The 2021 Royal Victoria Half-Marathon set for Oct. 10 is fully subscribed, in another indication people are longing for normalcy in sports.
“People want to get out and train and set goals again, like targeting personal bests,” said general manager and race director Cathy Noel.
The 3,073 slots for the Half-Marathon have sold out with about 500 spots remaining for the 8K race. Organizers expect about 4,600 runners to be pounding pavement between the two races.
“Everyone is keen to be back at the start line,” said Noel.
“With the Half Marathon sold out, we anticipate the 8K will also reach its cap over the next few weeks.”
They will be the first live in-person road races on the Island in more than a year and a half. The race routes will be announced soon.
The marathon distance and kids’ race will not be conducted this year due to the lingering effects of the pandemic, but the 41st Royal Victoria Marathon is expected to return in 2022.
The 2020 Royal Victoria Marathon, Half-Marathon, 8K and kids race were all cancelled because of COVID-19.
The Royal Victoria event is an annual regional qualifier for the famed Boston Marathon. Inspired by the London Marathon’s noted charity program, the Victoria race has raised more than $2 million since the inception of its charity component 17 years ago. That remains a feature this year, despite there being no marathon distance.
“We encourage participants to choose a charity to run or walk for [in the Half-Marathon or 8K]. Every dollar helps,” said Noel.
