ROYAL VICTORIA HALF MARATHON SOLD OUT

More than 9,500 have registered for the 30th Annual Royal Victoria Marathon, and the Half Marathon is now full having reached its cap of 5,400.

The four events – the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K Road Race and the THRIFTY FOODS Kids Marathon – Kids Run, which takes place Oct. 11. T

This is a 56-per-cent increase over the same time last year, said RVM general manager Cathy Noel.

”For the first time ever we have capped the number of participants in each of the four races,” she said. “The fact that we are sold out in the Half Marathon with a month to go shows how popular this race distance is. We urge everyone to sign up now for the other events so you won’t be disappointed.”

Regular registration closes today, after which late fees will apply to the Marathon and 8K Road Race.

The Marathon has 2,500 registered and there are 1,300 in the 8K – but this number is expected to increase prior to the deadline.

The marathon is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier and was earlier this year chosen by BC Athletics to host the 2009 Provincial Marathon Championships for junior, senior and master runners, for both men and women.

There is $26,000 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 broke a 25-year record by winning the Marathon in 2:16:49.