Athletics Canada/Run Canada Certification - ON-2002-035-BDC

The Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon and Rogers Television Half Marathon have received official certification by Athletics Canada and Run Canada and are considered official distance events.  The course was measured 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 Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon may be used as a "Qualifier for the Boston Marathon".  Qualification is automatic if the Boston Qualifying standard is met during this race.

We are back with another exciting day of running. From marathon to 1Km, we have something for everyone.  Record numbers in 2007 approached the entry limits that we had established for this increasingly popular event. These limits are dictated to by Cumberland Heritage Village Museum parking capacity and the on site facilities. We have, however, devised strategies to allow for future growth to the 2500 participant goal that we have established for 2008.

The setting for the runs, is the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa. It is a turn-of-the-century village with all the trappings we need to make this Thanksgiving extravaganza one with a Canadian heritage flavour. It's right here in Ottawa, but in a true country setting and rural estate home courses.  The elements of the classic big city marathons will be there, with an intimate humble, country Thanksgiving flavour.

Enjoy a run (or walk!) at your distance, and at your speed, through a countryside of estate homes, farms and magnificent views - at the 2008 Ottawa Fall Colours Runs.

race director
Christine McKinty - christine@somersault.ca

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 gender age group categories, in the somersault Run Series.

Each 2008 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

tourism info

www.ottawatourism.ca
 

michael ryan's most excellent 1km turkey trot & wylie ryan half marathon program for kids
Click here to go to the Michael Ryan's Most Excellent Turkey Trot page for information and entry forms for this 1.0 Km event for kids up to 12 years of age.

*New, Exciting, and Coming June 1st " Check out the Michael Ryan's Most Excellent Turkey Trot 1Km Run site as well, for information on an exciting new kids' program for home or school, that allows kids to enter a running program that sees them run a half marathon distance over a 1 month period before October 9th and then complete it with their Michael Ryan's Most Excellent turkey Trot 1Km Run.

event highlights

• Medals for all finishers at the finish line
• Bushtukah merchandise prizes
• New - Walker's Categories
• Run Canada & Athletics Canada certified
• Beautiful and challenging run courses
• Personalized participant bib numbers
• Boston Qualifier
• New - Official performance certificates available online

you asked... we listened!
In our continuing efforts to make your race experience a better one, we are committed to make the following improvements in 2008:

• Increased and improved parking to permit easier exit.
• Doubled the number of toilets on site.
• A walking category has been added.
• The marathon will start at 9:00 a.m.
• A centralized Pre-Race Day Kit Pick Up in Ottawa has been added.
• A shuttle bus system has been added from the Trimm Rd./Queensway Park & Ride
• Vaseline, Sunscreen and Band aids at all aid stations.
• Beverages will be available with post race food.
• Streamlined access to post finish refreshments.
• Known medical conditions will be printed on participant bib numbers.
• Reduced road traffic during race start times.
• Easier to interpret Km signage on all courses.
• And many others.

ottawa food bank - "the thanksgiving spirit of giving!"

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, we are also proud to support the Ottawa Food Bank. All participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be collected on race day, particularly items for children and families. For more information about the Ottawa Food Bank visit www.theottawafoodbank.ca. 

children at risk - the official charity
Children at Risk is an official charity of the 2008 Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon. You can learn more about this important organizations by visiting their web site at http://www.childrenatrisk.ca/ . You can make a donation to Children at Risk on site at the event at the Rogers Tim Horton's Community Cruiser.

online donation and pledge forms
You may find it easier to make a donation or solicit pledge support, using the online event entry form.

Children at Risk Online Donations

1. Donations can be made to Children at Risk during the online entry process.
2. The donation amount will be added to your entry fee. 
3. The amount in the donation box will be directed to on your behalf.
4. Donations of more than $20 wil receive an income tax receipt.

Children at Risk Participant Pledge Support

1. You can only solicit online pledges once you have entered the event.
2. Your email entry confirmation will include a URL link to your personal pledge page.
3. Email your friends asking them to make a pledge on your behalf, using that link.
4. State the name of Children at Risk in your email.
5. Pledge funds will be forwarded to Children at Risk as they are received.

an invitation to clubs to volunteer
The Rogers Television Ottawa Fall Colours Run is a multi-charity event. We invite any charity that is interested in helping build this great event, to contact us at info@somersault.ca. There are some excellent opportunities, especially for children, youth and seniors to contribute to and benefit from the Ottawa Fall Colours Run.

events & distances

• Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon - 42.2 Km      
• Rogers Television Half Marathon - 21.1 Km 
• Ottawa 10 Km Run 
• Ottawa 5 Km Fun Run  
• Michael Ryan 1.0 Km Run (click here)

start time
The start time of the first race the Marathon is 9:00 a.m. See the start times for the other races, below in the "Race Day Information" section.

