TWO TRUCKS. ONE HISTORIC SHOWDOWN! OTTAWA FIRE TRUCK PULL ANNOUNCED FOR BYTOWN 200TH CELEBRATIONS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NUIT BLANCHE OTTAWA/GATINEAU.
OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 – The 2026 Ottawa Fire Truck Pull will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, transforming the ByWard Market into a thrilling showcase of strength, teamwork, and community spirit. Presented as part of the Bytown 200th celebrations and in partnership with Nuit Blanche Ottawa/Gatineau, the event will feature an electrifying head-to-head competition where teams race side-by-side while pulling two Ottawa Fire Services trucks toward the finish line.
Each matchup will see two trucks, two teams, and one finish line, creating a pulse-pounding battle of speed, strategy, and determination. The format promises non-stop action as teams compete not only against the weight of a 10+ tonne fire truck, but also against the team racing beside them.
“The Ottawa Fire Truck Pull is a powerful celebration of teamwork, resilience, and community,” said Shelley Freake, Director – Fundraising & Sport. “Presenting the event as part of the Bytown 200 celebrations and in partnership with Nuit Blanche Ottawa/Gatineau creates an incredible opportunity to bring people together in the heart of the city for an unforgettable evening of competition and connection.”
Event Details:
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026. Team check-in begins at 6:00 PM; competition begins at 7:00 PM
Where: Byward Market, Ottawa, Ontario
Signature Challenges
This year, all categories will feature the new head-to-head format, doubling the excitement for participants and spectators alike.Teams of ten will test their might against each other and across a variety of spirited categories, including:
Shawn Mathieson First Responder Challenge – Teams with ≥50% first responders or trainees race to pull the truck fastest
Armed Forces Challenge – For teams with ≥50% Canadian Armed Forces members or trainees
Coast to Coast Open Challenge – A nationwide competition pitting cities, provinces and territories against each other in a national showdown
Beast Mode Invitational Challenge – Past champions from across the country go head-to-head
Plus traditional Women’s, Mixed, and Open divisions
“With two fire trucks moving at the same time, the energy is incredible,” added Antony Cooper, Director - Operations | Marketing | Sponsorship | Artistic Programming. “Every pull becomes a showdown, every second matters, and the crowd becomes part of the action. This is a uniquely Ottawa event that celebrates community, culture, competition, and support for two outstanding local causes.”
The evening will culminate with challenge champions advancing to a final showdown where the winners will compete for ultimate bragging rights as the Best of the Best in Canada.
How to Get Involved
Register a team: Gather 10 people and raise a minimum of $1,000 (just $100 per person)
Cheer them on: Join the crowd in the Byward Market and witness the most exciting Ottawa Fire Truck Pull yet
Supporting Two Vital Charities
The 2026 event will raise vital funds to support Epilepsy Ottawa , the only organization in the region that provides education, advocacy, and support for over 10,000 people in the region living with epilepsy, and the Ottawa First Responders Foundation, which delivers critical mental health and resilience resources for first responders, veterans, retirees, and their families.
Media and public participation are encouraged.
Presented by ODBF as part of the Bytown 200 celebrations and in partnership with Nuit Blanche Ottawa/Gatineau, the Ottawa Fire Truck Pull continues to bring together businesses, first responders, military organizations, fitness groups, community teams, and residents who are ready to pull for a purpose.