Ironman Ottawa 2025 Race Report

What an unforgettable weekend at Ironman Ottawa! The city came alive with energy as the event took over the streets for its inaugural year. While there were a few areas for improvement, overall, the race ran smoothly and showcased the best of Ottawa.

Congratulations to every athlete who challenged themselves and made it to the start line. The August heat was intense, and athletes also faced smoky conditions from nearby wildfires—especially tough for our older competitors. Some made the wise choice to withdraw, recognizing their limits, and that takes just as much courage as finishing. Every participant deserves applause for committing to the rigorous training.

The Swim

The transition zone, familiar to locals from the Ottawa River Triathlon, offered plenty of space and a clear path to the water. As the morning progressed, the river became rougher, and athletes encountered a surprise “Aussie exit” onto a small island.

The Bike

The bike course featured mostly flat loops with a few gentle hills—perfect for those who love staying in the aerobars. As temperatures climbed, it became more challenging, especially for athletes starting later. Downtown roads were lined with enthusiastic supporters and curious tourists, though the area near the Chateau Laurier proved tricky for visitors with luggage. Hopefully, logistics will be smoother next year.
A steep, winding 200-meter climb marked the end of the bike segment, leading to the transition in Major Hill Park. The expansive grassy area, overlooking Parliament, was ideal for athletes and volunteers alike. Team Triumph volunteers greeted racers as “bike catchers,” adding a personal touch to T2.

The Run

As expected, the run was hot—growing warmer as the day wore on. The mostly flat route included one steep ascent near the finish and wound past many of Ottawa’s iconic landmarks, from the Rideau Canal to beautiful parkways and a bridge crossing into Quebec—a true tour of Canada’s capital. Runners ended with a long, gentle descent toward the National Gallery, making for triumphant running finishes and plenty of smiles.
After the race, Team Triumph gathered for a celebratory after-party in the market to honour their accomplishments.

Team Triumph Highlights

Team Triumpher Janette Meyrick finished as the top age group athlete in 7th place and qualified for the World Championships in Kona. Though she’s chosen not to attend this year, her Ironman journey is far from over. Chris Lil also earned a rolldown spot, and Brad Vlaming will compete at Ironman Nice on September 14th—best wishes to Brad!

A special thank you goes out to all Team Triumph volunteers, especially those who spent seven hours catching bikes and helping on the run course. Their enthusiasm and support made a huge difference for athletes especially those who were greeted with a familiar smile and cheer!

As the night wound down and the post-race party faded, a sense of bittersweet nostalgia settled in for me. Dedicating months of effort to this journey, only to see it end so suddenly, can leave anyone feeling a bit lost. But remember, this is a normal part of the process—grief will ebb as you look forward to your next adventure.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our coached athletes for putting your trust in the plan and embracing the experience. I hope that you enjoyed it all as much as I did. Here’s to the journey and to many more adventures ahead!


Coach Julia
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