Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend welcomes over 36,500 runners and has global recognition. Elite runners from Ethiopia and Kenya are expected to put on a fierce competition in Canada’s Premier Race.
The 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, one of North America’s most prestigious running events, will kick off this Sunday morning (2 PM Ethiopian time) in the Canadian capital. Eleven of Ethiopia’s top long-distance athletes—five women and six men—will compete against elite contenders from Kenya, Canada, and the United States.
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend was recently ranked 18th among the world’s top 50 marathons for its economic impact on the cities it serves.
Ethiopian Squad: A Blend of Experience and Rising Talent
Organizers released the official entry list earlier this week, highlighting Ethiopia’s formidable lineup. The team features world-class runners with standout personal bests, including multiple sub-2:10 male finishers and women consistently breaking the 2:30 barrier.
Women’s Team: Speed and Consistency
- Meseret Gebre (2:23:11, Zurich Marathon de Barcelona, 2022)
- Bontu Bekele (2:23:39, Zurich Marathon de Sevilla, 2020)
- Muleye Dakebo (2:25:35, Houston Marathon, 2023)
- Salem Fantaye (2:28:22, Rome Marathon, 2025)
- Fantu Shugi (2:29:20, Lisbon Marathon, 2023)
Men’s Team: Sub-2:10 Powerhouses
- Belay Tilahun (2:06:58, Zurich Marathon de Sevilla, 2025) – Ethiopia’s fastest entrant
- Abdi Ali Gelchu (2:07:15, Zurich Marathon de Sevilla, 2022)
- Dereje Adugna (2:08:54, Zurich Marathon de Sevilla, 2025)
- Adamu Getahun (2:11:24, Tel Aviv Marathon, 2023)
- Demeke Tesfaye (2:11:48, Amsterdam Marathon, 2024)
- Tsegaye Bekele (2:12:57, Vienna City Marathon, 2011)
Global Rivalries Take Center Stage
The Ethiopian contingent will face stiff competition, particularly from Kenyan runners, who have dominated recent editions of major marathons. Defending champions and local Canadian favorites are also expected to challenge for podium spots.
Elite Kenyan marathoner and 2023 New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir is set to compete on Sunday.
Since his victory in Ottawa in 2019, Korir has solidified his status as one of the world’s elite marathon runners. Later that same year, he took second place at the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:08:36. He made a triumphant comeback in 2021, winning the same race in 2:08:22 and securing his first World Marathon Major championship. Maintaining his exceptional form, Korir achieved another second-place finish in New York in 2023, setting a personal record of 2:06:57. Additionally, he has consistently excelled at the Boston Marathon, placing in the top six on three occasions, most notably finishing fourth in 2023 with a time of 2:08:01.
Men’s Course Record: 2:06:54 (Yemane Tsegay, Ethiopia – 2024)
Women’s Course Record: 2:22:29 (Gelete Burka, Ethiopia – 2023)
