The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association (VIRA) is pleased to announce that registration for the 2022 Frontrunners Vancouver Island Race Series is open. The series was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. The six-race series will take place from January to April 2022 with distances ranging from 5-kilometres to the half marathon. Individual race registration is also open.
The six races comprise the Harriers Pioneer 8K on January 9, Cobble Hill 10K on January 23, Hatley Castle 8K on February 13, Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 13, Westcoast Sooke 10K on March 27, and the Synergy Health Management Bazan Bay 5K and Series Awards on April 10.
The Pioneer 8K is the first competitive road race in Canada most years, save for New Year’s Day community events.
The event records are 25:28 by Vancouver’s Natasha Wodak and 22:58 by Carey Nelson also of Vancouver.
Many Olympians take in the 8K each year, as well as a few in each of the Bazan Bay 5K and Comox Valley Half Marathon.
The three road races, in particular, are considered to offer fast courses.
“We are delighted to be back next year and offering runners from all over Vancouver Island a competitive series,” says Jonathan Foweraker, President, VIRA. “The series is a great event for runners and walkers of all abilities, with friendly rivalries between individuals and teams.”
Athletics Illustrated is a media sponsor.
Returning for the eighth year as a charity partner is Victoria Hospitals Foundation. When registering participants will have the opportunity to top up their registration and support VHF’s ‘Emerge Stronger’ campaign, a $10 million campaign focused on funding 200+ pieces of equipment to help their hospitals emerge stronger from the effects of COVID -19. Since 2015, $13,644 has been raised by Island Race Series participants for the VHF.
Registration for the Island Series is $120 until January 7. Individual race fees are $25 per race until one month prior to each race when they increase to $30.
Historical results from Island Race Series
To register online for the Series, go to: www.islandseries.org
