Royal Victoria Marathon sold out with eight weeks to go

Currently 15,345 runners are registered for all five events, which is 100 less than the total last year, making it on track to surpass last year’s total, and become the largest event in its history.

“Coming off a highly successful 45th event last year with record numbers we are thrilled that our registrations continue to increase, with more marathoners and half marathoners at the start line this year,” said Cathy Noel, RVM Race Director and General Manager. “The popularity of marathons and half marathons is facing an upward trend worldwide, and our event is no exception. We are looking at over 17,000 registrations by race weekend in all events.”

There is a waitlist for the Marathon, and the Half Marathon waitlist is now closed with 500 hopeful runners on it. However, there are still spots available in the Westland Insurance 8K, the Island Savings 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.

The 45th RVM last year created an economic impact of over CAD 14 million (8.7 million EUR) which Noel attributes to hosting partners who support the event. “The hospitality industry plays a huge part of our success with hotels, attractions and our transportation partners stepping up to the plate. We also prioritize buying local, working with local suppliers. This creates an all-round memorable experience for our participants, volunteers and the community.”

Race weekend highlights include a sold-out race expo, a pre-race carbo dinner with guest speaker, World Race Walk Champion, Evan Dunfee, and the Island Savings CHEK Charity Cheer Zone featuring a 1 km sprint ‘race’ for all participants with prize money. “This year we are encouraging participants to wear costumes in whichever race they are in as part of the Westland Insurance Costume Contest,” adds Noel.

The Island Savings 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run take place in Oak Bay on Saturday, October 10 with the Marathon, OUTWAY Half Marathon and Westland Insurance 8K on Sunday, October 11, starting and finishing in downtown Victoria. Through the CHEK Charity Pledge Program, the charities are looking to raise CAD 300,000, (187,000 EUR) adding to the CAD 2.35 million (1.5 million EUR) the program has raised since 2005.