Monday, December 29, 2026 – Run Van Isle (fmr; Vancouver Island Runners’ Association) is proud to announce added support provided by sponsor RunSport Victoria Society (“RunSport”).
RunSport owns and operates the TC10K and the Victoria Track Classic. Proceeds from these events are intended to support the local running community.
For the 2026 season, Run Van Isle has received support to help operate the Vancouver Island Race Series.
“Run Van Isle’s Vancouver Island Race Series reflects so many of the values we hold at RunSport, welcoming all abilities, encouraging active goals, and building community through movement. We are pleased to support a series that uplifts local clubs, contributes to important charities, and offers high-quality races across the Island. It is a great way for runners and walkers to stay engaged and work toward their spring goals, including the TC10K,” Keith Bridge, Executive Director of RunSport Victoria Society.
The series collects donations at the online registration kiosk and passes those funds on to the series’ charity of choice, KidSport BC.
“Each of our eight races is operated by run clubs on the Island, which donate to their own select charities, while Run Van Isle directs funds to KidSport BC. KidSport BC disperses those funds to each of the eight communities where we hold our races,” shared Christopher Kelsall, President of Run Van Isle and GM of the series. “Having RunSport support operations helps us make the series profitable for each club, so we can continue to operate the series and keep the island communities active.”
The series is entering its 46th year of operation. The 2026 series begins on Sunday, January 11, at 11:30 AM with the Harriers’ Pioneer 8K. The race takes place at the Saanich Fairgrounds. Details can be found at the series website: www.islandseries.org.
The other seven races take place in Sooke, Colwood, Cobble Hill, Sidney, Lantzville, Port Alberni and Courtenay.
Two weeks after the series finishes its season, the TC10K runs on Sunday, April 26. Registration is now open at www.runsport.ca/tc10k
View all of the sponsors of the Vancouver Island Race Series here.
Contact: Christopher Kelsall, President and GM Run Van Isle/Vancouver Island Race Series info@islandseries.org 250-857-6643
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The Vancouver Island Race Series, owned by Run Van Isle (formerly Vancouver Island Runners’ Association), is pleased to announce a new sponsor for the 2026 season. MINI Victoria has agreed to partner with the series for the 16 weeks it runs from January to April, as well as Run Van Isle, which provides support and leadership to the Vancouver Island running community throughout the year.
MINI Victoria, as part of the GAIN Group with its fleet of electric vehicles, seeks to position the brand with the active living community. The Vancouver Island Race Series and Run Van Isle offer the perfect alignment.
“Big fun comes in all forms. At MINI Victoria, we love anything that moves—especially our community. As part of the GAIN Group, we’re proud to support local athletics and deliver top-notch customer service. Sponsoring the Vancouver Island Race Series is our way of cheering on runners who bring big energy and even bigger smiles to the Island,” shared Evan Souliotis, general sales manager for MINI Victoria.
“We are pleased to partner with MINI Victoria and the GAIN Group. With the growth in electric vehicles and running on Vancouver Island, the brand matches the athletics community’s lifestyle. Runners, walkers, and stakeholders will see the brand on-site at each race, in the form of the MINI Countryman. Whether a sweep, pace, or operations vehicle, we look forward to showcasing the popular car this season,” said Christopher Kelsall, president and general manager of the series.
The Vancouver Island Race Series hosts eight races from Sooke to Sidney and from Colwood to Courtenay. Distances range from 5km to the 21.1km half-marathon. All abilities are welcome, from beginners to Olympians and everyone in between.
The series starts on Sunday, January 11, with the Harriers Pioneer 8K at Saanich Fairgrounds. The 47-year-running race moves back to Central Saanich, its home location for 38 years before moving to North Saanich for several years.
The new course is mostly flat, fast and compact, which is great for spectating. See the new route map here.
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Training for the Vancouver Island Race Series in 2026 feels both exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when motivation comes and goes. Anyone who runs on Vancouver Island knows that our winters can test even the most committed of us. One day, you feel unstoppable, and the next, you are questioning why you ever signed up for a race in the first place.
