Royal Victoria Marathon - What You Need to Know

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The Royal Victoria Marathon returns on Sunday, Oct. 11, bringing thousands of runners and spectators to Victoria and Oak Bay. Residents and visitors can expect road closures, parking restrictions and travel delays throughout the weekend. 

Race Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 10

5K and kids race, waterfront route in the District of Oak Bay

Sunday, Oct. 11

  • Start and finish at the Legislative grounds, along Belleville St.
  • 8K Race: 7:15 a.m.  
  • Marathon and half marathon: 8:15 a.m.  
  • Post-race festivities: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Getting There  

  • Walking, cycling or taking transit is recommended.
  • A free, secure bike valet will be available at Superior and Menzies St., starting at 6:30 a.m.
  • Lime bikes will be temporarily removed from stations along the race route. A temporary Lime parking area will be available on Quebec St. for those taking a Lime bike to the event.
  • Check BC Transit alerts for route changes. 

Road Closures 
Expect delays and detours on Sunday. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get around. 

  • Belleville St., Government to Menzies St.: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
  • Belleville St., Oswego to Government St.: Sunday, Oct. 11, midnight to 6 p.m.
  • Belleville St., Government to Douglas St.: Sunday, Oct. 11, 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Kingston St., Oswego to Menzies St.; Quebec St., Oswego to Menzies St.; and Menzies St., Quebec to Superior St.: Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Government St., Superior to Humboldt St.: Sunday, Oct. 11, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Vehicle access to and from downtown south of Yates St. will be significantly restricted from 7:55 to 9:30 a.m.


Race Route

Road closures will begin early Sunday morning and will be lifted progressively after the final participant passes. Check the race map for estimated closure and reopening times.



Parking

Parking is not permitted along the race route. Vehicles remaining on the course may be towed beginning at midnight Sunday. Parking will reopen progressively as runners pass and roads reopen.

Getting Around James Bay

Before 7:45 a.m.

  • Use Superior, Simcoe or Niagara St. to reach Douglas St.

Between 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.

  • The only vehicle access into James Bay will be via Douglas St. and Toronto St.
  • Vehicles leaving James Bay should use Simcoe St. to reach Douglas St.
  • Drivers travelling from east of the race route should note that crossings at Yates St. and Cook St. will not be available until 9:30 a.m.

After 9:15 a.m.

  • Most roads will reopen, except around the James Bay perimeter and Inner Harbour.
  • Use Superior, Michigan or Simcoe St. to reach Douglas St.

Dallas Rd

  • Closed until 3:15 p.m.

Coho Ferry Access

Vehicle access to the Coho ferry terminal will be maintained throughout the event, but delays are expected due to road closures. Travellers should arrive early and allow extra time for boarding.