Drivers travelling through Victoria and Oak Bay this weekend are being urged to plan ahead as the Royal Victoria Marathon returns, bringing thousands of participants and spectators to the region.
The annual event takes place Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th, with the largest disruptions expected Sunday morning as runners make their way through downtown Victoria and surrounding neighbourhoods.
According to a traffic advisory issued by VicPD, more than 15,000 participants and 5,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.
Road closures will impact downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, James Bay, Beacon Hill Park, Fairfield, Oak Bay, the Uplands and Dallas Road.
One of the biggest disruptions will occur Sunday between approximately 7:55 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., when motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will be unable to cross the downtown race route.
Runners and walkers are expected to remain on portions of the course from approximately 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., with roads reopening gradually as the final participants pass.
Major road closures on Sunday
Several downtown streets will close early Sunday morning, with some restrictions beginning Saturday to accommodate event setup.
According to the City of Victoria, the following closures are scheduled:
- Belleville Street (Government to Menzies): Saturday at 9 a.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m.
- Belleville Street (Oswego to Government): Sunday from midnight until 6 p.m.
- Belleville Street (Government to Douglas): Sunday from 4 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Kingston Street (Oswego to Menzies), Quebec Street (Oswego to Menzies) and Menzies Street (Quebec to Superior): Sunday from 3 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
- Government Street (Superior to Humboldt): Sunday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Dallas Road: Expected to remain closed until approximately 3:15 p.m.
Vehicle access to and from downtown south of Yates Street will also be significantly restricted between 7:55 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Road closures will extend into Fairfield and Oak Bay, with some intersections remaining restricted into the afternoon.
The marathon organizers say major crossing points, including Cook Street at Fort Street and Moss Street at Fairfield Road, are expected to reopen around 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., respectively.
Drivers should be aware that reopening times are approximate and depend on when the final runners pass through each area.
James Bay residents should prepare for limited access
Residents travelling in and out of James Bay will face additional restrictions Sunday morning.
Between 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., the only vehicle access into James Bay will be via Douglas Street and Toronto Street.
Drivers leaving James Bay are advised to use Simcoe Street to reach Douglas Street.
After 9:15 a.m., most streets are expected to reopen, although restrictions will remain around the James Bay perimeter and Inner Harbour.
VicPD is also advising anyone travelling to BC Ferries, Victoria International Airport, the Coho ferry terminal or the FRS Clipper to allow additional travel time.
Vehicle access to the Coho terminal will be maintained, but travellers should expect delays and follow the designated detour via Oswego and Superior streets.
Saturday events will also impact Oak Bay
While the main marathon takes place Sunday, the weekend’s activities begin Saturday with the 5K race and Thrifty Foods Kids Run in Oak Bay. Both events start and finish near Willows Beach Park.
Road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around the race route Saturday morning, with no parking permitted along the course between 5 a.m. and noon.
Sunday’s events will begin and finish near the BC Legislature on Belleville Street.
The 8K race starts at 7:15 a.m., followed by the full marathon and half marathon at 8:15 a.m. Post-race celebrations are scheduled from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
VicPD says temporary CCTV cameras and a drone, will be deployed during the marathon to assist with public safety and traffic management.
Signs will be posted in areas where temporary surveillance cameras are operating, and the cameras will be removed once the event concludes.
Police say the drone will have livestream capabilities but will not record footage by default.
Officers and traffic control personnel will also be stationed throughout the route to assist with road closures, pedestrian safety and emergency vehicle access.
Anyone planning to travel through Victoria or Oak Bay this weekend is encouraged to leave extra time, particularly Sunday morning.
Parking will not be permitted along the race routes, and vehicles left on the course may be towed beginning shortly after midnight Sunday.
Residents are encouraged to consider walking, cycling or taking public transit where possible, although some BC Transit routes may also experience temporary detours.
A free secure bicycle valet will be available near Superior and Menzies streets beginning at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
For detailed road closure maps, estimated reopening times and detour information, visit the Royal Victoria Marathon’s official road closure page.
Residents can also review VicPD’s traffic advisory before heading out.
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