ONTARIO HELPS OTTAWA MARATHON GROW

McGuinty Government Investing In Ottawa Race Weekend

News

 

Ontario is helping to attract more visitors to one of Canada’s largest marathon events.

Ottawa Race Weekend has steadily grown in profile over the years and is a significant contributor to the tourism industry. The provincial government will help expand the event by providing almost $40,000 to stage a free outdoor concert headlined by Canadian artist David Wilcox.

The funding is part of Celebrate Ontario 2008, the province’s festivals and events enhancement program. Celebrate Ontario is providing $10 million this year to help expand and market festivals and events across the province.

 

QUOTES

“Events like the Ottawa Race Weekend make a significant contribution to Ontario’s economy. They offer tourists a compelling reason to visit our province and encourages them to experience our great range of tourism products and experiences,” said Tourism Minister Peter Fonseca, who represented Canada as a marathon runner at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

"Each year, we aim to put on the best event for our participants and this year, the Celebrate Ontario grant allows us to make it a memorable one with Saturday evening's concert," said Susan Longbottom, President of the Ottawa Race Weekend. "We truly appreciate the Government of Ontario's support."

QUICK FACTS

1. The number of runners participating at the Ottawa Race Weekend will exceed more than 30,000 people for the first time this year.
2. More than 1500 volunteers help stage the event.

 

LEARN MORE

Find out more about Ottawa Race Weekend.

Discover other things to do in Ontario this summer.

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Contacts:

Alicia Farrow, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4543
Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391