Marathon Time Limit - 5 Hours (6 Hours with an optional 8:00 a.m.start)

Due to the nature of the marathon course, and our concern for the safety of all runners, there is a time limit of 5 hours to complete the Marathon.  Runners who do not cross the half way point in the marathon in less than 2:30 (3:00 for those who take the optional 8:00 a.m. start), will be asked to leave the course, and will receive an official Half Marathon finish time. 

Marathon Runners - Early Start Time - 8:00 a.m.
If you are not sure you can complete the marathon within the 5 hour time limit, we encourage you to attempt the Half Marathon instead - or contact us at info@somersault.ca, to book an 8:00 a.m. start time in the Marathon.

We accept marathon participants who expect to run or walk the marathon distance between 5 and 6 hours,however, you will be given this earlier 8:00 a.m. start time. Early starters and you may be walking or running on your own for awhile as the course is being set up. Please contact us if you plan to walk or run between a 5 and 6 hour pace, and we will book an 8:00 a.m. start time for you.

Half Marathon '2 Hour or Slower' Particpants - Please Note!
Half Marathon walkers and runners who are on a 2 hour and 20 minute (or slower) pace will walk/run the out and back half marathon course, not the full loop course. This first half of this out and back course is exactly the same for all Half Marathon participants. Both the full loop and th eout and back Half Marathon courses are certified. The out and back course is actually the 2nd half of the marathon course.

The out and back course ensures that the walkers and slower runners have lots of company and are on safe route. Walkers and runners who reach the half way point on the full loop Half Marathon course after 1hr and 10 minutes, will use the out and back loop.

participation categories

early season entry fee 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 the early season discounts, trade discounts, and draw prizes, please go to http://www.somersault.ca/earlydiscounts.htm.

free change of entry if entered by March 31st
Each early season entry received by January 31, 2007, is eligible for one free change to another event in the same calendar year, if the event change request is made by the Sunday before the event to which you wish to change. Each entry received after January 31, 2007 and by March 31, 2008 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 October 5th.

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.

entry fee discounts and deadlines

entry fee schedules after discount deadlines

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 October 5th.  All entries received after Sunday October 5th, must be made at a Race Kit Pick Up time and location and must be paid in cash. Souvenir shirts are included free with your entry up to Sunday October 5th - no exceptions. Entries received after Sunday October 5th do not receive a souvenir shirt.

officiating, safety, medical, & gas cost increase surcharge
In addition to the entry fee, a surcharge of $4 per entrant to cover the cost of accreditation, officiating, medical and safety personnel, and Club of Event costs.

entering online is recommended
We encourage you to enter online. You receive an immediate confirmation of payment, and avoid the hassle of writing a cheque, mailing or dropping off your form, and wondering if we received your entry - enter at www.somersault.ca.

important deadlines

awards and prizes

• Medals to all finishers at the finish line
• Merchandise prizes to the first male and female in the 5 & 10Km 
• Merchandise prizes to the first three males and females in the Half Marathon
• Merchandise to the first 3 overall 
• Medal "Add Ons" to the first three in all categories 
• Online Finish Certificates available to all
• Personalized participant bib numbers 
• Draw prizes

marathon or half marathon course records - $250
We are offering cash prizes for the first time in the Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon and Half Marathon. We will award the overall winner - male and female - of either race with a cash prize of $250 if he/she establishes a new course record.

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

Race Winners
The first place male and female 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 Top3 Finishers
All Age, Weight, and Relay Category top 3 finishers, are eligible for a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Place Medal 'Add On'. This 'Add On' must be picked up on race day, any time the results are posted, at the Awards Table. The 'Add On' cannot be claimed after race day - sorry.

Award Medal "Add On" Must Be Picked Up on Race Day
The Award Medal "Add On' must be claimed on race day. 'It will be available to you at the Awards Table with 20 minutes of your race finish. Just check the official results to see if you finished in the top 3 in your category, and then claim your 'Add On' at the Awards Table.

