For a small race (under 3,000 runners), this was well-organized, as the lovely City of Victoria comes together.

I agree with the positive sentiments described in this forum; however, I will identify some caveats not mentioned. Let me preface this by saying that I have run Big Sur three times in the past four years, so that is tough to beat in terms of beauty.

Most runners were from Canada or the Pacific Northwest; travel wasn't as time-consuming for those flying from the East Coast. Victoria is a three-hour, one-way by ferry (or pricey, but very worth it, 35-minute seaplane - I recommend going out by ferry and by seaplane back) when flying in/out of Vancouver.

Great selection of hotels within blocks of the expo and race start/finish overlooking the majestic Parliament Building. Expo was very small, so it was quick in and out. The 8K and half-marathon races start earlier in the morning. The 8K runners finish as the marathon starts while the halfs are finishing during the first hour of the full.

The course has some gorgeous water views with stunning surrounding mountains. Frankly, it was for fewer than five miles of the race. The rest winds through residential neighborhoods and a few parks (Beacon Hill is lovely with the fall colors). I had studied the course and elevation map but was surprised by the multiple sharp turns/corners, short steep ups and downs, uneven pavement in places, literal hairpin at mile 16, and sparse crowd support throughout. The out-and-back after mile 8 had you doing a net steeper return leg. There were no other timers on the course except at 13.1 miles/21 KM. Plenty of water and Gatorade in stock. There were a few pockets of cheering spectators in the last few miles. Post-race food and beverages were plentiful, and the race director congratulates each finisher himself.

I did get a PR, and my husband qualified for Boston, so it was an overall fun experience, but not necessarily one that I'd return to run. Now, having Red Fish Blue Fish tacones on the wharf, or rustic Italian at Zambri's... that's worth a return.

This was my sixth marathon, and certainly the most beautiful one. Amazing spot, and great organization (even the weather was well organized). Everything was perfect.

The RVM was my sixth marathon (PR with a 3:14) and it rates as one of the best. The race was well organized at the start and finish line and had many kilometer markers. The course does have gently rolling hills, but is nothing to fear and is very scenic. Fluid stations were well stocked, although a little short at times, which made it necessary to slow down while running through. Volunteers were supportive and there were some random cheerleading girls on the course. Close to the finish line there were inspirational quotes, which was nice to see, and there were signs for 800 and 400 meters left. The long-sleeve technical shirt is well designed and fitted, and the finishing medal is stylish. The food at the finish line was unbelievable in its selection and variety: Donuts, cookies, PowerBars, fruit, bagels, muffins, yogurt, chocolate milk... by far the most superior selection! Volunteers at the finishing line were also friendly and approachable. Definitely a five-star marathon experience!

This was a world-class event. It had excellent organization and picture perfect views made this a thrilling experience, from the singing of "O Canada" at the start, to the chow lines past the finish.

Great views of water and mountains for much of the course. Good crowd support. Huge number of volunteers at the frequent aid stations. The KM markers were prominently posted. Signs even told runners that aid stations were upcoming. Near the finish, signs read "800M To Go," etc. Excellent.

My only minor nit to pick would that there were only two gel stations, and the second (at around 34K) seemed a little late in the course. Suggestion to runners: Pack an extra gel or two.

I had heard great things about this race, and Royal Victoria certainly delivered! I'll be back in 2010.

A super experience!

A beautiful, scenic course, always interesting visually with constantly changing terrain, going past classic historic buildings downtown, through lush parks, seaside roads and charming old neighborhoods, often with great views across to the mainland and the snow-covered peaks of the Olympic Peninsula. The route has a few rolling hills, but nothing unreasonable; it was challenging but not exhausting. Overall, it's an honest, fast route.

Excellent organization and support along the route, both with well staffed water stations and route supervision, as well as enthusiastic spectators along all parts of the route.

Victoria is a lovely city to explore; we spent two enjoyable days walking around the historic downtown area - everything including hotels, restaurants, the race expo and the start/finish areas are centrally located. Unlike some other cities, where the marathon seems to be an afterthought or inconvenience, Victoria seems to welcome and embrace the race experience.

Truly world-class; my new favorite marathon.

This was marathon #19 for me. I loved the event: great people and a beautiful course. I do not really understand how it ranks #11 for BQs on this website, however. When I took the bus tour, I knew that a BQ was not going to happen of these "mild undulations." The climbs into Beacon Hill Park, over each of the headlands, and up into Oak Bay Village are relentless. And most of the hills must be run on the way back again, and be descended of course (hello, quads!). I just don't want others to be misled about these hills, as I was. I run huge hills every day, I run hill repeats, and my mileage has been between 55-60 miles per week; but my legs were like rubber by mile 18, where I fell off my pace and said goodbye to my BQ goal for this race.

Having said all of that, I do recommend this race - it is gorgeous, interesting, friendly, and well worth the trip. Victoria is also a great destination for a family trip.

Expo: crappy. Speakers: awesome.

We stayed at Chateau Victoria, which I also loved: Free shuttle to/from the Clipper, free WiFi in our room, lots of space for family, a refrigerator in the room, a heated indoor pool, etc.

This marathon is a definite winner. The scenic course, while undulating at times, visually cannot be beat. The volunteers are fabulous and the aid stations are well stocked and manned. The race director even shakes finishers' hands as they cross the finish line. I have nothing negative to say about my marathon experience in Victoria. It was absolutely flawless and I will return again.

While I'm not a seasoned marathoner, I have run races in many other distances and I know what makes a great event. This was a great event. The volunteers and spectators are nothing short of incredible. The route is breathtaking and the start/finish will leave you feeling misty. It helped that the weather was perfect ('08 and'09), that I got a BQ, and that I won a door prize. My advice: sign up for this race, grab your beer shot from the Hash House Harriers (sp?) around the 33K mark (great fuel for that last leg), thank the volunteers, and show up for the awards afterward (great chance of winning a door prize). All around, this was a great event!

This was a very well organized event. The volunteers were FANTASTIC!!

I thought this was an excellent marathon. It is very well organized and supported. The weather was perfect, with no wind, and temps in the upper 40's at the 8:30 start. The course is not comparatively difficult, but it has a lot of rolling hills, so please be aware of that. The course is very scenic, with supportive crowds throughout. I would suggest going on one of the course bus tours on Saturday; it was very informative for me. Also, do not miss the Saturday night dinner/pasta feed at the Empress Hotel; while it may seem pricey ($35), it is well worth it and you will probably win a door prize.

I had a wonderful time in Victoria and the RVM is highly recommended