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Get Pumped! Austin is gearing up as your ambassador for the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series!

By Austin Koevoets

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!

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Meet 2026 series ambassador Austin Koevoets

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.

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Meet 2026 series ambassador Travis Devonport

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.

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Meet 2026 series ambassador Sarah Georgica

Hello, I am Sarah Georgica.

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.

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Meet 2026 series ambassador Morgen Lindsay

The Vancouver Island Race Series and Run Van Isle committee have search and now selected four ambassadors for the 2026 racing season.

Meet the first of four in Morgen Lindsay

I moved to Victoria in 2021 and found my community through running. In early 2022, I joined the Fernwood Social Run Club, where I was welcomed with open arms. Since then, I’ve also become part of Island Beers Run Club and Cooldown Run Club, making countless friendships along the way. Running has become a way for me to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and slowly shave time off my personal bests.

I’m not a fast runner, but I love using each run as an opportunity to chat with friends and make new ones. Last year, I took part in the Vancouver Island Race Series, setting personal bests in the 10K in Port Alberni and the 5K in Sidney. I’m a fan of the half marathon distance, but this October, I’ll be running my first marathon (eek!).

For me, running isn’t about being fast, it’s about the sense of community, the joy of being outside, and pushing myself to be better each day. I’m excited to keep sharing that energy with others, no matter where they are in their running journey

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CLOSED – Apply now: Seeking 4 ambassadors to represent 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series and have fun doing it

Why apply

Run Van Isle, the association that manages the Vancouver Island Race Series, is seeking ambassadors for the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series and beyond.

Deadline is September 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

We are seeking ambassadors who like to connect with fellow runners, volunteer at events and attend each of the eight races in the series that runs from January to April. Ambassadors may be provided with opportunities to not only represent the series and Run Van Isle, but also rep sponsors and supporting brands. Sometimes, added benefits may be provided.

Have your profile featured on the ambassador page. Selected ambassadors must agree to be featured on the website with a running photo and a short bio.

Get geared up in series swag

Our premier sponsors, Frontrunners Footwear and Brooks Running (Run Happy) are stepping up to the start line by providing our four ambassadors kits from toes to nose, branded as series swag.

2025 ambassador Charles Kuyper sporting the stylin’ long sleeve Brooks technical top

The technical racing kit, warm-up jacket and pants and long sleeve running shirt, as well as Brooks shoes, will keep you looking like a pro athlete.

Enjoy the benefits of racing with a free season pass. While there is no pressure to race, showing up and being strong on social media are very important.

Application process closed Apply right now

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Ambassador Claire trains and race by “Party Pace”

PARTY PACE

Party Pace is a term I recently stumbled upon. Essentially, you are picking a pace that is comfortable and fun for yourself. Simple. Right?

The truth is, I have no idea what anyone is talking about. Splits, watches, training loads, heart rate, shoes, and for the love of running: STRAVA!

It’s a lot.

I played team sports my entire life and was a complete animal in the competitive department. So, I get the urge to go all in, and while I’m not completely out to lunch on all this lingo, it’s just not for me. Spoiler alert: I don’t even own a running watch.

“But Claire, how do you know your heart rate?” I don’t.

“How about your splits?” Ummmm…

“Will you ever know if you got a PB?” Probably not.

“Or a PR?” Wait, isn’t that the same…

The truth is, I got into running as a new hobby. I was looking for something that I could do whenever and wherever I wanted. I signed up for a few races, thinking my competitive edge would kick in, but by race day, I had logged the km’s but hadn’t “trained hard” like I thought I would. Race after race I would run, usually mid pack, jump in puddles, graze the food tables and go home. Happy as a clam.

Huh, I didn’t expect that. Confused and concerned by my lack of burning desire to crush my competition, I signed up with a running group. Maybe that would be the ticket. It wasn’t. I found I looked forward to my three running dates with myself for a week, and I didn’t want to cancel them. Week after week, I was showing up for myself, with my only goal being to get out the door.

I got so wrapped up thinking I needed a PB, a set goal, or a running group that I lost sight of why I liked running. Don’t get me wrong, I think these things are phenomenal, and I encourage everyone to find their place in the community, but for me, I realized I’m ok just showing up, on my own, chatting with strangers, running my party pace, without a watch, looking like a nut cheering every person on and beelining it to the food station.

This doesn’t mean I’ll never join a group (I’d like to find one now) or that I’ll never get more serious about racing. It just means where I am right now is fun, and I dig that. Being an ambassador for the Island Race Series has taught me that we all have a pace and place in racing, and it’s not linear for anyone. Ready, set, party!

PS For those concerned, I DO have the “Strava,” and I DO turn it on about 5 minutes before the race. The horror, I know!

PPS

If someone in the Parksville/QB area would like to start a weekly Party Pace beer run, I could easily be persuaded.

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Going at my pace: A turtle’s guide to racing

Paige Shaw

There are a few common misconceptions that I often hear online about running and racing. One
of them being that running needs to be a challenging, all-out effort, even when you’re starting
out. Another is that if you’re a slow runner, you’re “not really a runner.”

Based on these two messages, it’s no wonder that some people feel discouraged from joining the sport. I’m here to
show you that racing is for slower runners too!

If we haven’t met before, hi, hello! I am a slower runner. I affectionately call myself a turtle.

When I’m racing, on a good day, my top speed is probably around 6:30/km for a 10km and 7:00-
7:30/km during a half marathon. I have run two marathons, both of which took me over 6 hours
to complete (my current marathon PB is around 6 hours and 11 minutes). You may ask, why am
I’m trying so hard when I’m not even close to being at the front of the pack. Why do I race?

Here’s the thing: racing doesn’t have to be about being the fastest. It can be about the
community, the experience, and the personal growth from just showing up. Every time I show up
on the start line, there is the possibility that I’ll push myself just a little bit harder, go just a little bit
faster. There’s also the possibility that I’m just there to have a good time. And that’s okay, too.
And to be honest, us slower runners bring the best vibes to the race.

Racing can also be about challenging your mental strength.

For me, this is also something I enjoy about taking on longer distances such as the marathon and half marathon. Sometimes,
during a race, I will question what I’m doing — can my body actually do this? Have I tried to do too
much this time? These are some of the mental barriers that pop up and challenge me throughout
the race. But I keep moving forward, and through each race I complete, I build confidence in
myself and my resiliency as a runner. The coolest part is that I feel like I also learn new things
about myself.

Maybe I will get faster, maybe I’ll have setbacks, or I won’t, but racing can be a
time that I have with myself and my community that make running feel amazing.
One of the things I love most about the Vancouver Island Race Series is how it creates an
environment for runners of all abilities to feel welcome and encouraged. The volunteers, race
organizers, and fellow runners bring an infectious energy, no matter where you finish. This is
why I also make it a point to cheer on everyone I can.

As an ambassador for the series, I hope that I can encourage runners to try racing — no matter their pace. And as a friend told me once, forward is the pace. It’s not about speed, it’s about your experience and whatever you want it to be.

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Become a Vancouver Island Race Series Ambassador

Apply to become a Vancouver Island Race Series ambassador. The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association is seeking a few ambassadors to represent the Vancouver Island Race Series as well as the association (VIRA) and our member clubs. Enjoy all the benefits and social connections while being a series ambassador. Applications are now closed. Eight ambassadors have […]

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