Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the thousands racing in the Royal Victoria Marathon

(Victoria, BC – October 12, 2025) — Rain off and on all day didn’t stop the racers in the 45th Annual Royal Victoria Marathon from hitting personal bests while experiencing the incredible Victoria hospitality. With a sold out marathon, half marathon and Westland Insurance 8K, the streets were filled with runners and walkers from all over the world. Plus, Saturday saw the sold out Island Savings 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run take place in Oak Bay at Willows Beach Park to fill the weekend with distances for everyone.

“This year’s RVM was definitely one to be remembered,” said Cathy Noel, RVM General Manager and Race Director. “It was truly incredible to see everything come together after a year of planning. So many highlights for our 45th including selling out the race distances, new sponsors, probably the most volunteers we’ve ever had, and, of course, seeing thousands of racers coming across that finish line. What a year!”

With 15,466 racers registered, this was the largest event in the RVM's 45-year history. Registrations were 4079 in the marathon, 6465 in the half marathon, 3309 in the Westland Insurance 8K, 1001 in the Island Savings 5K and 612 in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run. As part of the race this weekend, RVM was host to the BC Athletics Marathon Road Running Championships.

The RVM men’s marathon winner was Louis Maruk (Vancouver, BC) in a time of 2:24:29. Coming in second was Kip Kangogo (Lethbridge, AB) in 2:25:04, followed by Christopher Chan (Burnaby, BC) in 2:26:22. Kangogo’s time was not only the top Master’s Marathon time but also a new course record for the male 45-49 division. 

“It was cool but the weather was good as well” said marathon winner Louis Maruk. Coming to Victoria after finishing 12th in 2024, he was happy with his first place performance. “Thank you to my coach Kevin O’Connor [RVM High Performance Coordinator]. I feel good. Really good.”   

The RVM women’s marathon winner was Cassandra de Winter (Lethbridge, AB) finishing in 2:39:52. Coming in second was Kat Drew (Vancouver, BC) in 2:44:47 followed by Andrea Lee (North Vancouver) in 2:47:22. 

“It was so good, it was so fun, the energy out here was amazing and the weather was perfect,” remarked marathon winner Cassandra de Winter said. She went on to give a shout out to her three kids, one who will be 9 months next week. “Being a mom definitely makes you a little stronger!”

In the men’s half-marathon, finishing in first place was Russell Pennock (Kelowna, BC) in 1:05:15, second was Chris Taylor (Vancouver, BC) in 1:06:05, followed by Justyn Tyrrell (Barrie, ON) in 1:06:35. 

“First half I worked with Chris [Taylor] and we agreed to switch off leads every threeish minutes,” Pennock explained. “We did that until about the 9 or 10k point and then there was a bit of an uphill and I made a bit of a gap and then held it from there.”

In the women’s half marathon, Claire Sumner (Calgary, AB) took the race in a time of 1:15:13, followed by Kiana Gibson (Vancouver, BC) in 1:17:23, and in third place Maria Galea (Calgary, AB) in 1:18:25. 

“The crowd was amazing, and coming back there along the water with all the people cheering you on was awesome,” said Claire Sumner when asked about her favourite parts about the half marathon. “The energy was just so great and it is an awesome meet. Thank you for organizing.”

In the Half Marathon, only one course record was set with Robert Dunbrack (Sechelt, BC), breaking the course record for male 75-79 in a time of 1:41:35. 

The 8K was the first race of the day with Liam Donnelly (Victoria, BC) taking the win in a time of 23:59. Coming in second was Gabe Van Hezewijk (Victoria, BC) in 24:34, followed by Liam Dwyer (Vancouver, BC) in 24:42. 

The RVM women’s 8K winner was Jenna Schulz (Waterloo, ON) in a time of 28:03. Courtney Brohart (Canmore, AB) was second in 28:15, with Julie Hawkins (Vancouver, BC) taking third in 28:30. 

A new 8K course record was set in the female U13 division, with Avery Schmidt (Courtenay, BC) finishing in 31.43.

And finally, for the 5K, which took place on Saturday in Oak Bay, Charlie Dannatt (Burnaby, BC) set a new course record with a 14:37 result. Scott Arndt (Burnaby, BC) was second in 15:45 and Aiden Good (Victoria, BC) finished third in 15:48. 

In the women’s 5K, a course record of 17:44 was set by Chloe Hewitt (Hamilton, ON). She was followed by Carley Gering (Victoria, BC) in 18:18 and Stella McLeod (Regina, SK) in 18:58.

Of the total registered, there were 12,720 finishers: 3191 in the Marathon, 5439 in the half marathon, 2,682 in the 8K, 796 in the 5K and 612 in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run. The Royal Victoria Marathon will return for its 46th annual event on October 10 & 11, 2026.

For full results go to: 

https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/results/ 

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Record-setting 15,500+ set to take part in Royal Victoria Marathon