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RunSport Victoria Society partners with Run Van Isle to support Vancouver Island Race Series

Media Release

RunSport Victoria Society supports Run Van Isle

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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MINI Victoria partners with the Vancouver Island Race Series and Run Van Isle

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.

For more information, contact:

Christopher Kelsall
info@islandseries.org or 250-857-6643.