10th Edition
Tenth Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 8K on Texada Island!
Note: No race weekend registration for marathon or half. Race morning registration for 8K only.
Proceeds will be donated to the Texada Food Bank.
NOTE: If wildfire smoke creates conditions that would make it unsafe for running, we are not in a position to provide full refunds. Registered runners would be provided with their race shirt and a 50% discount on registration for the following year.
There will be no road closures in effect. However, traffic is generally light and RCMP will be out on the road, plus there will be caution signs along Gillies Bay Road. Runners must run on the left side of the road facing traffic unless otherwise directed by officials. All road crossings will have course marshals with traffic control signs. Failure to obey instructions of race officials or RCMP will result in immediate disqualification.
The marathon is a loop course starting and finishing at Shelter Point Regional Park. The half marathon is a point-to-point route along the second half of the marathon route, starting at the Texada School in Van Anda. Click maps to enlarge.
The course will be open for 6 hours (contact race director for an early start); therefore, no walkers will be allowed in the full marathon. No runners under 16 years old will be permitted in the full marathon. Any runner with a disability must provide notice with registering so plans to accommodate can be made.
The 8K starts at the Texada Airport, runs 180m up the road to the Lafarge Gate, then turns around and goes down Airport Road to the intersection with Gillies Bay Road at the Community Hall. Runners cross over Gillies Bay Road and proceed along the same route as the Full/Half Marathon to Shelter Point.
Click for interactive 8K course map and elevation chart
Gear check will be available at all starting points and stored in a secure location then brought to finish. However, runners should not leave valuables in bags as organizers cannot be responsible for loss of valuables.
There are washrooms available at all starting locations.
Water and a sport drink will be available approximately every 5km in the first half and then approximately every 3km after that, to the finish. Some aid stops in the second half will have fruit slices. Locations: 4.5k, 10k, 14.9k, 20k, 22.2k, 25k, 27.3k, 29.7k, 32.6k, 36.2k, 38.7k. Additional water stops will be added after 30k if it is a hot day.
See TACT website for travel directions from Vancouver/Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. The ferry to Texada leaves from Powell River to Blubber Bay.
Shuttle van will meet the 6:50 am ferry from Powell River. Due to BC Ferries revised schedules this will not permit the Comox ferry connection on Sunday morning.
Marathoners will have to overnight on Texada. A ride from ferry on Saturday is available if arranged in advance.
Finishers will be shuttled back to Van Anda school if required. Vans will take runners back for the 3:30 pm ferry.
8K participants need to arrange their own ride to the start at the airport (carpooling from Shelter Point is encouraged). Check-in will be in the parking lot at the airport. A shuttle will be available to bring 8K finishers back to the airport parking lot after the event.
The ferry schedule is available online (be sure to select the schedule that covers August 20, 2023). The first ferry off the Island in the afternoon is at 3:30 pm.
There is ample parking available at all three starting locations.
See Google Map.
Many runners choose to camp right at the finish line (and marathon start) at Shelter Point Regional Park. This is a beautiful, quiet campground with a full-time caretaker, concession, indoor washrooms/showers, firewood sales, grassy field, playground, nature trails, boat ramps, and over 2km of beach front. Reservations for group campsites only; individual sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. $25 per night. The lack of any major predators (bears, cougars, etc.) on the island means you can enjoy your camping experience without worry!
If camping's not your thing, see the TACT website for many more Texada accommodation options.
Finish times will be recorded with a professional printer-timer device. A display clock will be set up at the finish line. Please make sure your bib number is clearly visible on your front.
Medals for first male & female in Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8k.
2023 Gallery — updated Aug 26
Contact Lucia Capretti, Race Director, at 604-619-8948, or info@runtexada.ca.