Royal Victoria Marathon adds a 5K for 2023

This year’s Royal Victoria Marathon is set to take place on the weekend of Oct. 7-8, and in addition to the marathon, half-marathon, 8K and kids’ run, the race will be adding a 5K for the first time. Also, events will be staggered across two days, with the Oak Bay 5K and Thrifty Kids Run taking moving to the city’s Oak Bay neighbourhood on Saturday, Oct. 7. The marathon, half-marathon and 8K will take place, as usual, on Sunday, Oct. 8, starting and finishing in downtown Victoria.

The Oak Bay 5K will follow an out-and-back course along the Esplanade, Estevan and Beach Drive, starting and finishing at Willows Park. Registration is $30; the race is chip-timed, and registrants will receive a finisher’s medal and toque.

The RVM is celebrating the arrival of the 5K and helping participants prepare for the race by partnering with thetrackclub.ca to offer a one-month training program for the 5K, including four in-person sessions at the Pacific Institute for Sport Education (PISE).

The Thrifty Foods Kids Run will also start and finish at Willows Park. Registration is $25, with proceeds to KidSport Greater Victoria. Registrants may choose between a souvenir toque and reflective light, race bag and race number.

“We are excited to be adding a new distance to our lineup this year and hosting both the 5K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run in Oak Bay,” RVM race director and general manager Cathy Noel said in a press release. “Moving the events to Oak Bay allows us to show off this wonderful community as well as provide an opportunity for participants to take part in a shorter event on the Saturday, and if feeling up for the challenge, take on one of our other distances on the Sunday!”

KidSport Greater Victoria executive director Jill Shaw added that the move to Willows Park on Saturday would “provide a safe and exciting space for our youngest participants. For those past Kids Run participants who are now ready for the challenge of a little more distance than the Kids Run route offers, the 5K is a fantastic stepping stone.” 

The race’s Community Challenge charity program, which will return for its 19th year this year, has raised over $2.5 million for partner charities.  

posted Friday May 5th
by Anne Francis