Race toward your personal best at Western Canada's premier fall marathon event, the Royal Victoria Marathon, with events taking place from October 11-13 across the city.
A race organized by runners for runners, the Royal Victoria Marathon (RVM) encompasses the Half Marathon, 8K, 5K, and Thrifty Foods Kids Run, in addition to the main event in downtown Victoria.
Marathon weekend will kick off with the Race Expo from October 11-12 at Crystal Gardens, where participants can pick up their race packages and check out this year’s Expo exhibitors, which will include fitness brands, health and lifestyle related products and services, souvenir apparel, RVM vintage shirts, and more.
The races will commence on Saturday, October 12 with the 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run in the oceanside municipality of Oak Bay. The Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K are scheduled for Sunday, October 13, starting and finishing in the heart of the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria.
Year after year, the RVM has provided one of the top marathon experiences in B.C., and here are a few reasons why that is.
A beautifully-designed course
Home to serious amateur, Olympic, and professional athletes, Victoria’s various roadways, pathways and waterfronts enable training year-round.
During the RVM weekend, racers will take to the roads and streets to embark on the oceanfront route, which weaves through tree-lined boulevards and opens up to stunning coastline views of Victoria. Plus, with average temperatures of around 13°C (55°F) during mid-October, running the RVM is a racer's dream.
A world class event
The RVM is a Boston Marathon qualifier as well as a World Athletics sanctioned event. Whether you are an elite runner aiming to surpass your previous record or a first time participant just there for the fun of it all, the RVM committee and hundreds of volunteers will ensure every participant’s experience is world class.
Community celebrations
During the RVM, the Victoria community comes out to line the streets and support marathon runners’ journeys throughout the course. Every year, the cheers and positive affirmations from the crowds help to propel participants to the finish line in front of the BC Legislature in the Inner Harbour.
Amazing shirts and medals
To properly gear runners up for the big day, marathon participants will receive a long-sleeved Under Armour technical shirt, along with a marathon-exclusive Outway socks. 8K participants will receive a short-sleeved Under Armour technical shirt, and 5K participants will receive a RVM souvenir item.
Participants will also be awarded with beautifully designed medals and lanyards that depict the unique location as another way to commemorate their RVM experience.
Free training resources
Now in its fourth year, the RVM Virtual Speaker Series, sponsored by Marsquest, provides free education once a month in the lead up to the event in October. Renowned experts share key tips and advice runners need to know to make the most out of their training. Sign up for the next session on May 27 today at www.runvictoriamarathon.com/speaker-series.
RVM also hosts an Online Training Group on Facebook, hosted by RVM online coach and two-time Olympian Bruce Deacon. And if that isn't enough, participants can also download free training plans on the RVM website for even more support.
Record-breaking runs and high performance program
Many elite athletes have taken part in the RVM races over the years, including Olympians that are heading to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France this summer. During the 2023 Royal Victoria Marathon, a new half marathon course record was set by Cameron Levins with a time of 1:01:18.
Competitive long-distance runners participating in this year’s marathon can apply for the RVM's high performance program for the marathon, half-marathon, and 8k races. For more information, visit www.runvictoriamarathon.com/championships.
Registration for the Royal Victoria Marathon sold out last year and expects to sell out again this summer! Don’t delay! Register today at www.raceroster.com/events
