Richard Dean
This weekend, Victoria is gearing up for the annual Royal Victoria Marathon, which is expected to bring over 12,000 runners and walkers to the city. With such a large number of participants, local residents should prepare for road closures and potential traffic disruptions.
Traffic Changes and Road Closures
Victoria Police, along with marathon organizers, have outlined key road closures that will be in effect from Saturday, October 12, to Sunday, October 13. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Key details include:
- Set-Up and Tear Down: Road closures near the B.C. legislature will start on Saturday at 10 a.m. and will continue until Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Complete Road Closures: There will be extended closures on Saturday for the 5K event and Thrifty Foods Kids Run.
- Marathon Day Impact: On Sunday, all traffic will be halted for approximately one hour between 7:55 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. This will affect crossing points throughout downtown as participants begin their races.
Residents are encouraged to plan alternate routes, as the race will cause significant delays along the course from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Controlled crossings will be available in certain areas to lessen the inconvenience.
Increased Participation
The excitement surrounding this year’s marathon is palpable, with registration numbers surging by more than 35% compared to last year. As of Friday, over 12,315 runners signed up, marking the third-highest participation in the event’s four-decade history. This year’s numbers are just shy of the record 14,010 participants set in 2010.
Rob Reid, vice-president of the Royal Victoria Marathon board, shared insights into this resurgence. “Running has exploded again,” he said. ”People are back into being fit and healthy.” The marathon has regained its popularity after being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many runners eager to return to competitive events.
Looking Ahead
Marathon organizers are optimistic that the 2024 event will continue this upward trend, aiming to surpass the 12,492 participants seen in 2009. This resurgence echoes across other prominent marathons, including the upcoming Boston Marathon, which has announced tougher qualifying standards for the 2025 race. As an official qualifier for Boston, the Royal Victoria Marathon plays an important role in the competitive running scene.
Community Engagement
For locals who are not participating, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with the event. Residents are encouraged to cheer on runners along the scenic route, which includes stunning views around the Inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park. For the latest updates and specific details on road closures, the public can visit the marathon’s official website at www.runvictoriamarathon.com or contact them via email at info@runvictoriamarathon.com.
Key Points for Residents:
- Expect significant traffic disruptions from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon.
- Plan to avoid major roads in the downtown area during the marathon.
- Consider walking or biking to watch the race for a more enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
With the Royal Victoria Marathon returning to its full glory, both participants and spectators are poised for an exciting weekend. This event not only showcases the vibrant community spirit in Victoria but also signifies a renewed passion for running that has emerged post-pandemic. As the city embraces the energy and enthusiasm of this remarkable event, local residents are reminded to stay informed and adapt their plans accordingly
