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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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A final word from Ambassador Sander on the 2024 Vancouver Island Race Series

So…that’s it for the race series.

We started the series with below-zero temperatures at the Harriers Pioneer 8K and ended with 17 degrees Celsius at the Bazan Bay 5K. We had cloudy races, one with a massive downpour and puddle jumping (looking at you, Hatley Castle), and beautiful sunny ones like in Comox and this last Sunday.

Sander Nederveen. Photo credit: Christopher Kelsall

This edition of the Island Series once again showed how great of a running community Vancouver Island has. At every race, I saw familiar faces, had nice start and finish line chats, and got to know a couple of new people.

I learned that being an ambassador for the series is the easiest thing ever. It takes absolutely no effort to show enthusiasm for these races when the courses are beautiful, the post-race food plentiful, and the cheer squads louder than you could have imagined.

And in this sense, I wasn’t that much of an ambassador. The real ambassadors for the Island Race Series are the race directors, volunteers, and folks cheering along the course. I can’t even begin imagining the work that the organizers and volunteers have put into making the series to the success it was.

The post-race experience at the Island Series truly is one of a kind. So much pizza, chilli, chowder, and sometimes even beer. For those who stuck around long enough, there were awesome draw prizes too, powered by some great sponsors. There is too many to name, but you can check them out on the website.

See all series sponsors here.

Finally, I shouldn’t forget to congratulate Speedfarm and the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club with winning the Island Series and VIRA Cups, respectively. Also a big congratulations to those who managed to run a PB,  to those who raced their first race, to those who came back to running after an injury or break, to those who ran their furthest distance ever in the series, to those who broke world records in their age group, and most of all to those who had a ton of fun being part of the series.

Now it’s time to give your carbon-plated shoes some rest and lace up the trail shoes for the summer. I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

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Holly Pinto: Race recap from McLean Mill 10K

I brought home my best time ever for a 10km. Nothing about this article has to do with that. Just thought you should know. You should also know the McLean Mill 10K was the Kinder Surprise Egg of the series. Y’all, edge of my seat! In reference to my last post about rituals… there was no room for that. So, what do we do when a race goes nothing as planned? 

Step 1: stay warmed up…

Step 2: just run. 

It’s been said before, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. While I can exaggerate the importance of keeping race day similar to training days, sometimes I don’t have control. It’s going to rain though the forecast said 0% chance of precipitation. It’s going to false start right when the preworkout kicks in. You might cross the finish line just to… cross another? With all that eclipse energy to share, I shouldn’t have been surprised that nothing was how I planned. A gentle reminder that we all came to simply… run. 

Like every race in the series, you can’t help but get lost in the beauty of the course. There’s no hustle and bustle. I zig-zagged the back road forest which canopied the rainfall. That’s why I run. To be lost in amongst trees. I forgot for that moment the stress of this and that and just ran. Yes, race day should have a pressure to play your best. However, the heart in showing up is the love for the run. With the Vancouver Island Run Series, we escape into pockets of the island’s lushest country life. And the McLean Mill 10K was so. As rolling hills take you through the miles you can’t help but feel like a Mario cart driver in the jungle using all gears. The snowcap mountains in the background display you are in fact running at the most beautiful place in the world. And that final stretch UP humbles efforts of going for the fast finish. 

After we cheer Dog Mountain Brewing beer we congratulate each other. Ribbons are handed out while we warm up to the most perfect chilli. A thought I had: I didn’t ask a single person their timing. No one asked mine. You know why? We were all there for the love of running. Our runner’s high didn’t leave space for competition (ok, a little). Rather everyone was smiling and joyously hollering and celebrating. This is the best part of this friendly island cup game. The camaraderie is a balance of chasing goals while catching up with pals. It’s about just running.