Laine Bergen is thrilled to serve as a Vancouver Island Race Series ambassador—mostly because it gives her an excuse to talk about running even more than she already does. With four marathons under her belt, Laine has done her time in the land of long-distance suffering and snacks. These days, she’s learned she prefers races that don’t require packing an entire lunch, but she still loves the bragging rights that come from pushing past her comfort zone.
Running, for Laine, is equal parts personal achievement and personal comedy. She proudly embraces the full spectrum of runner moments—from heroic finish-line sprints to the questionable decision-making that leads her to sign up for races months in advance. Whether she’s cruising along the scenic trails of Vancouver Island or negotiating with herself about why she absolutely deserves new running socks, she approaches the sport with enthusiasm, honesty, and a healthy sense of humor.
As a ambassador, Laine is excited to cheer people on, share the joy (and occasional chaos) of training, and remind runners that you don’t have to be fast, flawless, or fully awake to have a great race. If you spot her at the start line, feel free to say hi—she’ll be the one cracking jokes, pretending she’s warmed up, and genuinely loving every moment of being part of this incredible community.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2026-01-04 19:46:352026-01-04 19:48:24Introducing Laine Bergen as Vancouver Island Race Series latest ambassador
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!
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2025-11-21 21:03:412025-11-21 21:05:34Get Pumped! Austin is gearing up as your ambassador for the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series!
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2025-11-17 20:47:162025-11-17 20:47:17Lace up and show up: I am excited to join the 2026 Vancouver Island Race Series as ambassador
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.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2025-10-01 20:48:162025-10-01 20:48:18Meet 2026 series ambassador Austin Koevoets
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
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2025-09-12 21:36:002025-09-22 21:25:05Meet 2026 series ambassador Morgen Lindsay
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.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2025-03-25 07:32:512025-03-25 07:34:02Going at my pace: A turtle’s guide to racing
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 […]
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2024-07-29 18:55:582024-09-20 10:34:36Become a Vancouver Island Race Series Ambassador
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.
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.
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2024-04-16 11:20:272024-04-16 11:20:32A final word from Ambassador Sander on the 2024 Vancouver Island Race Series
So the third race of the 2024 Vancouver Island Series, the Cedar 12k, fell on the day after another event in my calendar, a retirement party for local sporting legend and SMUS teacher Ian Hyde Lay. Let’s just say that a good time was had by all. Those who visited the Bard and Banker that evening, and let’s also say that when my Sunday morning alarm went off, racing 12k was far, far from my mind.
But, mainly because I volunteered to drive the carpool (sucker!), off I went. I said to one of my club mates that I was going to take a wait-and-see approach. And after a cup or two of black coffee, a bite to eat and some last-minute hydration on the drive up, I was feeling good enough to toe the line. Not good enough to challenge my PB, mind you, but still OK. In the back of my mind, I thought “Well, let’s start at a minimal effort pace (5:00/km for me), and see how we do.” And then the horn went on the start line, and away we went…
Sean Mitchell finishing the Cedar 12K. Photo credit: Christopher Kelsall
And of course, all those good and sensible ideas got thrown out the window. Truth be told, I got into a comfortable rhythm and managed a respectable 4:30/km for the first 5k. After getting to the one standout ‘hill’ at that point (and waving at Brandon and Dusty already headed back…), I took a bit of stock of my condition and felt pretty good, truth be told.
I decided on the way back to see if I couldn’t get progressively faster on the return. And I ended up doing just that, negative splitting by almost two minutes (26:53/25:07) to finish right around 52:00, which would have been just 5 seconds off my PB. If it hadn’t been determined later that the course was approximately 90m short. Ah well. That time was still good enough for 10th place in the horrendously competitive M50-54 age group. So I was pretty pleased overall. And the warm hospitality and snacks from our friends at Bastion Run Club made it a great day.
Hang around and socialize afterwards, and cheer on the award winners
What NOT to do
Neglect your hydration and race prep as I did
Get too excited with the first 1k downhill – hope you didn’t go out too fast!
This coming Sunday, Feb 25th is the unique Hatley 8k, put on by Frontrunners Athletic Club on the grounds of Royal Roads University in Colwood. I say unique because it’s part road, part trail with a sizeable hill in between. This is a race to focus on effort, not pace or time, but don’t let that scare you – it’s a great course and a lot of fun. Hope to see you there!
https://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpg00Christopher Kelsallhttps://www.islandseries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-4-300x300.jpgChristopher Kelsall2024-02-17 22:12:082024-02-17 22:12:12Ambassador media: Cedar 12k recap – AKA what to do, and what not to do
The next race in the series is Hatley Castle 8K, and you’re in for an absolute rollercoaster of a course. The rollercoaster includes an interesting collection of hills, variations in terrain, and a fast finish.
This course is not your typical PB course. Unless you’re faster uphill than downhill, you likely won’t pull off your best-ever time in the 8K. But that is the trade-off for all the fantastic things this course has to offer.
In the first half kilometre, you will go towards the lagoon on a gentle downhill. With fair weather, you will forget to look at your watch and will simply be amazed by the gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. While you’re still processing that you’re in one of the most beautiful spots on the island, you head uphill and will soon be surrounded by trees before your watch beeps that you finished your first klick.
Sander Nederveen finishing 2024 Cedar 12K. Photo credit: Christopher Kelsall
That’s when you’re in for a treat: the uphill gets a bit steeper, and the course will turn right. More uphill you go. You may wonder: what’s the point of this hill? The answer is exactly what you would expect: there is no point. We are Vancouver Islanders; we just love hills for the sake of them.
You will go up until you hit kilometre 2, and then you turn right around and go back down. Once you’re back down and you are still wondering what it is all for, your thoughts will get interrupted by yet another hill. Did I tell you yet that this course is an absolute rollercoaster? Well, you will have found out by now. After you climb this hill at kilometre 3, things slow down for a bit. Some rolling up and down, and you might almost start thinking that it’s a normal course.
The joke’s on you! Just after the 5th kilometre, you suddenly take a sharp turn into the woods, and you will be dodging roots and trail running pretty much until the finish line. A big downhill will be waiting for you in the last kilometre, and you will fly to the finish line.
I look forward to toeing the line and having an absolute blast out at Hatley Castle, taking on the challenging hills and the beautiful trails. I hope to see you there!
One of two major hills at 1K. Photo credit: Joseph Camilleri
