EVENT INFO

Type of event:
For 2020, the Gracefest Fun Run/Walk is a virtual event.  The normal route is along the Ottawa River Parkway; however, for this year participants can run or walk the 5km distance anywhere convenient.
Event Period:
Participants can run/walk the 5km distance anytime between Tuesday 01 Sept 2020 and Wednesday 30 Sept 2020.
Default Location:
Cairine Wilson High School
975 Orleans Blvd, Ottawa, ON

Click to open Google Maps

Default Course Description:
Normally, the course of the event takes place on the Ottawa River Pathway behind Cairine Wilson High School at 975 Orleans Blvd in Orleans.  This is an easy, flat course with the start / finish line next to Cairine Wilson High School and proceeding 2-1/2 km east along the pathway to a halfway turn-around point and retracing the course back to the start/finish.  A map of the route is found by clicking here.

For those who wish to run the same course as last year, the pathway will be marked in paint at the following locations: Start/Finish, 1km, 2km, 3km, and 4km).

The City of Ottawa has posted warning signs indicating that wild parsnip is growing in patches alongside the path. Contact with the sap from this plant can cause severe skin irritation. Please stay on the paved pathway.

Parking Facilities:
Parking is available in the Cairine Wilson Secondary School parking lot, street parking along Orleans Blvd and in the nearby Convent Glen Shopping Centre.
T-Shirt / Race Kit:

Since the 2020 event is virtual, we will not be handing out a race kit nor a T-shirt.

Course Etiquette for Participants:

Volunteers will be stationed along the course to assist you and to discourage non-participants from the pathway.  We cannot guarantee exclusive use of the pathway so please keep to the right-hand side of the trail at all times (e.g. no groups running/walking 3 abreast) to allow faster as well as returning participants room to pass.  Feel free to cheer them on as they pass!

Facilities:

There will be ONE porta-potty available next to the start / finish line.  While a large crowd in not anticipated, please respect the wishes of others to use this facility. Also, please note that Cairine Wilson High School will NOT be open as an alternative facility.

There will be ONE water station on course at approximately 1.8 km (and 3.2 km on the return).  This location is at the north end of Champlain Blvd at the entrance to François Dupont park.

The team providing first aid for 2019 will be determined.

Food and Beverage:

Courtesy of our gracious sponsors, food and beverages will be provided to all participants following the event.  There will be a food and beverage tent near the start-finish line.

Wild Parsnip:

The City of Ottawa has posted warning signs indicating that wild parsnip is growing in patches alongside the path.  Contact with the sap from this plant can cause severe skin irritation.  Please stay on the paved pathway.

Gift Certificates and Random Draw:

In 2019 we anticipate gift certificates will be given out in a random draw based upon bib numbers at Grace Presbyterian Church after the fun run/walk.