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, 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.

the holistic clinic - 2211 Riverside Dr.
613-521-5355 - www.holisticclinic.ca
Somersault Promotions is very excited to announce; Ottawa’s Holistic Clinic as an exclusive service sponsor of the Somersault Series  

The Holistic Clinic has signed on to provide on site athlete care at Somersault events in the Ottawa area. The Holistic Clinic will have an ART®/Holistic Clinic tent in the expo area of Somersault’s events to provide Active Release Technique®, Trigenics Technique®, and massage therapy.  The Holistic Clinic encourages you to stop by the booth to say hello and see how these techniques can help you to manage and prevent sports injuries.

record holders
Marathon

Rogers Television Half Marathon

event services
Medical - Qualified medical staff will be on site, at the finish line and roving on the run courses.

Massage Therapy - Athletic therapists will be on site for half marathoners and marathoners.

Toilets - Many more toilets will be on site this year - by popular demand, and also at the 10Km, 21.1km and 31.1km points on the half marathon and marathon courses.

Timing - ChampionChip Timing courtesy of Sportstats will be in place. In addition to finish times, we will also post marathoners half marathon splits.

Carb-BOOM and Gatorade Aid Stations

Aid stations will be placed every 2.5 Km along all run courses as well as at the Finish Line. Water and Gatorade will be available to participants in all races at these stations.

Carb-BOOM Gel wil be available to Marathon and Half Marathon participants only at each station.

souvenir tech shirt - marathon
We have a souvenir shirt for everyone who enters by Sunday October 5th. Marathon participants receive a Tech Shirt with your entry. All other participants receive a t-shirt. However, for an extra $15 you can upgrade the t-shirt to a "Tech" shirt - just check off the order box when entering.

Men Only Please Note 1: When ordering a Tech Shirt, you should order a shirt 1 size smaller than you wear in a T-Shirt.

souvenir t-shirt - 5Km, 10Km, & Half marathon
If your entry is received by Sunday, october 5th you will receive a free souvenir T-shirt if you attend the event. 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
We invite you to upgrade your souvenir event t-shirt to a high quality Tech T-Shirt for an extra $15. The Tech Shirt comes without the sponsor logos on the back, so it makes a first class casual wear shirt.

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.
  

You are not eligible for the souvenir tech t-shirt after event day.

Men Please Note: When ordering a Tech T-Shirt, men should order a shirt 1 size smaller than you wear in a cotton T-Shirt.

chimo hotel - the official somersault event hotel
The CHIMO Hotel in Ottawa, is the official Somersault Event Hotel for 2007.  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 a convenient drive from the event site, and close to excellent shopping, restaurants, and National Capital Region attractions. Visit the Chimo Hotel web site(www.chimohotel.com). All rooms come with Free high speed internet access, free local phone calls, a mini-fridge, and coffee maker.

When calling to reserve a room, state that you would like the "Somersault Promotions Preferred Corporate Rate" (plus applicable taxes - 15%).  You can contact the hotel at 1-800-387-9779, or email chimo@chimohotel.com.

zoomphoto.ca photography
We are pleased to be able to offer a photo program for participants in the Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon, Half Marathon, 10, 5, & 1Km Runs.  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.

expo
There will be an Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon Expo on the race site on race day and at Race Kit Pick Up the day before at the Heritage Village Museum.  Those interested in participating in the Expo, should contact Christine at info@somersault.ca for more information on booth rentals.

food and refreshments
All participants can look for fruit, bagels, water, and Gatorade at the finish line. There will be a post run meal as well for all participants.

championchip timing - by sportstats  
We use ChampionChip Timing at all Somersault races.  This timing system requires that all participants wear a ChampionChip Bracelet on your ankle (Anklet) during the race.  This bracelet contains a computer chip that allows you to be timed.  No chip = no time.

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, 2008)
Your personal results will be posted very soon after you finish the race at the race site.  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 after race day.  Have Sportstats make changes before you leave the event site. Results will be posted at http://www.somersault.ca/resultsrun.htm the evening of the race.

event day schedule

directions
Take the Queensway East past Orleans on Regional Road 174 to the Village of Cumberland.  Turn South at the traffic lights on Cameron St. and make the next left onto Old Montreal Rd. Head East (left) on Old Montreal Rd. until you reach the Heritage Village Museum (approx. 2Km). If you are coming from the East, take Highway 17 (Regional Rd. 174) and take the same turnoff.

parking - $2 per adult - correct change only

The only parking available for the event is on the museum site.  You should be there by 8:30 a.m. to allow you time to get parked and get ready to run. Parking is prohibited on Old Montreal Rd, due to safety concerns.  Those who park on the road may have their vehicles towed. Please also allow 10-15 minutes to exit the parking lots.

