The 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend once again turned the capital into a runner’s paradise, with more than 30,000 participants weaving through the streets of downtown Ottawa in one of Canada’s most celebrated running festivals. From emerging teens to established elites, Ottawa Lions athletes delivered a string of standout performances.
Leading the charge in the elite women’s 10km was Salome Nyirarukundo, who claimed a brilliant fourth-place finish. Clocking an even-paced 33:23 off 5K splits of 16:33 and 16:50, Nyirarukundo’s time now ranks as the second-fastest ever by a Lion, just two seconds shy of Sarah Dillabaugh’s club record. The performance reaffirmed her status as one of Canada’s top road racers heading into the summer season.
Behind her, Liz Maguire delivered a masterclass in age-group dominance. The veteran road warrior finished in 40:11, placing 66th overall among women and a commanding 1st in the women’s 55+ category. Her margin of victory? More than six minutes over the next closest competitor.
In the 5K, Noah Mansouri and Zachary Sikka pushed the pace early and came within seconds of their personal bests. Mansouri placed 4th overall in 15:58, just six seconds off his PB from last year’s 5K event. Sikka followed closely in 7th with 16:16.
Keira Ganton, only 13, turned heads with a 19:35 finish in the 5K. The time earned her 9th place overall among women and 2nd in the U20 division. Her time is also the third fastest among Club U16 athletes.
One of the biggest statements came from Adam Yakimchuk in the half-marathon. The 16-year-old ran a sensational 1:18:44, good for 31st overall and 1st among U20 men. The result shattered both the Ottawa Lions’ U18 and U20 club records.
Also competing in the elite men’s 10K field was Clive Kyeyune, who ran 32:39 to place 54th overall.
Full results from Race Weekend are available on Sport Stats website and updated Club Rankings are available at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/