Recession boosts early registration for Royal Victoria Marathon

The Royal Victoria Marathon is still two months away, but it’s already seeing a huge spike in popularity, thanks in part to the recession.

The event, which includes a marathon, half-marathon and 8K, has seen a 67 per cent increase in registration, compared to one year ago.

By Aug. 10, registration for the popular half-marathon race had almost reached 4,000, up 77 per cent from the same date last year.

“The early bird pricing always sees a spike in registrations,” says Cathy Noel, General Manager of the Royal Victoria Marathon. “But this year with the uncertain economy, participants are taking advantage of the cheaper entry fee.”

“The fact that it is our 30th Anniversary and we are capping registration numbers is an added incentive, particularly for those who participate every year.”

The half-marathon is capped at 5,000 entries; the full marathon, which has just passed 2,000 entries, has a capacity of 4,000 runners. The 8K still has plenty of room, but it too has a cap – 2,500 runners will be allowed to run that event.

There is $26,000 available in prize money with $3,000 each going to the top male and female, and a $5,000 bonus for a new men’s or women’s course record. In 2006, Steve Osaduik of Nanaimo, BC, broke a 25-year record by winning the Marathon in 2:16:49.

This year’s marathon also serves as the 2009 BC Provincial Championships.