2024 RVM on track to sell out months before the event

(Victoria, BC, May 15, 2024). With registrations over double what they were at this time last year, the 2024 Royal Victoria Marathon is looking to sell out months before the event in October. Planning is well under way with a new Team Challenge added to the mix, a thriving CHEK Charity Pledge Program, shirts from Under Armour, volunteer recruitment launching and a monthly free Webinar Speaker Series. The event also hopes to attract elites from across Canada to take part in the world-renowned course.

“Marathons and half marathon events are selling out around the world, including the BMO Vancouver Marathon that sold out 2 1⁄2 months prior to their May 5th race day and the upcoming Oak Bay Half” stated Cathy Noel, General Manager of the event. “Our numbers are outstanding already, with only 600 spots left for the marathon distance, even with us increasing our spaces available this year. To put it in perspective, we have already surpassed our final marathon numbers from 2019! Don’t procrastinate, register soon so you won’t be disappointed.”

With the increase in numbers, it also means our 17 official charities of the CHEK Charity Pledge Program are benefiting, with fundraising totals already over double from last year at this time. Since its inception in 2005, the program has helped raise over 2.25 million for our charity partners. 

“We are so excited about how the event is shaping up this year and couldn’t be more thrilled with the numbers” commented Patti Hunter, President of the Victoria Marathon Society.. “And rather than just putting on the same event this year, we have added some fun new elements in 2024, with the Team Challenge being launched today.”

For the fun RVM Team Challenge, people make up teams of 2-4 people, with each team member running one or two of the distances (marathon, half marathon, 8K and 5K) and the finish times are added together to determine rankings. Racers register in their distance for RVM and then sign up their team on the Team Challenge registration page. Registration is now open for the Team Challenge.

Also new in 2024 are Under Armour shirts for all participants in the marathon, half marathon and 8K in a variety of styles and colours. Long sleeved shirts for the marathon and half marathon and short sleeved for the 8K. Marathoners also receive custom marathon socks from Outway.

The RVM Speaker Series, presented by Marsquest, launched in April. These monthly sessions bring experts sharing the key tips and advice to help the runners make the most out of their training and to get them to the start line on October 12th and 13th

Also launching today is the High Performance Program, attracting elites from around the globe to participate in the event. With prize money up for grabs, elites are often drawn to the fast, beautiful course each October. 

And, of course, the event isn’t possible without the support of 1000+ volunteers. Applications for the Peninsula Co-op Volunteer Crew will launch May 22, 2024. 

The Royal Victoria Marathon is celebrating 44 years in 2024. With five distances, there is something for everyone. The 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run takes place on Saturday, October 12 in Oak Bay, with the marathon, half marathon and 8K starting and finishing in downtown Victoria on Sunday, October 13.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.