Victoria Marathon Reviews

  Great for all levels!

By Anonymous about 2018

Review

Beautiful course. Only one big hill (toward the end). Friendly volunteers and very well organized. Can't recommend it highly enough!!!!

  Beautiful course

By AC about 2018

Review

Its a very small marathon, the expo is absolutley ridiculous compared to other marathons, they dont have any finisher gear for purchase. Gorgeus scenic route , we had tough luck since it rained all day long and that made the race much harder. Its a very, and I mean very hilly route some light rolling but some steep. (train for hills). The post race area pretty much the same as the expo so dont expect anything of it.

Race Tips

Pace yourself.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Lots of hotels near the stating/finish line, book early to get a good price.

  

By DBC about 2013

Review

As a package, Victoria may be the best in BC. The marathon course is undulating, but keeping an even effort, you can optimize for a good result. Familiarity helps. If you have never done it, you can pretty well drive the whole course and should. I believe they actually do have a course tour.

Race Tips

Avoid the urge to go too fast at the start and try to hold even effort (not pace) as there are a lot of ups and downs. The scenery will distract you as it is fabulous course. Weather can be damp, but between half and full I've done this race 10 times (5 each) starting in 2000 through 2013 and mostly it has been great running weather - cool, light cloud to sunny, sometimes with a shower (generally not).

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There are many hotels near the start/finish, but you need to decide early and get on it if you want a good price and proximity. If you aren't hunting bargains, go for the Empress Hotel right on the harbour, about 400m from the finish.