GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon weekend begins!
More than 11,000 people from 16 countries are registered to participate in GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon events on Sunday (Oct. 9).
Runners, local dignitaries and volunteers gathered at Frontrunners today (Oct. 7) to launch the 32nd annual marathon weekend, which also includes a 1/2 marathon, 8K race and Kids' Run. The group celebrated a few of the reasons we run here in Victoria.
For instance, World Champion rower and Victoria local Silken Laumann of the GoodLife Kids Foundation noted that part of what makes the marathon so special is that many people are running for personal bests and beyond.
"People running for a purpose beyond their own objectives is really inspiring," she said.
Twenty-two charities are registered in the Times Colonist Charity Pledge Program, which expects to raise more than $500,000.
This year's marathon events again feature an elite field, including Men's Marathon champion Philip Samoei, who is back to defend his title. Lisa Harvey has also returned to defend the Women's Half Marathon title, while the 8K features three-time XTERRA World Champion Melissa McQuaid and triathlete Kyle Jones. A proud sponsor of the marathon, Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa is pleased to welcome visiting runners and wishes the best of luck to all participants.