Victoria · Outdoors
Royal Victoria Marathon
OCT 9 TO OCT 11 · starts 8:00 AM · see daily schedule
Thanksgiving race weekend brings thousands of runners to an oceanfront course through Victoria and Oak Bay, with free viewing from the streets.
Free to watch; race registration varies
Inner Harbour and Willows Beach Park · Weekend plan
Last checked Sep 27 · Royal Victoria Marathon. About our guide
The experience
The 46th annual race weekend spans three days. Saturday's 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run start and finish at Willows Beach Park in Oak Bay, while Sunday's marathon, half marathon and 8K launch from the Inner Harbour in downtown Victoria.
[1]A few highlights
Our take
Thanksgiving race weekend brings thousands of runners to an oceanfront course, and the Inner Harbour and Willows Beach start-finish areas make easy, free spectator spots.
Before you go
- Dates
- October 9–11, 2026. The 5K and kids run are Saturday, October 10; the marathon, half marathon and 8K are Sunday, October 11.[1]
- Watching
- The courses wind through Victoria and Oak Bay with ocean views. The Inner Harbour and Willows Beach Park are straightforward spectator spots; expect road closures.[1]
- Entering
- The marathon and half marathon are sold out with a waitlist. Check the 8K, 5K and kids-run pages for remaining places and current prices.[1]
Still to confirm
- Remaining registration inventory for the shorter distances is not stated on the page checked.
Check with the organizer if this affects your plans.
Sources & checks (1)
Facts are drawn from the pages below. “Our take” is Island Happenings’ editorial recommendation. Details may change after a check.
- 1. Royal Victoria Marathon
Organizer / official · Checked Sep 27
46th annual Royal Victoria Marathon, October 9–11, 2026; Saturday 5K and kids run at Willows Beach Park; Sunday marathon, half and 8K start and finish in the Inner Harbour; marathon and half sold out.
More around Victoria
Nearby dates from the same locally edited guide.
SAT, OCT 3 · 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Victoria Tea Festival Revival
Sample and learn about teas from around the world at Nootka Court, with a tea fair, demonstrations, music and a live tea-making championship.
Nootka Court Pay what you can; online tickets $15, $20 or $25; lower door price available
OCT 1 TO OCT 4 · starts 7:00 PM · see daily schedule
BreakOut West Festival
Three nights of new-music discovery across more than ten downtown Victoria venues, with 55-plus acts from western Canada and beyond.
Downtown Victoria venues Festival wristband $30 plus applicable fees; 19+
WED, SEP 30 · 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
South Island Powwow
The Songhees Nation welcomes the public to a free day of Indigenous song, dance and vendors at Royal Athletic Park on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Royal Athletic Park Free