Run Van Isle, formerly known as the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association, held its annual general meeting (AGM) in Nanaimo on Saturday, May 24.
There were changes to the board of directors, and there are some minor adjustments to be implemented to continue to try to improve the post-race experience.
The election of the board
The board of directors held an election for candidates to run for current positions, as well as one vacant position.
Christopher Kelsall (Harriers Running Club) was reelected as president of Run Van Isle. He will also continue as general manager of the Vancouver Island Race Series.
Also, reelected were vice-president Mariah Kelly (The Track Club) and treasurer Kathleeen Quast (Westcoast Running).
Kate Guy (Speedfarm) has stepped down as secretary, and Nick Meaden Williams (Run to Beer Comox Valley) was elected to the role in absentia. Kate Guy will stay on as a member during the transition period.
“I am looking forward to taking over from Kate Guy, as she has brought much to the series. I am excited to contribute as I learn the role for this important organization on Vancouver Island,” Shared Williams.
Williams demonstrated his dedication to the sport and the series as a 2025 ambassador. The board looks forward to his continued enthusiasm for 2026.
“The Run Van Isle board is now stronger than it has ever been. With 18 of 20 board members returning, we increased the maximum to 25 and will hold a special meeting to change the bylaws to permit the increase. We will have 21 board members for 2026,” shared Kelsall.
Added to the board were Nick Meaden Williams as secretary, Josh Irving (Comox Valley Road Runners) at-large, Sheron Chrysler (Ceevacs, race director, Cobble Hill 10K), meanwhile, Brenda Niziol stepped down as race director at Cobble Hill, but will remain as a director. Race directors are (automatically) voting board members.
Executive and board
Executive
Christopher Kelsall (Harriers Running Club), president, general manager
Mariah Kelly (The Track Club), vice president
Kathleen Quast (Westcoast Running), treasurer, bookkeeper
Nick Meaden Williams (Run to Beer Comox Valley), secretary
Board (alphabetical: Last name)
Jeff Beddoes (Harriers Running Club) RD, Pioneer 8K
Jonathan Behnke (Bastion Run Club) at-large
Chris Callendar (Harriers Running Club) at-large, results
Sheron Chrysler (Ceevacs) RD Cobble Hill 10K
Wayne Crowe (Comox Valley Road Runners) at-large
Gary Duncan (Harriers Running Club) at-large, course certification
Eric Ellis (Saltspring Sneakers) at-large
Rob Hare (Team West Coast Running and Triathlon Society) RD, Bazan Bay 5K
Trent Horwood (Bastion Run Club) RD, Bastion 12K
Josh Irving (Comox Valley Road Runners), at-large
Batuhan (Batu) Kaya (Esprit RC) RD Westcoast Running Sooke 10K
Rob Kelly (Comox Valley Road Runners) RD, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon
Sander Nederveen (Fernwood Social Run Club) at-large
Brenda Niziol (Ceevacs) at-large
Sasha Visona (Ridgeview Health and Performance) RD, McLean Mill 10K
Nick Walker (Frontrunners Athletic Club) RD, Hatley Castle 8K, sponsor
Maurice Wilson at-large, statistics, and timing liaison
The board would like to thank Jason Ball with Westcoast Running for his contribution as race director and co-race director with the Westcoast Running Sooke 10K. He will remain as sponsor of the event.
The board would also like to thank Chris Sullivan for his years of service as secretary and the many other duties he took on in addition to the secretarial functions. He remained on the board for an extra year, at-large, to assist Kate Guy.
“Kate Guy’s hard work and attention to detail have been greatly appreciated by all. I know I can speak for the board in acknowledging the extra effort she put in,” shared Kelsall.
Series changes
There are very few changes to make to the series for 2026, however, all race directors will continue to refine the post-race awards program. The board found that the post-race awards were reduced by nearly half (in time), which was the primary complaint by stakeholders. This aspect was successful.
The post-race awards worked well at the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon, Bastion 12K and the Bazan Bay 5K, three of the final four races from 2025.
“The latter races had an opportunity to learn from the challenges of learning the new system from the first three or four races,” said Kelsall. “Another season will allow us to make the refinements we need.
The schedule will remain similar to how it has been run for several years, starting with the Pioneer 8K and ending with the Bazan Bay 5K. In order to avoid the Easter weekend, some shuffling of the schedule may occur before the schedule is finalized.
Financial position
Although the series does not hold a so-called financial position, Run Van Isle does. Almost all monies brought into Run Van Isle are dispersed back to the host race clubs to fund the run clubs on Vancouver Island.
Saying that, Run Van Isle is in a better financial position than it has been in years due to more sound planning and administration by Treasurer Kathleen Quast who is also the bookkeeper for the series.
The series changed its charity of choice for 2026 to KidSport of BC. The organization provides funds to applicant families. Over $3000 was raised by Run Van Isle. Also, the Comox Valley Road Runners provided funds to the Comox Valley KidSport from the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon. Sasha Visona, who is the race director of the McLean Mill 10K, donates all proceeds to KidSport Port Alberni.
Season Pass sales will begin at the Royal Victoria Marathon on Thanksgiving weekend. The first race of the 2026 season is happening Sunday, January 11.