Press Release - Victoria Marathon - 5/13/20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

               2020 GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon Cancelled 

(Victoria, BC - May 13, 2020) The Victoria Marathon Society has made the 
regrettable decision to cancel the 2020 GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, 
scheduled for October 11. On May 6 the BC Government announced the next 
stage in their COVID-19 response which includes a phased relaxation of 
physical distancing rules. However, it was stated that the restrictions on 
gatherings of more than 50 people will remain in effect until a vaccine is 
found. Given this context, it is not possible for the Society to stage the 
event.

"We are deeply disappointed to have to cancel the event, especially after a 
very successful 40th annual race last year, but we need to respect the 
order from the Provincial Health Officer," said Jonathan Foweraker, 
President of the Victoria Marathon Society. "We are sensitive to the impact 
this will have on our valued sponsors, community partners, vendors, and 
volunteers as well as our incredible participants, who had the 2020 event 
as their race goal. This will also have an unprecedented impact on our 
charitable partners - our two official charities and the 18 organizations 
in the CHEK Charity Pledge Program which crossed the $2 million threshold 
last year."

Participants will be offered a deferral for 2021 and 2022 or the option of 
a refund with the ability to donate part of their refund to one of the CHEK 
Charity Pledge Program charities. All registered participants have been 
informed of the options and these are outlined on the event’s website at 
www.runvictoriamarathon.com

The VMS board and race committee are working on keeping participants 
engaged and encourage everyone to visit the website and social media feeds 
to stay up to date on event news for 2021. Registration for the 2021 event 
will open in the fall.

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