'I feel accomplished': Thousands cross the finish line during Ottawa Race Weekend
It was a proud moment for Shamiso Kunaka as she crossed the finish line for the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon.
"I feel accomplished," Kunaka said.
Kunkaka joined more than 11,000 runners on Sunday morning for the full and half marathons at the 2023 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.
Participants coming from near and far over the course of two days. The full and half-marathon routes took runners past Parliament Hill, over to Gatineau and along the Rideau Canal.
"It is the best weekend of the year," Kathy van Zeyl said. "All my friends are running, all of Ottawa is running and everyone is amazing. We are so excited for them."
Making every moment count is Ottawa's Sindy Hooper and her team.
"We are running for Sindy. Sindy Hooper, who is amazing and has inspired all of us," said Alexandra McCabe.
Hooper was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2013. The avid runner participated in the 5K race on Saturday. More than 200 runners on her team raised crucial funds for pancreatic research and treatment.
"So happy; so thankful for everyone's support," she said.
More than 27,500 people crossed this finish line over the weekend. Organizers say they saw a 10 per cent increase in participants from the last year. The local economy benefits from the weekend's festivities.
After hours of gruelling running, friends Ifeanyi Umeh and Tuvi MraKapor basked in their accomplishment at the finish line.
"We've been practising since last year. We started with 3K and now we somehow made it to 21K," said Umeh.
"It was hard but it was fun," said Mrakapoor. “We're going to be back next year for sure.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.