Frequently Asked Questions

If you can no longer run, you can transfer your entry to another person you have found who wants to take your entry. Transfers are $15.00. You can log in to your Race Roster account to start your transfer. Instructions on how to do this can be found HERE. Deadline to transfer is October 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

After that, transfers can only happen at Race Package Pickup on October 9 and 10.

Please note it is your responsibility to collect any money you want for your registration directly from the person you are transferring to.

*Note to runners purchasing a transferred bib – To avoid scams, please verify the runner you are purchasing a bib from is in fact registered for the 2026 RVM by using the Confirm Registration button HERE. The RVM is not responsible for any issues arising between the seller and buyer of the registration.

Any changes/corrections must be completed on-line (until October 7 at 11:59 pm).

Changing to an event that is already sold out is not possible.

You can log in to your Race Roster account to make your transfer. Instructions on how to do this can be found HERE. DEADLINE FOR TRANSFERS ONLINE (if space available) is October 7, 2026. After that date you have to wait until package pickup - if space available.

The RVM is not responsible for finding someone to buy your race bib. There is a Facebook Group that you can find HERE where people can list if they are looking for a bib or selling a bib.

Bibs must be transferred legally using the Race Roster registration system. People can not run under another person’s name and race information.

You can have someone else pick up your race package (or you can pick up their race package). You will need their last name and/or bib number to do so. Bib numbers will be sent to participants the week of the event. Please ensure you have communicated and confirmed with each other regarding who is picking up the package.

If you have already registered for the Royal Victoria Marathon, you can confirm this by logging in to your Race Roster dashboard. You can also CLICK HERE for a quick check.

You can cancel your registration, but please note that there are no refunds or deferrals allowed for 2026. You can transfer your registration for a fee. You will be provided an opportunity to purchase race insurance during registration.

After October 8, transfers can only happen at Race Package Pickup on October 9 and 10, IF there is space in that event to do so.

You can submit a refund request using the confirmation email from Protecht that you would have received after you purchased the refund protection. That email will have a "Request a Refund" button that will direct you to the correct spot. If you need additional help or didn't receive an email you can contact them directly at help@protecht.com. Our RVM team can not help you with your protection questions.

Yes, the marathon distance is a Boston Qualifier.

Yes. Applications will open spring of 2026.

During registration you can purchase an iTAB which is plaque that you attach post-race with your name and finish time. Your personalized iTAB will be mailed directly from the company to you within one month of the completion of your 2026 race.

The RVM Age Policy requires that as of race day, all Marathon participants must be 18 or older, all Half Marathon participants must be 16 or older, and all 8KM participants must be 11 or older. This policy follows international standards, has been informed by our external medical advisers, and is in place for the safety of participants. Parents/guardians must sign the online waiver at registration for participants aged 18 or under. Parents/guardians are also urged to ensure that young runners have the training and pace judgement required to complete the event comfortably and safely. Event organizers reserve the right to require proof of age.

During registration you will be required to acknowledge and agree to our General Release and Waiver of Liability, Refund, Deferral and Cancelation Policies. You can preview these HERE.

If the distances sell out, a waitlist will be started. But if these lists get too long, we will sell out the waitlist as well.

Sunday, October 11
7:15 am - 8K

8:15 am - Marathon and Half Marathon

*There is a course time limit of 6.5 hrs for the marathon. There is no early start for any of our distances in 2026.

Time limit is 3hr 30min for the half marathon and 90 minutes for the 8K. These time limits may change based on the route approval but they will not be shorter than listed here.

Saturday, October 10

9:00 am 5K

10:30 am - Thrifty Foods Kids Run

There is a 60 minute time limit for the 5K. The events on Saturday take place in Oak Bay at Willows Beach Park.

The Oak Bay 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run start and finish at Willows Beach Park in Oak Bay on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K races start and finish downtown near the Legislative Buildings on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

VENUE MAP for Saturday

VENUE MAP for Sunday

Are course maps can be found on each event page.

Marathon

Half Marathon

Westland Insurance 8K

Island Savings 5K

There will be no strollers allowed on the marathon, half marathon, or 8K courses. Strollers are allowed for the 5K, but we ask that you start at the back of the event. There are no pets allowed for any of our distances. Nordic poles will only be allowed for mobility impaired participants.

Visit our Road Closures page for detailed information. CLICK HERE

There will be a course time limit of 6.5 hrs for the marathon, 3hr 30min for the half marathon and 90 minutes for the 8K.

There is no early start for any of the distances in 2026. Marathoners must complete the first 13K by 10:30 in order to be allowed to continue the marathon route. Individuals who have not passed the 13K mark by 10:30 will be given the choice to move to the half marathon event distance or withdraw from the event.

There will be a 60 minute limit for the 5K. These time limits may change based on the route approval but they will not be shorter than listed here. There is no early start for any races.

Runners must follow and stay on the course at all times. In most cases, the entire road is at the runner’s disposal. Where cones are used, shortening the course by not following the cone line is against the rules and may expose runners to unsafe conditions. Runners will be disqualified if they do not follow the course route. Participants may not use curbs, sidewalks, or grass surfaces, as they are not part of the measured course. Participants agree to follow the instructions of race, medical and police officials. Failure to follow the course rules can result in disqualification.

