“I’ve been looking forward to running the Victoria half marathon for three years, and it’s finally going to finally happen!”

With autumn just a few weeks away, it’s time for the fall running race series is just ramping up with an amazing series of 5km, 8km, 10km, half and full marathon events. The premier annual event in the Vancouver region is the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon. I am pleased to announce I will be participating for my first time in the Victoria half marathon event on Sunday, October 7, 2012.

Held in British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria, the Victoria Marathon is one of the largest, most anticipated fall races. It’s going to be an exciting day with streets lined with spectators cheering on all the participants as they go on a personal journey to get to the finish line.

2012 has been an epic personal race year, having achieved personal bests in 5km, 10km, and half marathon, plus a 4th place finish in a 5km race last month in Nashville, Tennessee. With all these great achievements behind me, I’ll be taking this run as a much slower pace to enjoy the race and to take in all the fun and excitement. I’m excited to participate in the Victoria half marathon, joining friends from the local running community and especially because this is a race I’ve been eagerly wanting to do for the past three years!

“Thanks to the volunteers, sponsors and committee we are hosting an amazing weekend of events that meet the needs and dreams of the first time runner, the champions and everyone in between,” said Cathy Noel, General Manager. “The participants feed off the energy and enthusiasm from each other which makes for personal best times and great memories.”

There are currently over 8,100 registered participants for the marathon, half marathon, 8k and kids run, and it is expected there will be an increase in registrations over the next few days before late registration fees apply.

All four of the races are capped. The marathon capped at 4,000, half marathon at 6,800, 8k-road race at 4,000 and kids run at 1,000.

The regular marathon entry fee is $105. The deadline also applies to the Half Marathon and the 8K Road Race where the fees are $80 and $40. After September 15 late registration fees will apply – $130 for the Marathon, $90 for the Half Marathon and $45 for the 8K Road Race.

For those traveling to the event, a few of the harbour hotels still have space available, but are being booked quickly.