Course Map
If you've never skated our race course before, take some time familiarize yourself with the start and finish areas, as well as the the turn around points. If you are new to Ottawa, full travel directions to Ottawa, and to the Festival event site are available.
Map
Click on the map to see a larger version...
Starts, Turnarounds and Finishes
All events are on the Rockliffe Parkway. All events finish 50m west of the intersectino of the Blair Road access path and Rockcliffe. When finishing skates will return to the Festival Village by skating up the shoulder of the road after handing back their timing chip (so as not to trigger the wire again).
All events start 200m to the east of the intersection. The course is a loop that turns (180 degrees) once just after the start line and then at the far end of the loop. The far end turns are marked on the map above. The 42K event is 4 laps, the 21K event is 2 laps, and the 5K and 10K are both a single lap.
The Festival Village is located on the south side of the intersection. Spectators are encouraged to enjoy watching the races at the start/turn area and the finish area, but must stay behind the blue fencing on the south side of Rockcliffe. Spectators must not cross the parkway, as this creates a safety hazard for oncoming skaters.
Please keep in mind:
- All events have a time limit. If you do not finish in the time limit continue skating to the finish line to receive your finish time but you MUST skate along the shoulder of the road so as not to interfere with the next event. 42K - 2hr limit, 21K - 1hr limit, 10K - 30min limit, 5K - 20min limit.
- As you head towards the finish line, maintain your lane.
- Do not cut off any other skaters as they approach the finish line or you will be disqualified
- The course water station is immediately after the Festival Village turnaround.
- Drop off your chip with the volunteers on the other side of the finishing chute (you will be charged for your chip if it is not returned) and pick-up your participant’s medal before heading to the recovery area.
- When turning ALWAYS check over your shoulder not just for skaters but for cyclists who have entered the course and who may not be aware of the turn you are about to make!
Direction of Travel
All events follow the regular traffic pattern. Please stay on your side of the road as returning skaters will be on the other side of the road.
Watch your speed when turning, and listen to the course marshals. They will alert you to the turnarounds, along with cones and signage.
Races
The 10km start (1:15 pm) is at the Festival Village. It is a single loop heading east. On the way back continue through to the finish line.
The 42km start (2:00 pm) is at the Festival Village. It is a a 4 lap course, on the 4th lap coming back continue through to the finish line. DO NOT START YOUR SPRINT UNTIL AFTER THE TURN POINT. Some skaters may be turning at the turn point, avoid spreading across the road until you have passed the turn point going towards the finish line.
The 5km start (4:05 pm) is at the Festival Village. It is a single loop heading east. On the way back continue through to the finish line.
The 21km start (4:45 pm) is at the Festival Village. It is a 2 loop course heading east from the Village. On the way back of the second loop continue through to the finish line. DO NOT START YOUR SPRINT UNTIL AFTER THE TURN POINT. Some skaters may be turning at the turn point, avoid spreading across the road until you have passed the turn point going towards the finish line.
