45 Years of the Royal Victoria Marathon

Times have changed over the last 45 years and this October organizers expect to have more than 15,000 participants in the five different distances offered – the largest field ever. And yes, it costs more than CAD 6 to enter.

In the early years the race was marketed as “a marathon with class” and, 45 years later, it is still an event where each participant is valued and where the organization prides itself on staging a world class event with a small town vibe. Hosted by the Victoria Marathon Society it is an event put on by runners, for runners.

The City of Victoria is on Vancouver Island. It has been ranked as the number one smallest city in the world as voted by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

With a start and finish line in front of the iconic British Columbia Parliament Buildings in the Inner Harbour, the post-race festival atmosphere is electric. The course goes along the waterfront, through downtown Victoria and then out through the quaint neighbourhoods and scenic parks of Victoria and Oak Bay, with beautiful ocean views throughout. The course is lined with cheering supporters.

The marathon has an elevation gain of 182 metres, with gentle hills providing a mild challenge, but it is a balanced course that is great for first-time marathoners and seasoned runners. The race sees many personal bests and Boston qualifications and is also a World Athletics sanctioned event.

Known throughout the years for its exceptional “swag”, this year the marathoners will receive a jacket to commemorate the 45th year. Each distance includes a different swag item, as well as finisher medals specific to that distance.

The event started a fundraising arm in 2005. The CHEK Charity Pledge Program has now raised over CAD 2.35 million (1.5m EUR) for charities. This year 20 charities are part of the program with the expectation of exceeding the 2.5 million dollar mark.

The 2024 event sold out early and the same is expected for 2025. The Island Savings 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run take place on Saturday, 11 October with the Marathon, Half Marathon and Westland Insurance 8K on Sunday, 12 October 2025. The RVM Expo runs from Friday, 10 October through to 12 October.