Let's do a Hotdog Run through Ottawa

An informal group run connecting Ottawa's Costcos. Pick your distance: 19km, 35km, 43km, or the full 55km. No bibs, no fees, no pace requirements. Just people who think running between Costcos for hot dogs is a reasonable thing to do.

I'm Interested Download GPX

From Nick

Back in May I ran 46km solo across all 4 Ottawa Costcos, eating a hot dog at each one. I got the idea from Vancouver's Costco Marathon and figured Ottawa could do something similar. It was one of the best run days I've had and I want to do it again, this time with other people.

I'm proposing a longer route (~55km) but with clear bail-out points so you can pick whatever distance works for you. Whether you want a casual 19km or the full ultra, there's a spot.

If this sounds like your kind of fun, add your email below. I'll send out a survey to nail down pacing and a date. - Nick

Pick Your Distance

You don't have to run the whole thing. Join for the segment that matches your fitness and schedule.

~19km

Orleans to Merivale

A solid half-marathon-ish distance. Start with the group at Costco Orleans, run through the east end, and finish at Costco Merivale (Nepean). Great option if you're building up to longer distances.

Half Marathon

~35km

Orleans to Barrhaven

Keep going past Merivale through the Greenbank/West Hunt Club area down to Costco Barrhaven. A proper long run that'll test your legs without completely destroying them.

Long Run

~43km

Orleans to IKEA

Continue past Barrhaven into the west end and finish at IKEA, where you can celebrate with Swedish meatballs instead of hot dogs. Marathon-plus territory.

Marathon+

~55km

Full Route to Kanata

The complete route: all 4 Costcos, 4 hot dogs, and the full experience. Ultra distance at whatever pace works. No shame in walking the last 10km.

Ultra

The Route

Starting in Orleans, heading west through the city. Each Costco is a rest stop with cheap fuel and real washrooms.

Costco Orleans

Start. Meet up, pre-run dog optional, head out together.

km 0 — Start

Costco Merivale

First checkpoint. Refuel, regroup. 19km runners finish here.

~km 19 — Half finish

Costco Barrhaven

Second checkpoint. 35km runners finish here.

~km 35 — Long run finish

Costco Kanata

The end. Victory dog for the ultra crew.

~km 55 — Ultra finish

Details

The important stuff.

📅

Date

TBD. A survey is coming soon to figure out what Saturday works best for the group.

⏱️

Pace

No cutoffs. We'll discuss pace groups in the survey. Run, walk, shuffle, all welcome.

🛣️

Surface

Mix of multi-use paths, sidewalks, and quiet roads. All paved.

🌭

Fuel

Each Costco stop: $1.50 hot dogs, pizza, drinks, washrooms. Cheapest aid stations ever.

🎫

Requirements

Costco membership (or run with someone who has one). That's it.

🚗

Getting home

Point-to-point. We'll coordinate carpooling and transit in the survey.

Stay in the Loop

Add your email to get the survey (for date & pace preferences) and updates as we finalize details. No spam, just logistics.