I have learned that motivation is never a constant thing. Some days it shows up easily, and other days you must drag it out of hiding with both hands. The important part is learning how to keep showing up anyway.
One thing that has helped me is accepting that not every run will feel magical. Some runs are slow, wet, or even a little grumpy. Those runs still count, and honestly, they are often the ones that make race day feel so rewarding. I try to remind myself that consistency matters more than perfection. Ten minutes of running in the rain still beats staying home, wishing I had gone.
Winter on Vancouver Island adds a layer of challenge. Dark mornings and early sunsets do not exactly scream motivation. I used to think I had to rely on pure willpower, but over time, I realized that there are small habits that make getting out the door easier.
Laying out my running clothes the night before helps more than I want to admit. It removes one more excuse and somehow makes the morning feel less chaotic. I also try to plan my runs the same way I plan other appointments. If it is in my calendar, I am much more likely to stick to it.
Another big thing that keeps my motivation high is remembering why I signed up for the race in the first place. For me, the Island Race Series feels like a fun challenge and a way to feel connected to the local running community. Thinking about that energy on race day always gives me a boost, even when it is pouring rain or the wind is doing its best to blow me sideways.
One of the biggest game changers for me has been joining a run club.
Running with other people makes everything feel easier and way more fun. On the days when I do not feel motivated at all, knowing that a group is waiting for me gets me out the door. You also learn a lot from running with others. Someone always has a helpful tip, a story or a tempo that gently pushes you forward. Being surrounded by people who are working toward their own goals makes your own goals feel more reachable. A run club also adds variety to your training, which can help you stay excited instead of burning out.
There are so many great running clubs across Vancouver Island if you are looking to join one. In Victoria, you can check out the Harriers Running Club, Notorious Run Club, Cool Down Run Club, Fernwood Run Club, Run Victoria Gardens and the UVic Run Club. In the Cowichan Valley, there is the Cowichan Valley Run Club and Ceevacs Road Runners. Nanaimo has a ton of community energy too, with the Sunday Social Run Club, Bastion Run Club, Frontrunners Run Club and Dude Run. If you are up in the Comox Valley, you can join Run to Beer, Frontrunners Cumberland, or the Cowichan Valley Road Runners.
As we head into the 2026 Island Race Series, I know I will have days when motivation is high and days when it disappears. That is all part of the process. What matters most is staying kind to yourself, showing up when you can and letting the running community around you help you keep going. Before you know it, race day will be here, and every soggy winter run will feel worth it.
Host clubs of the series are:
Harriers Running Club, Ceevacs Road Runners, Bastion Run Club, Team West Coast, Westcoast Sooke Running, Frontrunners Athletic Club, Ridgeview Health and Performance, Comox Valley Road Runners.
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Finding motivation, connection, and momentum for the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series
Motivation isn’t something that just shows up. Getting started? That’s the hardest part. I’ve struggled with it more times than I can count. Back when I was working through my weight loss, even rolling out of bed to get moving felt like a big ask. But once I started running, it became way more than just exercise. It turned into a way to push myself, connect with the world around me, and actually enjoy seeing progress!
The Vancouver Island Race Series embodies everything I’ve learned through running. It’s not just about racing, it’s about community, support, and celebrating every finish line together. And the beauty is, it doesn’t matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re new to running, coming back after a break, or chasing a personal goal, there’s a place for you with the Vancouver Island Race Series!
A few practical things to know if you’re planning your season: some of the bigger races will have registration caps again—Comox Half allows 1,100 runners, Bazan Bay 5K 800, and Cobble Hill 10K 900. These events sold out last year, so if you’re planning to run, it’s worth signing up early.
What Running Has Taught Me and What You Can Take Away From It.
For a long time, I felt like I didn’t belong in the fitness world. I didn’t look like the “typical” runner, and I often questioned whether I even had a place in the running community. But here’s the thing… running doesn’t have a perfect image. Every size, shape, and story is welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged. Once I started, everything began to change. Every run, every step, no matter how small, felt like progress. That feeling of accomplishment kept me moving forward, and eventually, running became a core part of my life.
