© Copyright – 2025 – Athletics Illustrated
The 2025 Times Colonist 10K (TC10K) is taking place Sunday, April 27, in Victoria, BC. This year’s running is the 36th annual edition. It is one of the two larger races that the city is known for.
While runners on Vancouver Island may be able to race nearly every weekend of the year and sometimes in multiple races on the same weekend, the two main events are the TC10K and the Royal Victoria Marathon. The marathon takes place in October on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
Mini running boom
There is a running boom taking shape, post-COVID, and the event is growing again.
“We are expecting nearly 9,500 participants across all distances. There is strong representation from schools, teams, and community groups,” shared race director Mariah Kelly. “What’s most exciting is seeing so many new runners joining in alongside seasoned veterans — the TC10K continues to be a race for everyone, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most inspiring editions yet.”
The energy around the 2025 TC10K is “truly electric,” according to Kelly.
“You can feel the momentum building across the community. With a brand-new course and what we are calling a “mini-running boom” happening locally, this year feels like a real celebration of movement, resilience, and connection. With a medal this year that is truly a piece of art- a keepsake for sure.”
Top men
The top men should clock in around 30 minutes to 30:30. There are several who are currently at least that fast. They are Daniel Mulushet-Zewdu who has run the 10K distance as fast as 29:18. He has not quite returned to that fitness level while living in Victoria but he has run some rolling courses well under 31 minutes.
One of Team Canada’s Olympic distance triathletes, Liam Donnelly, will be competing. He is a former winner and holds a best of 30:48. Former University of Victoria Vike Brandon Vail, who joined a local club named Speedfarm finished second in the provincial championships in January, where he clocked a 30:54 performance. Former Kenyan David Mutai comes to the start line having run 30:23 at the 2024 Vancouver Sun Run.
The Sun Run is happening on the same day as the TC10K this year. The organizers should talk.
Jaxon Kuchar and Martin Sobey have run 14:22 and 14:33, respectively. Kuchar ran 14:22 on a faster course than Sobey. The Bazan Bay 5K is one of North America’s fastest courses. Meanwhile, Sobey ran with a bigger group of elite athletes in the gently rolling St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Vancouver. Their 10K debuts (based on their 5km bests), may just put them in contention for the win.
Top women
Not as many elite female athletes have applied to the race. However, a pair of local favourites could race neck-and-neck to the line: Katelyn Ayers and Meg Lewis-Schneider. They have run 15:37.51 over 5000m and 35:30, respectively.
Also in the mix is Sophia Howell with her BC Championships run of 35:48 in January at the Cobble Hill 10K.
An up-and-coming Canadian triathlete, Maia Watson, will be racing. She is the daughter of 19-time national champion Lucy Smith and ironman coach Lance Watson.
There is a new course for the 2025 edition. The first half is new, while the second half remains as it has since the beginning, give or take a tangent.
“The new course offers a fresh perspective on what makes Victoria so special. It is flat, fast, a few small rolling hills and scenic,” Shared Kelly. It features extended stretches along the water and through beautiful James Bay and Fairfield. This part makes it perfect for both personal bests and meaningful memories.”
“Runners can expect a smoother experience with improved spacing, clearer sightlines, and great opportunities for spectators to cheer them on along the way.”
Regarding the conflict with the behemoth Vancouver Sun Run, Kelly said, “Naturally, having two large events on the same day creates some overlap. Particularly for elite athletes who typically choose one or the other. That said, we are seeing strong local and regional representation at the front of the pack. And we are proud to create space for the next generation of competitive runners to shine.”
According to Kelly, the race is right on track with the organizing team’s goals.
It will take over 500 volunteers out on the course and at the venue helping to bring this event to life.
