Victoria
Marathon
The Victoria Marathon’s rare combination of
residential, urban and Pacific ocean vistas won out
against Vancouver’s waterfront theme and down-
town Toronto’s urban views (sorry, Drake). The
course scenery changes rapidly, providing runners
a pleasant distraction from the pain in the race’s
later stages.
“ The course starts and finishes in the heart of
downtown Victoria beside the B.C. Parliament
Buildings, goes through Beacon Hill Park and
along the water’s edge, says race director Cathy
Noel. “ The view of the Olympic Peninsula across
the Strait of Juan de Fuca is spectacular,” she says.
Runners travel across the continent to take in
the beauty of the Victoria Marathon, much like
Dave Nevitt of Nova Scotia. A finisher of 165 mara-
thons, Nevitt struggles to recall scenery matching
the waterfront views of the Pacific and the ever-
present wildlife f lanking the course. “Victoria is
such a pretty city with lots of trees and no ugly
industrial areas,” says Nevitt, “and the course
really showcases the beauty of the city.”
And if runners haven’t seen enough during the
race, a vibrant downtown awaits them for a post-
run meal. “ The downtown,” says race director
Noel, “ is easy to walk to and has tourist attractions,
restaurants and local breweries – we have options
for all budgets and ages.”Alex Cyr is a P.E.I. native who lives and trains in
Windsor, Ont., and is the author of the running novel
Runners of the Nish.Located in the community of Massey,
just off Highway 417 in the heart of
northern Ontario, the marathon
provides an authentic community
experience. Take it all in over two days,
a half night’s sleep and a camping tent.
The race weekend commences
on Saturday night. Most runners
congregate at race headquarters –
the community arena – and share a
spaghetti supper while getting to know
each other. Then, racers from every-
where set up a tent community around
the arena for some pre-race bonding.
Once acquainted and somewhat
rested, runners rise for the 6:00 a.m.
start time and venture off on a
twice-looped flat and fast course
around Sudbury District’s Spanish
River. When the gun fires, competi-
tive spirits take over, as racers battle for
the event’s most coveted prize: a locally
made milking stool (for milking cows).
“[The stools] are highly coveted,” says
race director Brady Ropp. “Every year,
runners gush over the chance to win
one and everywhere we go that is
what we are known for.” To cap off the
weekend, the stools are awarded over a
hearty pancake breakfast.MOST
WELCOMING
Friendly
Massey
Marathon
58 Canadian Running September & October 2019, Volume 12, Issue 6
Uncredited,^ MattCecill