The Royal Victoria Marathon returns for its 46th annual edition October 9–11, 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia. Organized by a volunteer team who describe the event as “organized by runners for runners,” the race has a long history as one of Canada’s marquee fall road races and draws both local club runners and destination athletes chasing fast times.

Race weekend is spread over two days. Saturday in Oak Bay features the Island Savings 5K (9:00 am) and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run (10:30 am) from Willows Beach Park. Sunday’s program centres on downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour: the Westland Insurance 8K starts at 7:15 am, followed by the Royal Victoria Marathon and the Outway Half Marathon at 8:15 am. The marathon carries a 6.5-hour course time limit; the half marathon limit is 3.5 hours and the 8K limit is 90 minutes.

What sets Royal Vic apart is the setting and community atmosphere — courses thread quiet residential streets, waterfront boulevards and iconic Inner Harbour vistas, and the marathon is a recognized Boston Qualifier and World Athletics sanctioned course. The event features a long-running pace team dubbed the “Super Pacers,” an annual race expo where pacers and sponsors meet runners, a souvenir race guide and a free online speaker series in the months leading up to race weekend. Ribbons are awarded to top finishers in age categories and participants can purchase an iTAB to personalise a finisher plaque.

Registration opens and closes through Race Roster; current entry pricing is posted on the event registration page. Runners should note transfer and package-pickup deadlines (transfers online allowed through October 7, 2026) and the race cap policy that moves prices between blocks as fields fill.

- **Oceanfront course views:** Marathon and half routes weave through Victoria and Oak Bay with long stretches of shoreline and start/finish near the Inner Harbour Legislative Buildings.
- **Boston-qualifying course:** The full marathon is a Boston Qualifier and the event is World Athletics sanctioned.
- **Super Pacers on course:** Established pace team offers marathon targets from 3:30 to 6:00 and half-marathon pacing from 1:30 to 2:30.
- **Weekend Oak Bay festival:** Island Savings 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run take place at Willows Beach Park on Saturday before the downtown races on Sunday.
- **Clear time limits & awards:** Set course time limits (marathon 6.5 hrs, half 3.5 hrs, 8K 90 min, 5K 60 min) and age-category ribbons for top finishers.