More than 9,500 registered in the four events.

(Victoria, BC - September 10, 2009) With just four weeks to go until the 30th Annual Royal Victoria Marathon, the Half Marathon is now full having reached its cap of 5,400. To date, more than 9,500 registrations have been received for all four events, the Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K Road Race, and the THRIFTY FOODS Kids Marathon - Kids Run, which take place on Sunday, October 11. This is a fifty-six per cent increase over the same time last year.

"For the first time ever we have capped the number of participants in each of the four races," says Cathy Noel, General Manager of RVM. "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."

The regular registration deadline is September 15, 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.

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Royal Victoria Marathon. 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 available 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 twenty-five-year record by winning the Marathon in 2:16:49.

For more details, visit www.royalvictoriamarathon.com.