Race Day
WEEKEND WEATHER
The average high temperature on race day is 14°C, or 57°F. Typically it will be between 6°C and 10°C at 8:30 a.m. when the marathon starts. Rain is unlikely, but not out of the question, so be prepared in the event of showers. Connect to The Weather Network.
CAN I TRANSFER MY RACE ENTRY?
A person running in your place with a different gender or a different age group can lead to errors in the results, and deny legitimate winners of their justly won prizes. Also, in the event of an accident or medical condition, wrong information may have serious consequences. If you are unable to run, you can still pickup your race shirt (if you registered prior to posted deadlines), at package pickup times posted on the Register page. Note: there is no post-race shirt pick-up.
OUT-OF-TOWN PACKAGE PICKUP
- Limited package pick-up (race number and timing chip) is available only to pre-registered, out-of-town entrants on race day at the Information Tent at the corner of Belleville and Government Streets from 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Contact us at (250) 658-4520 or info@royalvictoriamarathon.com if you plan to pick up on Race Day.
- Pick-up is not available to local residents on race day.
START TIMES
- 6:30 a.m. - Marathon Early Start (Time Limit - 7 Hours), Menzies at Kingston.
- 7:25 a.m. - 8K Road Race Wheelchair Start, Belleville between Menzies and Oswego.
- 7:25 a.m. - Half Marathon Wheelchair Start, Menzies at Kingston.
- 7:30 a.m. - 8K Road Race Start, Belleville between Menzies and Oswego.
- 7:30 a.m. - Half Marathon Start, Menzies at Kingston.
- 8:25 a.m. - Marathon Wheelchair Start, Menzies at Kingston.
- 8:30 a.m. - Marathon Main Start (Time Limit - 5 Hours), Menzies at Kingston.
- 10:30 a.m. - Thrifty Foods Kids Run Start, Menzies at Kingston.
PARKING
Participants should park in the downtown area prior to 7:00am and walk the short distance to the start. There will be limited access to the downtown core as the 8K Road Race and Half Marathon start at 7:30am.
Parking is free on Sundays at City parking meters. There is limited parking for participants and volunteers in the lot bounded by Superior, Menzies, and Kingston Streets. Spots are first-come, first-served. Cars must be in place prior to 7:00am.
RACE ROUTES
It is the responsibility of each runner to know the route. Study the course maps. Do not cross the centre line, stay on the proper side of the road as directed by signs and marshals. Race officials will monitor the course and will warn or disqualify violators.
MARATHON - EARLY START
Participants that are not able to finish the marathon in 5 hours or less will start at 6:30 a.m. Faster marathon participants and half marathoners are not permitted to start at 6:30 a.m. Up until 8:00 a.m. participants must be on the sidewalk, obey local traffic laws and be self-sufficient as volunteer support will be limited. Only marathoners are allowed to start at 6:30 a.m. - you must have the correct colour number to start early.
BABY JOGGERS
Baby joggers are not permitted in the Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Road Race for insurance and safety reasons. If an accident were to occur between a runner and a baby jogger, neither party would be covered by our event liability insurance.
RACE NUMBERS
Pin your race number to the front of your shirt. This helps us identify you at all times. Ensure you arrive at the correct start line for the race you have entered. The colour of your race number identifies which race you are entered in.
CHIP TIMING
Attach the chip to your shoelace with the plastic strap provided. Your time is recorded as you cross the timing mats at the start and finish line. No chip = no time. Wheelchair participants: attach the chip to the lowest part of the wheelchair. Proceed through the chip removal area and volunteers will remove and collect it from you. additional information...
GEAR CHECK
Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Road Race tents are located beside each other on Government Street beside the Legislative Buildings. It opens at 6:00 a.m. Checked items must fit into the provided bags and you must have the tear off tag from your race number stapled to the bag for identification. The tent closes at 2:30 p.m. All unclaimed bags and miscellaneous items of clothing will be donated to charity.
CHANGE TENTS
Men’s and women’s change tents are located behind the clothing check tents, on the grounds in front of the Legislature.
COURSE MARKERS
All three races - the Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K Road Race - will have all kilometres marked, as well as markers every 5 miles and halfway for the Marathon. There's also a one-mile marker and one-mile-to-go marker for the Half Marathon and Marathon.
AID STATIONS
Old Victoria Water, Gatorade stations, and porta-potties will be located along the course approximately every 3km. Gatorade flavours are orange and lemon lime. Fruit and Power Gels will be available at approximately the 13km (8 miles)/34km (21 miles) mark.
You may carry your own fluids and gels to supplement what is already provided at the aid stations. If you require your own additional fluid out on the course, please deliver it to the official van on Superior at Menzies by 8:00 a.m. for delivery to the 13km/34km aid stations at Lawndale and Richardson.
An athlete who collects refreshment from a place other than the aid stations (i.e. from spectators) renders himself liable to disqualification.
RACE REGULATIONS
The Royal Victoria Marathon is a foot race. For safety and liability reasons all events are limited to registered runners only. Baby joggers, bicycles, hand cycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, skates, pacing and running with dogs are strictly prohibited on the course. Non-compliance with these safety rules will result in disqualification. An athlete who collects refreshments from a place other than the refreshment stations renders themselves liable to disqualification.
COURSE CLOSURE
Police will be allowing some traffic to travel across the race route when it is safe. All traffic, including transit facilities, will be controlled by the local police and official course marshalls. Runners must take extreme caution at all times. BICYCLES, CARS, OR OTHER VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING RUNNERS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE RUNNER.
The police will begin opening the roads as the participants complete the different sections of the course. At 2:00 p.m. all streets will be re-opened to traffic; aid stations and the finish line will be dismantled. When the road is re-opened, participants must move to the sidewalks and obey local traffic laws.
MEDICAL
A First-Aid tent will be located near the finish line. Medical personnel from multiple health professions will be in attendance. Medical personnel and ambulances will also be on the course during the event. Competitors unable to finish should walk to the next aid station and seek help.
MASSAGE
Massage therapists will be available for a fee at the Victoria Conference Centre - $20.00 for 15 minutes. Book your post-race massage with your registration. Note: space is not guaranteed to participants registering on race weekend. Register early. After you finish your race and collect your post-race refreshments, check in at the massage desk on Level 2 of the Victoria Conference Centre. Participants will be treated in order of arrival.
