2026 Solstice 5K - Ottawa

This page is kept as a past race archive for the Jun 21, 2026 edition in Ottawa, ON. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

The 2026 Solstice 5K - Ottawa takes place on June 21, 2026 in Ottawa and is organized by Running Room. Held on the summer solstice, the event stages an evening 5K that lets participants race against the sunset along one of the city's most scenic corridors. Running Room staff handle registration, kit pickup, and local event logistics; contact for the Ottawa event is Rose Parent.

The main in-person event is a single 5K Run/Walk with an 8:15 p.m. start time on race day. Running Room also offers a virtual option for participants who prefer to run from elsewhere in Canada; virtual entries include shipping of race items. Race kit pickup for in-person participants is scheduled at the Running Room Ottawa store (901 Bank Street) on Friday, June 19 (12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, June 20 (12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.).

What makes Solstice 5K distinctive is its evening, solstice-focused format and the premium participant perks. All in-person finishers receive a pair of HOKA Rincon 4 shoes and a finisher medal (shoe sizes are limited and style/size exchanges are not permitted). Virtual participants receive shoes and a medal shipped to their home address (a $13.99 shipping fee applies). The event leans into a community, photo-friendly atmosphere — organisers invite runners to share images with #Solstice5K and tag @runningroom — and national partners include HOKA and Running Room.

Registration is open through Running Room; note that registrations are non-refundable and shoe sizes are limited, so early sign-up is advised to secure preferred sizing.

• Start/finish on Canal Ritz at Queen Elizabeth Driveway (Rideau Canal corridor)
• Course runs on paved canal-side pathways along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway
• Urban scenic route with direct views of the Rideau Canal and nearby downtown Ottawa landmarks

• Sunset start: 8:15 p.m. evening kickoff on the summer solstice for a race against the sunset
• HOKA Rincon 4 included: every in-person participant receives a pair of HOKA Rincon 4 shoes with limited sizes available
• Finisher medal for all: all participants — in-person and virtual — receive a finisher medal
• Virtual option with shipping: virtual entries include shoes and a medal shipped to the runner's home (additional $13.99 shipping fee)
• Race kit pickup in Ottawa: packet pickup at Running Room Ottawa (901 Bank Street) on June 19 and June 20