Motorists near downtown Victoria should plan ahead for this Thanksgiving weekend, as the 45th annual Royal Victoria Marathon is likely to cause traffic disruptions and road closures throughout the city.
The running event takes place on Saturday, October 11th, and Sunday, October 12th.
Closures and no-parking zones will affect much of downtown Victoria, James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, Fairfield, Oak Bay, and the Uplands.
VicPD said they will deploy traffic disruptions, temporary CCTV cameras, and drones to ensure public safety and keep traffic moving.
Widespread closures and towing reminders
On Sunday, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians cannot cross the downtown race route between 7:55 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Runners and walkers will occupy the course from about 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There will be complete road closures around Belleville Street and Menzies Street downtown from Saturday morning to Sunday evening for event setup, the start and finish lines, and post-race takedown.
In Oak Bay, there will be extended closures on Saturday for the 5K and Thrifty Foods Kids Run. No parking is allowed on race routes from 5 a.m. to noon. Vehicles left along the course will be towed starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
Tens of thousands expected to attend
Now in its 45th year, the Royal Victoria Marathon has become one of Vancouver Island’s largest annual sporting events, drawing more than 15,000 runners and walkers for its marathon, half marathon, 8K, 5K, and kids races.
Last year’s event had over 12,000 participants, which was one of the largest turnouts in its history. Organizers expect another record-setting year in 2025.
The event’s scenic course and reputation for great racing conditions continue to attract both elite athletes and casual runners. This contributes to what organizers call a significant economic impact for the region during the holiday weekend.
Police and event organizers are urging residents to review official race maps and plan alternate travel routes in advance.
Traffic control personnel and police will assist with crossings where possible, but drivers should anticipate significant delays in the morning hours.
Full route maps, parking restrictions, and closure schedules are available on the Royal Victoria Marathon website.
