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.