1 Km & 5Km Parking
Look for signage at the Museum to direct you to the proper lots. 1Km and 5Km participants will be parking in the North Parking Lot across the road from the Museum. this will allow you to exit the lot quickly after the race, without being held up for long periods of time.

10Km, Half Marathon, Marathon Parking
Participants in these races will park in the South Parking Lot beside the Museum as you will be leaving later in the morning and will be able to exit fairly quickly.

There is a $2 per adult fee for parking at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum - please bring a toonie for each adult with you to save time early in the morning. Bring your toonie with you when you leave the car - you pay the parking fee at the entrance to the grounds - not as you enter the parking area. 

race kit pick up & late registration
It is highly recommended that you pick up your race kit at one of the pre-race opportunities, rather than on race day.  Race morning is very hectic and it can be wet or cold at our outdoor Race Day Race Pick Up site. Be sure to bring your food donations for the Ottawa Food bank to Race Kit Pick Up.

Friday, October 10th  
Dovercourt Recreation Centre
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
411 Dovercourt Ave., Ottawa

Saturday October 11th
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Old Montreal Rd. Cumberland Village
Ottawa, Canada

October 12th
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
6:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Old Montreal Rd. Cumberland Village
Ottawa, Canada

how to get there
Click here to use the course and site map for directions to the event site. Click on Hybrid or Map, and then use the Zoom Out function on the map, to find your route.

Take Regional Road 174 or Highway 17 East - 5 minutes East of 10th Line exit- At a set of lights  turn  right on Cameron St.. This intersection is the Cumberland /Masson Ferry crossing. At the stop sign turn left onto Old Montreal Road and follow Old Montreal Road East to the Museum which is about 2Km down the road.

course maps & how to view
Somersault event maps are featured through the Google Maps service.  Participants may easily view course maps using your Explorer or Firefox browsers.

Click here for instructions on how to best view the course maps

Click here for a map of all courses.

The starts of the 1Km, 5Km, 21.1Km, and 42.2Km races are on the Museum grounds (see site map below).

The start of the 10Km is approx. 250 metres East of the Museum on Old Montreal Rd.

All finishes are on the Museum gronds at a common finish line (see site map below).

All runs/walks head East away from the Museum, from their starts.

The Marathon goes around the red loop once, and then half way around the red loop a second time, to a turn around point on Milburn Dr. It then returns back along the red route to the Finish at the Museum.

The Half Marathon is one complete loop of the red route or an out and back course on the red loop for walkers and slower runners, to the Finish on the Museum grounds

The 10Km is the first part of the red loop, turning right onto the blue route, and then right again onto the red route, returning to the Finish on the Museum grounds.

The 5Km Course is loop course that snakes through the Pierrette subdivision.Runners exit the Museum turning right onto Old Montreal Rd. They then turn right off Old Montreal Rd. onto Pierrette Dr, turn left on Des Trembles Ave., turn right onto Pierrette Dr., turn left again onto Lockwood Lane, turn left onto Pierrette and then turn right onto the 2nd intersection with Ernside Cr. From here, runners then turn left onto Pierrette, and finally they turn left onto Old Montreal Rd. and head back to the Museum finish line.

course profile
Click here to view the course profile!

event site
The event site map below, identifies more clearly, the actual location of the race starts on the Museum grounds. The 10Km doesn't start on the Museum grounds. It starts on Old Montreal Rd. just East of the Museum.
 

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum - http://ottawa.ca/residents/heritage/museums/cumberland/index_en.html.

All entrants are required to be familiar with the "General Information", "Rules and Procedures" 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.

your first race?
Click here to go to our beginners and novices page for assistance.

volunteers
If your kids, spouse, family members or friends are spectating, why not volunteer them as officials/volunteers and have some fun too!  Email us ahead of time if you will help, so we can assign you - info@somersault.ca. For more information on our volunteer program, please go to http://www.somersault.ca/volunteers.htm.

Clubs, teams and non-profit organizations are invited to inquire about our volunteer donation program - a donation in return for a group of members volunteering for the day.

race info updates
We will email 3 weekly Fall Colours 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.