Royal Victoria Marathon Draws Record Crowd in Victoria

The 46th Royal Victoria Marathon weekend brought a record 17,536 participants to Victoria, British Columbia, on Oct. 10 and 11, 2026, with marathon, half marathon, 8K, 5K and kids races drawing runners from 39 nations and helping boost local tourism.

According to the Times Colonist, the field exceeded last year’s record by more than 2,000 participants. The breakdown included 4,927 marathon runners, 7,389 half marathon entrants, 3,396 8K participants, 1,124 5K runners and 700 children in the kids race.

The Royal Victoria Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, with 636 runners attempting to earn qualifying spots. The event also featured Olympians including Evan Dunfee and Natasha Wodak, according to the Times Colonist and VicNews.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto highlighted the event’s role in bringing activity and visitors to the city during the race weekend.

"It’s proof of life," said Marianne Alto, Victoria mayor.

Alto also addressed the record participation numbers during the marathon media conference at the Crystal Garden. The event attracted visitors and runners across different experience levels.

"These are amazing statistics. It shows how revered the RVM is and we are overwhelmed by the response and in awe," said Marianne Alto, Victoria mayor.

Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission, said the race weekend generated a significant visitor presence in the region. The Times Colonist reported that about 10,000 out-of-town visitors came to Victoria because of the marathon races.

"It all adds up. We have 10,000 out-of-town visitors in the city this weekend because of the Royal Victoria Marathon races and it’s an amazing postcard for our region," said Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission.

The Saturday Island Savings 5K took place near Willows Beach, where Aiden Longcroft-Harris won the men’s race in 15:08 and Waverley Mulligan won the women’s race in a course-record 17:14, according to the Times Colonist.

Alto also discussed the youth participation component of the event, which included the Thrifty Foods Kids Run. The marathon weekend began with Saturday races before the main Sunday events.

"This is the beginning of their journey learning how important it is to be fit and understanding the beauty and reward of lifetime fitness," said Marianne Alto, Victoria mayor.

Steve King, the Royal Victoria Marathon finish-line announcer, marked his 28th year calling the event as organizers recognized the race’s long history since its first winner in 1980.

"That is a stunning number," said Steve King, Royal Victoria Marathon finish-line announcer.

Evan Dunfee, an Olympic bronze medallist and race-walking world champion, said personal goals remain important for all participants. He was taking on the marathon course while preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

"A lot of it is defining your own success," said Evan Dunfee, Olympic medallist.

Dunfee compared his ambitions with those of recreational runners completing their first marathon. The Times Colonist reported six participants had each completed more than 30 Royal Victoria marathons.

"My goals are no different than the person’s goal out there who is trying to break five hours in their first marathon," said Evan Dunfee, Olympic medallist.

Race director Cathy Noel said organizers were encouraged by the continued demand for the event, with Sunday’s main races sold out for the second consecutive year.

"To have sold out most of the distances two years in a row is quite incredible," said Cathy Noel, race director.

Noel said the marathon has maintained strong support among participants who choose Victoria for the Thanksgiving weekend event.

"The event has a very loyal following and we are thrilled that so many choose to spend their Thanksgiving weekend in Victoria," said Cathy Noel, race director.

Victoria Police prepared traffic measures for the marathon route, including temporary road closures and public safety operations in affected areas.

"Residents in downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, James Bay, Fairfield, Oak Bay, and the Uplands, as well as visitors to Beacon Hill Park, should expect delays entering and leaving the area during the event on Sunday," said Victoria Police.

Police advised travelers to plan for delays during the race and consider alternate transportation options while runners moved through city streets.

"Motorists are encouraged to arrive early, allow extra travel time, and consider walking, cycling, or taking BC Transit where possible," said Victoria Police.

VicPD reminded the public about route restrictions and safety arrangements during the event period.

"Please familiarize yourself with the race route and expect to encounter road closures if entering or leaving the downtown area on Sunday," said Victoria Police.

VicPD deployed special duty members, temporary CCTV and drone systems under provincial and national privacy requirements.

"The deployment of CCTV cameras and the RPAS is an integral part of VicPD’s efforts to support community safety and is in accordance with B.C. and national privacy legislation," said Victoria Police.

Police said signs would identify camera locations and the equipment would be removed after the races ended.

"Temporary signs indicating CCTV camera presence will be displayed in event areas to inform the community, and the cameras will be removed once the events have concluded. The RPAS camera has live stream capability and will not be recording by default," said Victoria Police.