Early this year, I was asked to be a leader of the Sunday Social Run Club in Nanaimo. This was a massive opportunity for me. Not just to lead the morning runs, but to be there for others. Being able to inspire, motivate, and help people stay accountable to their goals, no matter how big or small, was an incredible experience. To be someone I would have loved to have around when I started was a huge accomplishment. The club is social at its heart, and getting to know runners from Nanaimo and the surrounding area was inspiring. Some joined for training, some for social connection, and others just to try something new. Being a leader meant I got to share in all of it. The ups, the downs, the self-doubt, the excitement, and the small victories along the way.
Being named an ambassador for the Island Race Series was another huge milestone. From someone who once questioned whether I belonged, I now get to share my story, energy, and love for running with the broader Vancouver Island community. I’ve seen all sides of a runner’s journey: the tough days, the runners’ highs, the self-reflection, and the small moments that remind you why you keep showing up. Having the chance to bring that perspective and help others feel welcome is an honour I don’t take lightly.
If you’re thinking about getting into running or signing up for the Island Race Series, here’s what I’ve learned that might help:
– Start where you are and celebrate that! Don’t worry about pace, expectations, or what anyone else looks like. Run a little, walk a little, and celebrate every step. Sign up! You’re doing it! Showing up is enough. 8 races of varying distances mean that there is a race for you, no matter where you are at! – Surround yourself with people who motivate and challenge you. The Island Race Series community is here to support you! It helps the whole process feel more inclusive and less intimidating. – Take the time to enjoy the journey. Vancouver Island has some of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever run, and seeing the Island through running is an experience you won’t forget. – Another thing I’ve learned is to be patient with yourself. Some days will feel amazing, and some days will be tough. You might have self-doubt or setbacks, and that’s completely normal. The key is to keep showing up and trust that every small effort adds up. Running isn’t just about fitness. It’s about resilience, self-awareness, and celebrating progress.
For me, being part of the 2026 series isn’t just another line on my race calendar. It’s a reminder of why I started running in the first place: to push myself, to grow, and to be part of something bigger than myself. Whether you’re looking to find motivation, reconnect with your fitness journey, or just experience the joy of running with others, the Island Race Series has a place for you. Come for the course, stay for the community, and leave with a sense of accomplishment that goes far beyond the finish line.
Want to join the Vancouver Island Race Series or learn more? Check it out at www.islandseries.org.
Want to connect? My DMs are always open. Find me @auskoe on Instagram.
Come say hi at the Sunday Social Run Club mornings (@sundaysocialrunclub._), join me every 2nd Wednesday night for DUDERUN (@itsduderun), or catch me at any of the Island Race Series events. I’m excited to meet you.
Bibs on, smiles up, and energy high!
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Website Adminhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgWebsite Admin2025-11-21 21:03:412025-11-21 21:05:34Get Pumped! Austin is gearing up as your ambassador for the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series!
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The aphorism “what is old is new again” applies to the Harriers Pioneer 8K for 2026. The club will return to the Saanich Fairgrounds venue on Sunday, January 11th, for the first race of the Vancouver Island Race Series.
The Harriers Pioneer 8K race will feature a new course starting and ending at the previously used venue on Stelly’s Cross Road in Saanichton.
From 2018 to 2025, the race was run in North Saanich at the Patricia Bay Tourist Information rest stop near John Road. The race venue was located across Highway #1 at North Saanich Middle School.
Natasha Wodak finishing the 2013 Harriers Pioneer 8K in the national best-known time of 25:28. Photo credit: Christopher Kelsall/Athletics Illustrated Magazine.
For 38 years prior, the event spent most of that time at Saanich Fairgrounds with a route that included Wallace Drive, West Saanich Road, and Stelly’s Cross Road.
The new course will be different, but it will start and finish at Saanich Fairgrounds and will be fast.
“North Saanich Middle School gymnasium was not available, so the space that was made available at the school just was not large enough for the race,” shared Christopher Kelsall, president and GM of the series. “Saanich Fairgrounds main room has a capacity for 400 and other amenities, while the parking is abundant.”
The parking at the Saanich Fairgrounds can accommodate hundreds of cars. In fact, the record number is 5000.