No GELS or other packaging materials are to be thrown on the ground outside the RVM aid stations. Please use designated garbage cans or carry with you.

October 11 - Prize ribbons in age categories will be provided for first to fifth place finishes in the Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K.

Awards will be presented at Crystal Gardens:

11:00 am - 8K

12:00 pm - Half Marathon

1:00 pm - Marathon

October 10 - Prize ribbons will be awarded for top three male and top three female finishers. There will not be any age group categories for the 5K. Ribbons will be presented on site at Willows Beach Park.

Ribbons must be picked up on race day. We will also have them available from Frontrunners Victoria as of October 13. Ribbons will not be mailed out.

There are race caps for each distance. Prices will also increase based on these caps as well as registration deadlines. Please make sure you are receiving our e-newsletters and/or social media to be aware of when these changes are coming up.

We are very pleased that the "Super Pacers" pace team will be joining us again this year. The "Super Pacers" have been pacing our Marathon and Half Marathon events since 2014!

Pace Leaders will be running the following times to help you achieve your running goals:

Marathon Times (HRS:MINS): 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 6:00

Half Marathon (HRS:MINS.): 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, and 2:30.

You will have a chance to meet the Super Pacers at the Race Expo on Friday and Saturday. Just drop by the Pace Team booth to say hi and ask any questions you may have! This gang loves talking about running!

You do not need to sign up beforehand, on race day simply look for the star shaped sign with your desired finish time in the start area and join the group! Marathon signs will be on one side of the start corral and Half Marathon signs on the other. Pace Leaders will be in the start corral at least 30 minutes before the race starts.

Please note that Pace Times are not guaranteed, we will do our best to fill all time slots based on the availability of Pacers on Race Day.

The 2026 Royal Victoria Marathon, Half Marathon, & 8K is featuring the latest in real-time race tracking by providing Live Results via our partner Startline Timing.

The Live Tracker will go live on race morning, but you can check out the link HERE in preparation starting in early October.

Have a Smartphone? Download the RTRT.me Mobile App HERE and select the 2026 RVM26 event. Participants, Family & Friends can all use Live Results to share in the excitement. On race day, spectators can get the status of participants in real-time using the Live Tracker & Leaderboard. Details such as time, pace, position on the map, and estimated finish will be instantly available!

Features Include:

Live Web Tracker - See times and current pace within seconds of a participant crossing each split point. Estimated times will be provided based on current pace.

Live Leaderboard - See who is winning via the Live Leaderboard. Top runners in each category will be displayed in real-time as they lead the way through the course.

Live Map Tracking - Participant locations will be plotted on the Interactive Course Map as progress is made on the course. The position of each participant is estimated based on the most recent timing received from the bib read. NOTE: Participants do not need to carry their phones for this feature to work.

Mobile App - Features include Live Participant Tracking, Push Notifications, Leaderboards, Map Tracking, Event Messages, Event Info, and more!

PLEASE NOTE: Times posted during the event are Unofficial. Official results are posted upon completion of the event.

We’re proud to be offering The Locker at RVM in 2026.

The Locker is a safe, secure, and free parking service for bicycles, scooters, one-wheels, hoverboards, or whatever micromobility vehicle you use!

How Does it Work?

When you arrive, Locker friendly staff will take your bike and give you an identification tag. They will then watch over your bike during the event, and when you return, they’ll exchange your tag for your bike/transpo! Easy-Peasy!

Leave the car at home and bike to the RVM!

Learn more at CapitalBike.ca/TheLocker

We will announce our full entertainment lineup closer to the race.

In 2025, FOM Music Society, one of the RVM CHEK Charities performed at 1128 Dallas Road, between Cook Street and Clover Point, in the driveway Saint Frances Manor by the Sea Seniors Residence for our Marathon and Half Marathon runners. There was 4 musical groups from Friends of Music, performing one after the other, in support of Mental Health.

Any divisions with prize money, including high performance for the marathon, half marathon, and 8K, will use Gun Time.

All of the age group awards will be given out based on Chip Time.

XACT NUTRITION will again be our official on-course energy and hydration sponsor. Their XACT Energy fruit bars are a tasty alternative to energy gels. XACT Electrolytes are key to optimal hydration - dialed down flavour and low fizz, but loaded in electrolytes and micronutrients essential to athletic performance.

This year’s XACT product will be:

• XACT ENERGY fruit bar favours on-course : equal amount of orange, apricot and strawberry

• XACT ELECTROLYTES : Lightly Lemon

XACTly what you need to cross the finish line smiling!

Runners are also encouraged to be self-sufficient where possible and to bring their own hydration as appropriate. 

On the course you will find Aid/Water Stations which will have Old Victoria Water and Xact Electrolyte.  At stations 3 & 7 there will also be Xact Fruit Nutrition Bars.  The all important Porta-potties are located at each Aid Station as well as a radio operator if you need medical assistance.

No GELS or other packaging materials are to be thrown on the ground outside the RVM aid stations. Please use designated garbage cans or carry with you.

