Merrickville Heritage Classic 2026

OTTAWA, LET'S DO THIS! ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES! The 5K Foam Fest is a one of a kind Obstacle Course based Fun Run! Join us for over 25 obstacles including the world's largest inflatable waterslide, mud pits and 2.5 million cubic feet of foam! Rock out all day to awesome music, enjoy a FREE kids zone for kids 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors and celebrate your success in our well-stocked beer garden. With a variety of obstacles and a ton of foam, the 5K Foam Fest is an exciting challenge for experienced and beginner runners alike...Walk it, Run it, Charge it, Fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional! PRICE JUMPS SOON!

Join us for Run for Ottawa 2026! A Charity Run & Walk supporting Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation

Why We Run

Every step you take supports the doctors, nurses, and care teams at Queensway Carleton Hospital, the people who show up for our community when it matters most.

Mercy 4 Mankind (a subsidiary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association) is proud to bring Ottawa together for our 3rd annual Run for Ottawa, a celebration of community, compassion, and action.

Something for Everyone

Whether you're chasing a personal best or taking a morning stroll with the kids, there's a distance for you:

🏃 10K Run Push your limits

🏃 5K Run A classic community favourite

🏃 3K Run Perfect for newer runners

🚶 1K Family Fun Walk Free for ages 6 & under and 65+

Who Should Come?

✅ Competitive runners

✅ Casual walkers

✅ Families with young kids

✅ Seniors

✅ First-timers

You don't need to be fast. You just need to show up.

What to Expect

A festive, welcoming atmosphere with refreshments, prizes, and the joy of doing something meaningful together for our Ottawa community.

Event Details

Arrival and Check-In:

Please arrive by 8:30 AM at the Pavilion located between Corkstown Road and Holly Acres Road (📍 Andrew Haydon Park Pavilion) to collect your registration sticker.

Opening Session & Instructions (9:00 AM)

We'll kick off with a short introduction to the Run, our selected charity Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH), and recognition of our valued sponsors and participants.

Start Times

🏃 3K Run 9:30 AM

🏃 5K Run 9:35 AM

🏃 10K Run 9:40 AM

🚶 1K Walk 9:45 AM

Refreshments & Prize Distribution

🍎 10:20 AM Refreshments and social time

🏅 10:30 AM Prize distribution and closing remarks

Distances Available

1K | 3K | 5K | 10K

5 KM Route:

1 KM Route:

Social Media

Instagram

Facebook

Event Schedule

8:00 AM – Registration Opens

Participants check in, pick up materials, and visit community information booths.

8:45 AM – Opening Remarks

Welcome from organizers, community leaders, sponsors, and special guests.

9:00 AM – 1K Memorial Walk

A special walk to honor and remember loved ones, advocates, and community members who have made a difference.

10:00 AM – 2K Dog Walk

Bring your furry friends and enjoy a fun and accessible walk supporting inclusion and community spirit.

11:00 AM – 3K

The DWC Business Challenge presented by buildable is a challenge where two businesses can challenge each other to raise funds for Dreamers Walk Canada through setting targets. Participants can register for any sub-event and join a business team.

The new kid on the block in the world of Backyard Ultras for the SECOND year. An endurance race guaranteed to test the limits of anyone with the courage to step into the loop. A race not about speed but about who has the physical and mental grit to endure the longest. There is no second place, no finish line, just the end.

Starting at the iconic 692 Coffee and Bar, the route will go through the beautiful and historic town of Manotick. Each loop for the Backyard Ultra will incorporate road and trail running; having runners take bridges over streams, run through parks, and endure tarmac underfoot.

The 5K will welcome the competitive runner and the runner looking to challenge themselves. The Family 1K is a fun and exciting event for all ages and skill levels. Whether your first race or hundredth race it will be one to remember. 50% of the registration fee from the family 1K race will be donated to the CHEO Children's Hospital - The Griffin Bell Golden Endowment Fund.

Race Day Schedule:

Race kit pick up Friday 6pm - 7:30pm

& Saturday 5am - 6:30am (Ultra) or 8:00am (1K & 5K)

Backyard Ultra Marathon start time at 7:00am (Not chip timed) 2025's route - subject to change

5km Race start time at 8:10am (Timed) 2025's route - Subject to change

Family 1km Race start time at 9:10 am (Not chip timed) 2025 route - subject to change

Buff included in reg fee. *Any registrations after Thursday September 24 at 12pm will NOT receive a buff.

OTTAWA

Run or walk on Saturday, October 17, 2026!

Every dollar raised through fundraising, Green Bib registrations, and in-registration donations go to supporting the mental health of Ottawa Fire, Police and Paramedic personnel and their families.

They are our 911. We can be theirs.

presented by

BIG NEWS! The Half Marathon returns in 2026!

Be one of the first to register for the 21.1K and receive this limited edition 9runrun running cap presented by

Bell Let's Talk!

PLUS: The first 100 participants who donate $50 or more during registration will ALSO receive a 9runrun cap presented by Bell Let’s Talk.

Register, donate, and secure your cap.

Your registration includes:

• A personalized race bib (if you register before October 11, 2026)

• A finisher's medal to celebrate your achievement!

• Professional race timing (for the 5k,10k, and Half Marathon)!

• A memorable day alongside fellow participants and supporters

• An opportunity to fundraise in support of mental health programs and services for Ottawa firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and their families

IN SUPPORT OF

GREEN BIB OPTION:

The Green Bib DOES NOT include a medal or a race t-shirt (unless purchased). Instead, $5 of your registration fee goes directly to Ottawa First Responders Foundation.