On July 15th, a new running event called the 5/15 Farm Run will be held on roads, paths, and sidewalks at the Central Experimental Farm. This event will feature both a 5 km and 15 km run. The loop is actually 5 km long but runners can run it once or three times around.

The Ottawa area boasts abundant and scenic running and walking trails. Certainly, we are one of the most involved and popular running communities in Canada. Both residents and visitors can regularly be seen running or jogging on the many trails in our community. According to the National Capitol Commission (NCC), the Ottawa area has more than 600 km of multi-use paths that connect natural areas, parks, and attractions in the area. As well as running, the paths are used for walking, in-line skating and of course, cycling.

Ottawa residents have reason to be very proud of our running community. In October 2015, organizers of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend announced that they were awarded the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) Gold label standard for the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon. This is a prestigious award that’s been given to only four other communities in North America, including New York City, Boston, Chicago and Toronto.  Another reason to be proud is that Ottawa is one of only two racing events in the world, along with Lisbon, to have held two IAAF Gold label races on a single weekend, namely the Ottawa Marathon and Ottawa 10K event.

In congratulating the ‘Run Ottawa’ team in October, the Ottawa mayor, Jim Watson commented that “this accomplishment is proof that Ottawa is not only capable of attracting major sporting events, but that we can create, grow and nurture our very own world-class sporting events right here in our great city”. In 2016, the Ottawa race weekend, including the Ottawa Marathon, was held on May 28-29 to great success, including almost 47,000 participants, although the unusually hot weather, with a humidex reading as high as 40 degrees centigrade, created an additional challenge for participants. Organizers hope to attract as many as 10,000 runners next year, to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.

One of the most amazing and positive aspects of the Ottawa runs is the amount of money that is generated for various charities. In May 2016, over $775,000 was raised by participants running for charitable causes.

Safety Tips for Runners

Running clearly has many benefits, particularly to our health and sense of well-being. However, runners face many of the same risks as other pedestrians and as such, can take measures to keep safe while running. Tips for running safely are:

• Always maintain an awareness of your surroundings.
• Carry ID and a phone, so that you can be identified and/or call for help in an emergency
• Wear bright and highly visible clothing and reflective gear. Wear LED lights if running at dawn/dusk or night
• On multi-use trails, keep your music volume low so that you can hear bicycle bells and other trail users.
• Don’t wear headphones or use an iPod on public roadways.
• Run facing traffic on public roads, but keep to the right on trails.
• Obey pedestrian traffic signs
• Stay away from areas where there are high-risk drivers
• If running with a dog, keep it leashed and close to your side.
• Take water and keep hydrated.
• Run with a buddy, particularly in higher risk areas

Although we are fortunate to live in a safe nation, assaults on runners, particularly female runners sometimes occur. In February 2016, a female runner was sexually assaulted in Burnaby B.C. while running alone. In June 2016, a man physically assaulted a 35-year-old female jogger in mid-afternoon in a park in Dartmouth, N.S.  There have also been several sexual assaults on lone runners in Toronto within the past few years, including a sexual assault on a male runner.

As well as avoiding running alone, experienced runners suggest that you should always trust your instincts. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, either due to their actions or appearance, leave the area immediately.  The key thing to remember is that dangerous events, assaults, health emergencies or even, being hit by a car while running, can happen to anyone and the only way to reduce the risk is to remain aware of your personal safety while running.

The staff at Burn Tucker Lachaîne wishes everyone a great summer of running and other rewarding outdoor activities and keep safe.