On September 20, 1980, just shy of 800 runners ran two laps of a 21.1km course from landmarks Mile 0 to Oak Bay’s Willows Beach and back. The organizers probably had no idea how the growth of the event would surge in 2025 to break the all-time registration record.
With over a month still to go, the RVM has now surpassed the 2010 record of 14,080 and is well on its way to hitting 15,000 racers in 2025. The marathon and half-marathon sold out at the beginning of the summer.
“We are so excited for this 45th annual event,” said Cathy Noel, executive director of RVM. “This event has been such a staple in the running community for 45 years, and to see it grow like this, bringing thousands of visitors to Victoria for the Thanksgiving long weekend, is truly incredible.”
To mark the 45th anniversary, the event has brought back some of the staples from the past, including a Fuel-Up Dinner & Celebration on October 11, featuring guest speaker Darrell Fox of the Terry Fox Research Institute. The ever-popular Richard Hunt-designed sweatshirts and t-shirts are available as souvenir purchases, featuring the 2000 ad design on the front. There will also be a speaker series on Saturday afternoon at the Race Expo that is open to the public.
“It has been fun to bring back some of the classics of the event,” Noel explained. “Nostalgia for the 45th year of an event is definitely strong. We have heard from so many people sharing their stories about what the event has meant to them, which really makes all the hard work of our 70-plus committee members worthwhile.”
The event is still looking for volunteers for the event. If you are interested, you can find out more information on their website – https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/volunteer. The event is especially looking for a group of 10 people to help with our mobile green team and two groups of 30 for our venue grounds sustainability program. These group positions come with an honorarium.
The Royal Victoria Marathon will take place on October 11 and 12, 2025.
The Island Savings 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run take place in Oak Bay on October 11, with the Marathon, Half Marathon and Westland Insurance 8K on Sunday, starting and finishing in downtown Victoria. Through the CHEK Charity Pledge Program, the charities are looking to raise $125,000, adding to the $2.35 million the program has raised since 2005.
Currently there is pace in the 8K, and 5K events, as well as the Thrifty Foods Kids Run, which is quickly filling up.
