Where to cheer on the runners at the marathon this weekend

[

](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2011-ottawa-marathon-map.jpg)

Ottawa Race Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday downtown.  The main event is the full marathon, which starts on Sunday morning at 7:00am at the intersection of Elgin and Laurier.  This year’s new marathon route will take the race through more neighbourhoods than before, so we asked our readers for suggestions on the best spots to watch the race from.  Here’s what they came up with:

 * 
The finish line, of course.  It's on Queen Elizabeth Driveway next to the Cartier Drill Hall (near Laurier Avenue). The fastest racers will cross the finish line around 9:00am.

 * 

 * 
Watch the racers as they run under the new Chinatown Arch on Somerset Street.

 * 
Line the streets of Wellington West / Hintonburg.

 * 
Anywhere along Sussex Drive - if you're near the Art Gallery you can catch the race from two directions.

 * 
Preston Street, or Beechwood Ave, or maybe from the patio at the Royal Oak near Pretoria.

Race weekend organizers are also encouraging spectators to gather at one of at least 14 " Registered Cheering Zones “.   Various community groups will be set up at official cheering stations, and competing to demonstrate the best spirit and commitment to encouraging the runners.

Where will you be watching the race from?  Let us know in the comments below.

_ Check out our Ottawa Race Weekend page for maps, schedules and more about the event. _

**

**

** See also: ** Ottawa Sports & Recreation Guide