. to the race site at the corner of Hogsback Rd. and Riverside Dr., and check out the parking instructions to decide what you are going to do from this point.

Coming from the West (Kanata or Kingston)
For those coming from the West., take the Bronson St. South. exit off the Queensway (417) and follow Bronson South to the Brookfield Dr. exit. Take Brookfield a few blocks to the corner of Riverside Dr. and Hogsback Rd., and check out the parking instructions to decide what you are going to do from this point.

pre-race day race kit pick up & late registration - Aug 31
Friday Sept 2nd
Terry Fox Facility - 2960 Riverside Dr.
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Please use the Terry Fox Athletic Facility Parking Lot off Riverside Dr., South of Hogsback Rd.
We highly recommend that participants pick up their package in person - or have a third party do so for them, on Friday, Aug 31, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. This will be the only opportunity we provide for you to review the course and ask questions of our race and course directors.

race day race kit pick up & late registration
Saturday Sept 1st
Terry Fox Facility - 2960 Riverside Dr., Ottawa
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Morning Events

4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Evening Events

race day parking - saturday sept 1st
Race Day Parking - Saturday Sept 1
Hogsback Rd. Parking Lot - First come first served on race morning.

The entrance to Hogsback Rd. (and this parking lot) is managed by an attendant and a Police Officer, at the corner of Hogsback Rd. and Riverside Dr. Entrance to Hogsback Rd. will only be open until 8:00 a.m.or until the lot is full.

Parking at Terry Fox Athletic Facility - Reserved for Iron 226 and others after that as there is room
The Terry Fox Parking Lot is off Riverside Dr., South of Hogsback Rd. The entrance to the Terry Fox Facility Parking Lot is managed by an attendant and is reserved for participants in the Iron 226, and for as many as the lot can handle after that (Max. 120).  It will probably be filled by 7:30 a.m.

Mooney's Bay Park Lot
The Mooney's Bay Parking Lot is off Riverside Dr. at the same exit as the Terry Fox AF, but it is a metered lot, and you are responsible to feed the metres. The metres take loonies and/or toonies only. It may cost about $6 - $8.00 to park for the duration of the event. Bring change!

Recommended Parking Lots
In addition to the above lots, you can park in many of the lots along Brookfield Dr. which meets Riverside Dr. at the Hogsback Rd. corner. These lots are very convenient to the event site (about a 5 minute walk) and are free, but please obey parking/no parking signs.

There Will Be No Access to Riverside Dr. from Prince of Wales Dr. until 5:00 p.m.
Please do not attempt to enter Hogsback Rd. from Prince of Wales Dr. on race morning. You will be unable to do so, because Hogsback Rd. will be closed. Access to parking lots and the race site is from Riverside Dr. only. 

3km & 8km course map

click Here for a map of the 3 & 8Km run courses.

3 & 8Km Course Description
The Start line is on the track in the Terry Fox Stadium at the normal 100M Finish Line. Runners run 100M on the track and then leave the stadium at the 100M Start line. They follow the paved recreational pathway through the Hogsback Marina parking lot under Hogsback Rd. into Hogsback Park. They run through Hogsback Park and then Vincent Massey Park and turn around at the 1.5Km point (3Km runners), and at the 4Km point (8Km runners), and return to the stadium finish line on the track.

click here for the Marathon & Half marathon course map

click here for the marathon & half marathon elevation profiles

All entrants are required to be familiar with the "General Information", and the "What's New" information sections.  There is some information in these sections that may not be on this event information page, so please click and read the appropriate buttons on the left - even if you are familiar with the event, as there can be changes!  It is a good idea to re-read event information the week before the event to be sure nothing has changed.

rules & regulations
Click here to go to event Rules & Regulations. Remember it is your responsibility to know and adhere to the rules.

new to this?
Click here to go to our beginner and novice site for assistance.

race info updates
We will email 3 weekly Canadian Run Newsletters to participants with the latest updates prior to the race.  These newsletters are very important as they will identify  changes, answer your questions and recommend race day procedures that will make your event day a better one. 

Please provide an accessible email address on your entry form if you wish to receive these Newsletters. You may want to use a personal email address rather than your work email, because many employers utilize filters that will not let the Newsletter through.