Ottawa 2026 running trip: a look back at our very first getaway

What is a The Run Away getaway? A getaway is an all-inclusive running trip built around an official race. The agency handles transportation, accommodation, race bibs and all side activities — shakeout run, group meals, recovery — so participants can focus on one thing: running. The goal: turning a solo race weekend into a collective, human and unforgettable experience.

A few weeks ago, we experienced something truly special. After months of preparation, The Run Away team finally hit the road for the agency’s very first getaway: the Ottawa Race Weekend 2026.

A group of passionate runners, a few strangers who would quickly become travel companions, varied athletic goals — but one shared desire: to live a different kind of weekend, where running becomes the backdrop for discovery, connection and lasting memories.

Friday: leaving Montreal, heading to Ottawa

It all started on Friday, May 22 in the early afternoon outside ITHQ in Montreal. From the very first miles on the bus to Ottawa, conversations flowed naturally. We talked about training, past marathons, goals for the weekend — and sometimes just about life.

First stop: Carleton University to pick up our precious race bibs. The excitement suddenly felt very real.

After settling in at the Lord Elgin Hotel, right in the heart of Ottawa, the day wrapped up with a great dinner at Joey Rideau. A relaxed vibe, lots of laughs, and already the feeling that this weekend was going to be something special.

Saturday: shakeout run with Campus Coach Ottawa

On Saturday, May 23, we met up with Julia from Campus Coach Ottawa for a shakeout run. Under a generous sun and in perfect running conditions, the group covered a few easy miles through the capital.

This kind of run is a perfect reminder of what makes the running world so unique: runners from everywhere, spontaneous encounters, shared stories, and infectious energy on the eve of a big event.

The morning wrapped up over coffee and pastries at Little Victories Coffee — where we ran into other running groups, including the well-known Slowpokes de Montréal.

The afternoon was dedicated to recovery: pool, hot tub and rest at the hotel. On the dinner menu: a carb-heavy meal to fuel up for the big day ahead.

Sunday: race day — and the magic happened

On Sunday, May 24, after a rainy night, conditions at sunrise were finally ideal. Cool temperatures, a clear sky, and that one-of-a-kind atmosphere that only marathon start lines can deliver.

Marathoners and half-marathoners took to the streets of Ottawa with their own goals. Some were simply aiming to cross the finish line; others were hoping to set a new personal record.

The results exceeded all expectations: personal records in both the marathon and the half-marathon.

But beyond the finish times, it was the group’s energy that changed everything. The encouragement before the start, the messages during the race, the celebrations at the finish line — all of it transformed an ordinary race weekend into a genuine human experience.

After the race: celebration and the ride back to Montreal

One last soak in the hot tub to ease tired legs, then a final gathering over burgers, fries and a well-earned beer to celebrate the weekend’s achievements.

Then it was time to head back to Montreal. Medals around our necks, heads full of memories — and one certainty: this was just the beginning.

What this first getaway taught us

This first collective adventure confirmed everything we have believed from day one: a race weekend is so much richer when lived as a group, with an organization that takes care of all the logistics and leaves only the joy.

Thank you to all the participants who trusted us for this first edition. Thank you to our partners who helped make this experience what it was, and to the entire Lord Elgin Hotel team for their exceptional hospitality.

We cannot wait to come back to Ottawa in 2027. And most of all — we cannot wait to take you on our next adventure.