This October, the streets of the picturesque city of Victoria will once again be transformed for the Royal Victoria Marathon (RVM), one of Vancouver Island’s largest annual sporting events.
The 43rd edition of the race, which is the perfect blend of athleticism, natural beauty, and regal charm, will be held October 6-8.
Over 8,000 participants flock to the streets of Victoria each year to take part in the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K and the Thrifty Foods Kids Run. And this year, on Saturday, October 7, both a new 5K distance as well as the Thrifty Foods Kids Run will be held in Oak Bay, a municipality of Greater Victoria.
RVM is more than just a weekend of electric energy and fun. It is a chance to raise both awareness and donations for deserving charities. RVM has announced a list of 21 charities that will be part of their CHEK Charity Pledge Program: Another Brick in Nepal-Canada, Autism Speaks Canada, BC Cancer Foundation, Binkadi Wellness Society, Bridges for Women Society, Broadmead Care Society, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, Fast and Female Supporting Women in Sports Foundation, FOM Music Society, Habitat for Humanity Victoria, Heart & Stroke Foundation, KidSport Greater Victoria, Lifetime Networks Victoria, NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support, Our Place Society, PISE Pacific Institute of Sport Education, Prairie Inn Harriers Foundation, The Starfish Environmental Society, Vic City Elite Para Team – Paris 2024, Victoria Hospice Society, and the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
“The interest in our charity program grew from 11 charities in 2022 to 21 this year,” says Cathy Noel, general manager and race director of RVM. “We love the fact that charities are able to focus on what they do best and use our events as a platform to raise money and awareness. The Royal Victoria Marathon also wins as a result of charity participation as we are able to reach new participants and further our goal to provide the vehicle towards living a healthier life.”
“In our first 18 years of the charity program we have raised $2.5 million,” adds Mandy Parker, chair of CHEK Charity Pledge Program.
“We would like to exceed $2.6 million for our 19th year. There are a number of ways that participants can help raise money for our charities, from donating to a charity when registering through to making a team and collecting pledges. Every dollar is an important dollar.”
To learn more about the Royal Victoria Marathon visit www.runvictoriamarathon.com
Book your accommodation now so you are walking distance to the start and finish line!
Feature photo by Matt Cecil
