OTTAWA, ON - May 07, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian land soil record of 2:07:05 is likely to fall at this year's IAAF silver label Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon with five of the top contenders boasting personal bests under 2:07.

The fastest man in the field, Yemane Tseguay of Ethiopia holds a personal best time of 2:04:48, and recently won the 2014 Daegu International Marathon on April 6th (2:06:50). Another Ethiopian Bazu Worku has a personal best time of 2:05:25. 2012 Boston Marathon champ, and two-time Los Angeles Marathon winner Wesley Korir of Kenya is also one to watch with his personal best time of 2:06:13. 

Women's field is equally impressive
The women's course record of 2:25:31 is also up for grabs with Ethiopian Ehitu Kiros and Kenyan Agnes Kiprop, both with personal bests under 2:24, lining up on May 25. Kiros' compatriot Etalemahu Kidane, who holds a PB of 2:25:49 will also be looking for that first place finish and $20,000 prize purse.

On the Canadian front
Canadians will also be well represented at this year's event, which also serves as the Canadian Marathon Championships.

After having to pull out of last year's Ottawa Marathon due to injury, Eric Gillis will finally run the Ottawa Marathon following two big wins at the Yonge Street 10K and the Canadian Half-Marathon Championships held at the Banque Scotia 21K de Montréal. Gillis' best time of 2:11:29 qualified him for the 2012 London Olympics.

Rob Watson, the current Canadian Marathon Champion, is returning to defend his title.

On the women's front, four-time Ottawa Marathon winner, and last year's Canadian Marathon Champion Lioudmilla Kortchaguina will be back to defend her title. She will be challenged by Rhiannon Johns of Sault Ste-Marie, who is lining up in Ottawa for the first time.

Facts:

• Last year, course records were produced in both the men's and women's races as the Ethiopian pair of Tariku Jufar (2:08:05) and Yeshi Esayias (2:25:31) won their respective races.
• Rob Watson won the 2013 Canadian Marathon Championships with a time of 2:18:33
• The Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is the only event in the world to host two IAAF silver-label events in two days -- the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and the Lowertown Brewery Ottawa 10K
• The first male and the first female winner receive $20,000 (USD)
• The person to beat the Canadian land soil record receives $10,000 (USD) and a Hyundai Sante Fe

Additional information:

• Wesley Korir Leads Best Field Ever At Ottawa Marathon by Paul Gains
• Backgrounder -- Top 12 registered elites for the 2014 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon
• Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon records and prizes
• Top Canadian runners set to duel at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend

Quotes:

"It's the best field we've ever assembled in Ottawa. If the weather cooperates, a Canadian soil record is definitely in the cards for May 25^th." - Manny Rodrigues, Elite Athlete Coordinator

"Ottawa is going to be an incredible competitive field. I think Ottawa has done a great job in recruiting the best athletes. It will give me an opportunity to compete and try to win the race. My first goal is to win the race." - Wesley Korir

"I'm very happy with how the return to workouts has gone. I'm feeling more on top of my game than I've felt in years. This has got me eager to really start rockin' and rollin' this Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon buildup. Ottawa is a race I've had my heart set on for years, the first ever marathon I watched live. 2014 is the year I finally compete and complete this great race!" - Eric Gillis

About Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
The 2014 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend will welcome 48,000 participants in six races, including the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon, the Scotiabank Half-Marathon, the Lowertown Brewery Ottawa 10K, the HTG Sports 5K, the 2K and Scotiabank Kids Marathon. The Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and Ottawa 10K are both designated Silver Label IAAF events by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). Run Ottawa, the organization behind the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, is dedicated to promoting the sport of running and enhancing the health and well-being of our community by organizing distinctive world-class and local races, and managing an active, membership-based running club. Visit us at www.runottawa.ca.

About Scotiabank: 
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For information or to coordinate interviews: 

Annie Boucher
Relations avec les médias | Media relations
Fin de semaine des courses Tamarack d'Ottawa | Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend
613-863-3702 (SMS and voice)
boucher@fusecommunications.ca

www.runottawa.ca
@aboucherfuse 
@ottawamarathon 
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