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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