“While the Run Van Isle promotes carpooling and finding alternative forms of transportation when competing in series races, there is plenty of parking,” added Kelsall.
Saanich Fairgrounds is located 12 kilometres south of the previous venue at the Patricia Bay Information Centre.
The race was created in 1978, two years before the series started.
Some years, the Harriers Pioneer 8K acts as the provincial championships.
Event records are 22:58 by Carey Nelson and 25:28 by Natasha Wodak, which is the national best-known time.
Other race changes
The Cobble Hill 10K will have an adjustment to the layout of the course. Where the start and finish have previously (most years) started and finished at the Mill Bay Nature School on Cobble Hill Road at Sheppard Road, the race start will now be next to George Bonner School.
The race will start on the road and finish within the George Bonner Elementary School’s parking lot.
In recent years, parts of the course have been at capacity, especially on Wilkinson Rd. This will likely clear up some of the congestion.
Also, the previously proposed Bastion 12K route in Lantzville will have a reduced number of 180-degree turnarounds. Now there will be just two in total.
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My name is Austin Koevoets, and I’m the founder of PAACE Magazine, a leader with Sunday Social Run Club in Nanaimo, and, as many friends would say, an “all-around vibes guy.” My passion sits at the intersection of sport, wellness, and human connection, and I try to carry that energy into every space I’m part of — whether it’s on the trail, at a race, or simply grabbing coffee after a run.
My journey into the endurance and racing community has been both personal and transformative. I once weighed 250 pounds and was leading a very unhealthy lifestyle. While fitness felt far away, it was the people I surrounded myself with—runners, cyclists, and outdoor adventurers—who helped shift that narrative. Through their support and example, I learned not only to take better care of myself but also to lift those around me. That sense of accountability and shared growth continues to fuel everything I do.
Today, I’m most at home when I’m moving outdoors—among large rocks, trees, and wide open trails—and when I’m building spaces that bring people together. Endurance sports are about more than performance; they’re about community, resilience, and joy. That’s the spirit I aim to amplify every day.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Website Adminhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgWebsite Admin2025-10-01 20:48:162025-10-01 20:48:18Meet 2026 series ambassador Austin Koevoets
Originally from Nova Scotia, I began running marathons in 2024 with my friend Brett Pfliger. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion, leading him to log thousands of kilometres across B.C., including the 2025 Island Race Series.
Motivated by the strength of the running community – where personal goals and peer support go hand in hand – I co-founded Notorious Run Club in Victoria with Brett and Emiliano. Their vision was simple: create a space where running, community, and personal growth intersect.
As a VIRS ambassador, I am excited to bring a community-first mindset to the series while combining my love for creative video production and photography to capture lasting memories of runners giving it their all across Vancouver Island.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Website Adminhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgWebsite Admin2025-09-24 21:27:392025-09-24 21:27:41Meet 2026 series ambassador Travis Devonport
My running journey didn’t start until 2021, at the age of 27. I didn’t grow up an athlete, and for most of my life, I truly never thought of myself as a runner. During a really hard time, I started running longer distances as a way to clear my mind and help myself heal. What began as a few slow kilometres turned into something much bigger. Running became a space where I could work through tough times, challenge myself, and discover strengths I never thought I had.
As running became a bigger part of my life, I wanted to create a space where others could experience that same sense of connection and support. That is how Sunday Social Run Club began in 2023. What started with just a few people showing up has grown into a community where the kilometres we share matter far more than the pace we run. Watching friendships, encouragement, and confidence grow through this community has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Through this, I was given the incredible opportunity to represent Nanaimo as the 2025 Lululemon Run Ambassador.
For me, running has never been just about racing or finish lines. It is about clearing your mind, sharing miles with friends, and finding confidence in places you never thought it could exist. I love inspiring people to move their bodies, try something new, and realize that running can be for anyone, no matter when or how they start.
Sometimes the things you least expect can change your life the most.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Website Adminhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgWebsite Admin2025-09-22 19:42:102025-09-22 20:16:24Meet 2026 series ambassador Sarah Georgica
