The 45th annual Vancouver Island Race Series, which begins in January 2027, is experiencing a surge in registrations for both season passes and individual races. Several events could sell out before the series even begins.
The eight independently club-operated races take place between January and April each year, bringing road racing to communities across Vancouver Island.
“I can say that since opening registration during the Royal Victoria Marathon weekend (October 10–11), we’ve been astounded by the level of interest shown. After a record number of finishers across the eight races in 2026, we’re on track for increased entries again in 2027,” said Run Van Isle president Maurice Wilson.
General manager Batu Kaya shares that enthusiasm.
“People have been super supportive thus far, as running has been growing substantially over the last couple of years,” Kaya said.
Run Van Isle, formerly known as the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association, has owned and managed the series since 1983. While 2027 marks its 45th year, the series was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2021 edition cancelled and the 2022 series held virtually.
Since returning to in-person racing, the series has continued to break participation records. The 2027 edition could be its biggest yet.
The series traditionally opens with the Harriers’ Pioneer 8K, held on the second Sunday in January. Seven more races follow, generally at two-week intervals, before the series concludes with the Saanich Physio+ Bazan Bay 5K in early April.
With the Pioneer 8K’s relatively new, fast double-loop course, organizers anticipate continued growth in participation. The event is often Canada’s first official road race of the New Year and has occasionally served as the provincial championships.
“Over 420 people have already committed themselves to run the entire 47th annual Vancouver Island Race Series, while individual race registrations are also ahead of last year. Last year, the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon and the Saanich Physio+ Bazan Bay 5K both sold out, and more races may do so in 2027,” Wilson added.
The Vancouver Island series has two provincial counterparts: the Lower Mainland Road Race Series, serving Greater Vancouver and surrounding communities, and the Interior Running Association’s road race series, featuring events in communities such as Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon.
Shoestrings…
Prior to 1983, the Saanichton (Pioneer) 8K and the Nanaimo 10-Miler were a part of a provincial (Lower Mainland / Vancouver Island) series for a couple of years. And several other Island races, like the Mill Bay 10K, Comox 20K and Port Alberni Paper Chase 10K existed as standalone events.
Run Van Isle/Vancouver Island Runners’ Association was conceived in 1982, leading to the creation of the inaugural Vancouver Island Race Series in 1983.
