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Welcome to Inline Ottawa, your source for information about Inline Skating in the 2008 Minto Run For Reach 21.1 km event. You may now register
Early registration deadlines; Early bird pricing of $21/$36 for Youth/Adult until March 24th, regular pricing of $26/$46 until April 10th. Race day registration fees are $31/$56.
On Sunday April 13th, start your skating season off with a 21.1 km inline skating marathon on the scenic Queen Elizabeth Drive. With over 1400 participants in all, the Minto Run For Reach is one of the largest marathon events in the nation's capital.
- Some Quick Facts
- About the Race Course
- Cutoff Time for the Inline Marathon
- How to Train for the Minto Run for Reach Marathon
- On a Roll
- Nutrition Tips from Beth Mansfield
- Race Etiquette and Safety 101
- How to Cross Timing Mats Safely
- How to Make Comments or Suggestions
Minto Run For Links:
- Event Home Page
- Registration
- 2007 Inline (21 km) results
- 2005 Inline (10 km) Results
- 2007 Photo Gallery
- 2004 Photo Gallery
Some Quick Facts
Run for Reach was first held in 1987 and has grown to include 1400 participants across all of its events. In 2005 and again in 2007, an inline skating race was added along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway in downtown Ottawa.
The real-time Champion Chip Timing System will be used for all events. All race participants (except walkers) will be issued a timing chip and are responsible for returning the chip after their event. A fee will be charged for all chips not returned. If you wish to purchase a chip, contact Sportstats at (613) 260-0994 or visit the web site at www.sportstats.ca.
The 2008 Inline event in the Minto Run For Reach is a 21.1 km course. The schedule of events for race day is:
| Time | Event |
| 8:00 am | TD Canada Trust 21.1 km Half Marathon Run and 10 km Run |
| 10:25 am | 5 km Wheelchair Race |
| 10:30 am | Enbridge 5 km Run - 5 km Team Challenge |
| 11:15 am |
3 km Tim Hortons individual and Family Walk/Run/Wheel |
| 11:45 am |
21.1 km Half-Marathon In-Line Skate |
This race is not just for the fast and furious. Amateur skaters, young and old, fast and not-so-fast, take part in this early season marathon. The Ottawa Inline Skating Club invites all Ottawa skaters to come out and try it.
About the Course
The Minto Run For Reach inline event is a 21.1Km loop along Queen Elizabeth Driveway in downtown Ottawa. The route follows the Rideau Canal for the entire loop and is one of the most scenic marathon routes in the region.
You can see more of the map by clicking on it (and holding down the mouse button), then drag the map to see other parts of it. You can also click on the View in MapMyRun link to see the map as a full Google map. From there you can read detailed waypoint information, zoom the map etc.
Water stations will be provided on the course near Waverly and another one at Lakeview.
This is an excellent course and distance for beginner or novice skaters.
Cutoff Time for the Inline Marathon
The inline skate event is the last event of the day, and will not have a cut off limit.
Race Etiquette and Safety 101
- Wear a helmet. Always. It's mandatory.
- Wrist guards, knee and elbow pads are highly recommended.
- Keep right.
- Pass on the left when possible.
- No support bicycles are allowed on course at any time.
- Poles (like the type used for roller-sking) are not permitted.
- Baby joggers and strollers not permitted in the inline marathon and half marathon.
- Say clearly "Passing Left" or "Passing Right" when passing.
- Verbally and visually point out road hazards to other skaters.
- Scan the road ahead for obstacles and choose your path early and wisely. Last minute changes in direction are dangerous to you and others.
- When passing runners, give them a wide berth and indicate verbally that you are passing.
- If you are about to be passed by runners, move to the far right if time permits and it can be done safely.
- Don't litter. Use designated areas to dispose of race refuse.
- Race finish chutes are often the site of many mishaps -- don't be part of one! Slow down immediately after crossing the finish line and leave the finish chute area as soon as possible to make room for other finishers coming behind you.
- Be courteous to race organizers, volunteers, and spectators. You represent our sport. Serve as an example to follow.
How to Cross Timing Mats Safely
The finish line will be covered with a rubber timing mat used to record finishing times. Never attempt to jump or hop over a timing mat! This is extremely risky, foolhardy, and dangerous and your finishing time will not be recorded. DO do the following:
- Keep low.
- Deep knee bend.
- Keep your weight back.
- Feet shoulder width apart.
- Hands in front.
- Scissored legs, so one foot is ahead of the other.
What this will do is lower your center of gravity so you are more stable and less likely to fall. When you cross the mat, your speed will drop, so having one foot slightly forward and keeping your knees bent will prevent you from pitching forward when your speed drops.
Skaters who have never crossed a timing mat before can practice by rolling from a hard floor onto a piece of carpet. Wear safety equipment when practicing this!
How to Train for the Minto Run For Reach Marathon
This marathon is exceptionally early in the Canadian skating season. Most inline skaters will still be watching the snow melt as this event approaches. However, even in the early spring you can start cross-training to build your endurance, moderate intensity running, cycling (or spinning) for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times a week should start preparing you. For more information on off-season (winter) training you can do to prepare please visit the Self Guided training page.
The Minto Run for Reach is excellent for measuring your fitness and skating performance at the beginning of the season. Use it as an opportunity to set your time, distance or fitness goals. By skating and training with our club during the summer, you should see a huge improvement by the Ottawa Inline Festival!
How to Make Comments or Suggestions
Criticism directed at race organizers on race day is not going to have the effect you want it to, and may even prove detrimental to our efforts to include inline skating in future race events.
Hold onto your comments and make a mental note of your suggestions. After the race, email these to boardofdirectors@inlineottawa.com . We have an inline representative on the race committee and would be happy to address your concerns to the other board members in a constructive format.
If you feel compelled to voice your directly to the race organizer runforreach@reach.ca, please keep in mind that this race weekend is primarily organized by runners for runners. They are the host; we are the guests. They are not required to include inline skating in their weekend event. Please keep this in mind, be respectful, and keep your comments constructive.
Of course, praise and thanks are always welcome at any time!
Minto Run For Reach Sponsors
