Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Any changes/corrections must be completed on-line (until September 15). Changing to an event that is already sold out is not permitted. You can log in to your Race Roster account to change your distance. Instructions on how to do this can be found HERE. DEADLINE FOR TRANSFERS ONLINE (if space available) is September 15, 2024. After that date you have to wait until package pickup - if space available.

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 change your distance. Instructions on how to do this can be found HERE. Deadline to transfer is September 15, 2024.

Yes, the marathon distance is a Boston Qualifier.

Yes. More information and an application process will open in January 2024.

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 2024 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.

You can cancel your registration, but please note that there are no refunds or deferrals allowed for 2024. You can transfer your registration to another person up until September 15, 2024 for a fee. You will be provided an opportunity to purchase race insurance during registration.

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.

Sunday, October 13
7:15 am - 8K

8:00 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 2024.

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 12

9:00 am 5K

10:15 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 12.

The Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K races start and finish downtown near the Legislative Buildings on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

You can find our most current maps HERE.

There will be no strollers or pets allowed on the marathon, half marathon, 8K or 5K courses. Nordic poles will only be allowed for mobility impaired participants.

Full route road closures - HERE

The road closures for Oak Bay for the 5K can be found HERE

The road closures for the Oak Bay portion of the Marathon can be found HERE.

Road closures will be updated in September 2024.

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 2024. Marathoners must complete the first 13K by 10:15 in order to be allowed to continue the marathon route. Individuals who have not passed the 13K mark by 10:15 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.

October 13 - 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 12 - 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 18. Ribbons will not be mailed out.

There will be 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 as we return to in person racing. 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: 3:15, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, and 5:00

Half Marathon : 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.

The 2024 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.

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 2024.

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

To be announced.

The Race Expo will take place on October 11-12, 2024 at the Crystal Gardens. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, download our Exhibitor Package HERE.

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

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

Saturday, October 12 - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday - October 13 - 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 11 - 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.

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.

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 12.

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

Please help us keep the roads clean by ensuring all garbage is put into receptacles along the route. Please do not throw gel packs, bottles, etc on to the roads. Carry it until you are at one of our garbage containers. Thank you!

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 as well street parking around the area.

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 route maps 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 March, 2024.

2023 Race results can be found HERE

As of April 8, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to access most businesses, events and services in B.C. Similarly, proof of vaccination will no longer be required for this year’s Royal Victoria Marathon. Runners will no longer be requested to show their proof of vaccination and valid government photo ID at Package Pickup in order to collect their race bibs.

The Victoria Marathon Society continues to follow the guidance of the Province with matters related to COVID-19. We will continue to closely monitor all health guidelines and follow the appropriate regulations. Event details are always subject to change, as permits are subject to the approval from governing bodies. The Royal Victoria Marathon has various event plans for the different components of the event including Race Package Pick-up, start / finish and aid stations that will be adjusted according to the official guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer, City of Victoria, and Municipality of Oak Bay, to support the return of in-person racing. Participant safety is always a top priority.

Provincial health orders state masks are again optional in most public indoor spaces throughout the province. As such, masks will now also be recommended but optional during the Royal Victoria Marathon including Package Pickup, in the Start Line and Finish Line areas and in all indoor venues.

Royal Victoria Marathon volunteers similarly will no longer have to show proof of double vaccinations or adhere to the mask mandates.

To learn more about the vaccination requirements in B.C., please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Provincial health orders state masks are again optional in most public indoor spaces throughout the province. As such, masks will now also be recommended but optional during the Royal Victoria Marathon including Package Pickup, in the Start Line and Finish Line areas and in all indoor venues.

Royal Victoria Marathon volunteers similarly will no longer have to show proof of double vaccinations or adhere to the mask mandates.

At this time we will not be requiring proof of vaccination. Please read our policy listed above.

Note: Proof of vaccination is still required for some travel and to access some events, services and businesses in B.C.

To learn more about the vaccination requirements in B.C., please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/register or https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

This policy may be updated to align with evolving Provincial Health Orders and the guidance of Athletics Canada. Any such changes are not grounds for a participant to request a refund or a deferral.

Safety continues to be the top priority for event organizers, and the Royal Victoria Marathon has updated its traditional race offerings to support the return of in-person races.

Water stations on-course may be limited to reduce the potential spread of any diseases. Runners are encouraged to be self-sufficient where possible and to bring their own hydration as appropriate.

Masks will now also be recommended but optional at Package Pickup, the Start Line area, Finish Line area, and indoor venues. For the purposes of the provincial order, a mask or face covering is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Please bring your own mask.