2022 Royal Victoria Marathon an unexpectedly heated success

More than 7,650 runners took to the streets of beautiful Victoria, B.C. on Sunday for the 41st Royal Victoria Marathon (RVM). Unseasonably warm weather greeted runners tackling distances of 8K, the half marathon, and the marathon, along with more than 500 youth participating in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.

Marathon distance results

Ethiopia’s Teferi Kebede Balcha (who now trains in Victoria) took a dominant win in 2:25:26. He was over three minutes ahead of second-place, North Van.’s Aidan Anderson, who ran 2:29:55. Victoria’s Jonathan Walker finished third, in 2:33:46. Balcha, who was also top master’s athlete, trains with the Prairie Inn Harriers (alongside half marathon winner Andrew Russell).

In the women’s race, Vancouver’s Rozlyn Boutin took the win in 2:46:49, followed by Kat Drew in 2:49:26, and 2019 defending champion, Andrea Lee, in 2:51:04. Megan Lyle from Seattle was the top female master in 3:08:42, and tenth place.

“It was hot and I would have preferred cooler temperatures but I was pleased with my result,” Boutin said. “Andrea was in the lead until halfway, then I was able to pass her.” Drew then closed the gap between her and Lee to secure second place.

Half marathon

Men’s results
 Andrew Russell  1:11:10 (top master)
Greg Ord 1:11:56
Jeff Vogt 1:13:10

Women’s results
Sally Crowther 1:16:4
Jen Millar 1:19:06 (top master)
Christine Bant  1:20:49

8K results

Men’s results
Thomas Broatch 23:42
Christian Gravel 24:37
Jonathan Toombs 24:42
Top master: Nicolas Bradley 30:39

Women’s results
Courtney Brohart 27:41,
Kate Current 27:59
Katrina Allison 28:19
Top master: Jenny Bulk 30:13

Two new age group course records were set on Sunday, with Kim Gagliano running 3:23:10 in the marathon W60-64 category to take three minutes off the previous record of 3:26:46, set in  2017. In the 8K, Charli Mlotshwa ran 25:55 in the M13-15 category, smashing the old record of 27:08 from 1996.

Despite the unexpectedly warm weather, newer runners and seasoned veterans alike reported a fabulous time.

Victoria-based Paris Stratton was tackling her first half-marathon distance at the RVM. “Running my first half marathon was an absolutely unforgettable experience: the excitement and energy of the whole event was amazing and I am really looking forward to the next one,” she shared.

“The course was a wonderful tour through our beautiful city and the stretch on Dallas Road [along the ocean] was my favorite part of the race. The volunteers did an excellent job supporting everyone along the way,” Stratton added.

Along with the in-person races, the RVM started a virtual series of events in 2021, dubbed the Royal Flush Virtual Race Series. Virtual race options were also offered in 2022.

For full results from the 2022 Royal Victoria Marathon, head here.