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After careful deliberation, the Ottawa Race Weekend (ORW) has decided to remove the inline skate races from the program of events, commencing in 2007. This was a very difficult decision that will affect an estimated 800 participants, but one that was made to facilitate the safe growth of the main running events, to enhance the runners’ experience and to streamline the complex operations on race day.
Many factors were considered as part of this difficult decision:
- The end of May date has forced organizers to adjust the timing of some of the main events, namely the ING Ottawa Half Marathon. This is the Race Weekend’s most popular event, attracting over 8000 participants. After the warm weather experienced for the past two years, the single largest concern raised by participants has been the late start time. Based on this feedback and with the safety of the runners in mind, the ING Ottawa Half Marathon will start earlier in the morning in 2007.
- The international elite status of the ING Ottawa Marathon requires an obstruction free course, which means that runners and skaters cannot be on the course at the same time.
- The Ottawa Race Weekend anticipates that the upcoming Light Rail construction will require ongoing adjustments to the course as the construction progresses.
As a result of these factors the Ottawa Race Weekend has concluded that it is no longer possible to provide a safe and quality inline skate race without compromising the safety and quality of the running events.
The Ottawa Inline Skating Club (OISC) plans to take over organization of a similar skate event in the spring. The OISC has been instrumental in organizing the inline skate portion of the ORW and we hope to facilitate a smooth transition. Please check back for more information once available.
We thank the inline skating community for their tremendous support over the past number of years; participating, volunteering and fundraising, and hope that many will continue to participate in the future as runners or walkers.
Source: ING Ottawa Marathon.
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