Victoria is on Vancouver Island, so you must either take a plane or ferry to get to Victoria.

Harbour Air flies from a number of locations directly into Victoria's Inner Harbour. More information HERE.

Ferry from Vancouver - we highly recommend booking a ferry reservation. More information HERE.

Ferry from Seattle - information on the Clipper can be found HERE.

Ferry from Port Angeles - Visit the COHO website HERE.

Victoria International Airport is 30 minutes outside of Victoria. Information HERE.

The Race Expo will take place on October 9-10, 2026 at the Crystal Gardens. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, download our Exhibitor Package on the expo page HERE.

Package pickup will be at Crystal Gardens, 713 Douglas St. Hours are:

Friday, October 9 - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday, October 10 - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday - October 11 - 6:00 am for out of town participants only

PLEASE NOTE: For the 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run, in-person package pickup is:

Crystal Gardens, Friday, October 9- 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

OR Willows Beach Park prior to race start:

5K - 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Kids Run - 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Runners must wear their bib on their front chest so that it is visible to marshals, photographers and medical personnel. Runners who fail to do so are subject to expulsion. The chip timing on your bib can not be covered.

While the use of headphones is permitted on the course, they are not recommended as you may not hear your fellow racers, marshals and other important race components. If you miss any important instructions due to headphone wearing, it will be the responsibility of the participant. At all times, keep the volume at a minimum. Or wear with one headphone in.

Yes, in a tent on the grounds of the Legislative Buildings. The tents are labelled for each race distance. It will open at 6:00 am.

There will also be gear check at Willows Beach for the 5K on Saturday, October 10.

Yes there will be KM markings for all race distances, as well as mile markers (every 5 miles).

The City of Victoria has information on where and when you can park on Sundays in downtown Victoria. CLICK HERE for information. You can also look to park outside the downtown core and walk in. Just be aware of residential only signs and please ensure you are not parking on the route as you will be towed.

In Oak Bay, there is a parking lot at Willows Beach which is limited as well street parking around the area.

You can also find information on BC Transit, which is the public bus system in Victoria HERE.

Capital Bikes will be onsite with their Bike Locker. The Locker is a parking service for bicycles, scooters, one-wheels, hoverboards, or whatever micromobility vehicle our guests use to travel to your event. Their amazing staff provides portable bike racks and a tag system to ensure the safety and security of all checked belongings.

Please see the route maps on each distance page for location of aid stations and what is provided at each.

XACT NUTRITION will again be our official on-course energy and hydration sponsor. Their XACT Energy fruit bars are a tasty alternative to energy gels. XACT Electrolytes are key to optimal hydration - dialed down flavour and low fizz, but loaded in electrolytes and micronutrients essential to athletic performance.

This year’s XACT product will be:

XACT ENERGY fruit bar favours on-course : equal amount of orange, apricot and strawberry

XACT ELECTROLYTES : Lightly Lemon

XACTly what you need to cross the finish line smiling!

Runners are also encouraged to be self-sufficient where possible and to bring their own hydration as appropriate.

We can always use more volunteers! Our volunteer sign up will open by May, 2026.

2026 Race results will be found HERE as of race day.

 We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our event while creating a positive experience for participants, volunteers, spectators, and our community. Our goal is to minimize waste, reduce emissions, and encourage responsible participation.

 We work to reduce waste through measures such as:

• Providing clearly marked recycling and compost stations, as well as an “IDK” bin for items you’re not sure how to sort

• Having a dedicated team sort, weigh, and haul all event waste — every little morsel!

• Donating usable leftover materials and clothing

• Working with vendors to minimize packaging

Yes. Waste stations will be available throughout the event site, with volunteers on hand to help participants sort materials correctly.

Absolutely! We encourage participants to bring a reusable water bottle or cup. A water refill station will be located to the right of the Legislature stairs.

Yes. We want you to stay hydrated! Disposable cups with water will be available at aid stations. Please drink and drop your cup within the aid station area. Where possible, participants are encouraged to carry reusable hydration systems.

 We encourage participants to:

• Walk, bike, or use public transit

• Carpool with friends or teammates

• Use shared transportation options where available

• Take advantage of the free Bike Valet provided by Capital Bike

Whenever possible, surplus food that is safe for consumption is donated to local organizations. Food scraps are composted when facilities are available.

We aim to source merchandise from suppliers that prioritize sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and reduced packaging.

You can help by:

• Bringing reusable water bottles, cups, and bags

• Using sustainable transportation

• Sorting waste correctly

• Respecting natural areas along the course

Yes. We work closely with facility managers, municipalities, and landowners to ensure race activities minimize impacts on local ecosystems, wildlife, and vegetation.

Whenever possible, signage, banners, and other event materials are reused at future events, repurposed, or recycled.

Clothing left at the start line is collected by event volunteers and donated to local charities and community organizations whenever possible. We encourage participants to bring gently used items they no longer need, knowing they can be put to good use by others in the community.

We track indicators such as waste diversion, volunteer engagement, transportation initiatives, and sustainability program participation to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

We welcome suggestions from participants. Post-event surveys will include questions about sustainability, and attendees can also contact the race organizing team directly with ideas and feedback.