Gelete Burka sets Ottawa Marathon records

May 27, 2018 – OTTAWA – The star of today’s Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon was 32-year-old Ethiopian Gelete Burka, whose finish time of 2:22:17 handily shattered both Canadian (2:22:43) and Ottawa (2:24:31) women’s records.

Gelete Burka sets Ottawa Marathon records

Fellow Ethiopian Yemane Tsegay, 33, placed first in the men’s field with a time of 2:08:52. The current marathon course record holder led a pack of four men who competed fiercely throughout the race to finish with sub-2:10 times.

Canadian champions today were Tristan Woodfine, 24, who finished with 2:18:55, and Kait Toohey, 30, who came in at 2:45:07.

“This year’s field of elite women started fast and sustained an impressive pace through much of the race,” said Manny Rodrigues, Elite Athlete Coordinator, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. “Eventually Gelete Burka pulled ahead and tore up the course for a dramatic record-breaking finish.”

“Run Ottawa is thrilled with this year’s results,” said John Halvorsen, President of Run Ottawa and Race Director of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. “We were proud to host another outstanding field of elite athletes and to organize six race events for more than 33,000 participants of all ages. Our thanks also go to those who raised funds for charities and the 2,500-plus volunteers who made Canada‘s biggest race weekend possible.”

2018 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon results

Men

1. Yemane Tsegay 2:08:52 Ethiopia
2. John Kipkosgei Korir 2:09:14 Kenya
3. Adugna Takele 2:09:26 Ethiopia

Women

1. Gelete Burka 2:22:17 Ethiopia
2. Hiwot Gebrekidan 2:26:11 Ethiopia
3. Sara Hall 2:26:20 USA

$775,000 for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge

More than 33,000 runners took part in the 2018 edition of the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, many of whom supported 69 local charities and raised more than $775,000 as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their infinite potential, and many organizations who take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on local youth. Young people are future leaders and Scotiabank aims to help provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

“We are thrilled to bring the Scotiabank Charity Challenge back to Ottawa this year,” said Frank Bilodeau, District Vice President, Ottawa Centre & Gatineau at Scotiabank. “Racers demonstrated their commitment to their community by raising more than $775,000 in support of local charities. We’re proud that the Scotiabank Charity Challenge continues to be an important part of the weekend events, year after year and applaud every participant for their efforts.”

Ottawa native breaks Guinness world record

At Saturday’s 10K race, Ottawa native Morgan Mckay – a self-described elite ultra obstacle racer – broke a Guinness world record for fastest 10K carrying 100 lbs. In December 2017, Mckay won the Spartan Ultra World Championships in Iceland.