Race Vancouver Island All Summer!
What is an awesome way to get inspired to run AND see the natural beauty of Vancouver Island? Challenge yourself with the Vancouver Island Trail Running Series! Presented by Frontrunners, the races are sure to be well-organized and offer many benefits to participants such as prize draws, post-race snacks, and comradery. The events maintain a grassroots feeling, partly because of the natural environment but also because of the friendships that can develop over the duration of the series. Also, the options of short and long courses, as well as the Kids’ Runs make it suitable for all ages and abilities.
A series like this encourages participants to get to know each other and stokes friendly competition over a period of six months. For those setting out to compete for standings, the rules are that you must run in three of six races to be eligible for series prizing. Those three races must be in one distance category (either the short or long course). If you run three short and three long courses, then you are eligible for prizing in both distances. Participants compete for points, which are awarded from first to tenth place in each ten-year age group.
You do not have to feel like you are in it to win it. The series is an opportunity to simply promote fitness for all ages within the trail running community. In most of the strenuous long courses there will be cut-off times though so you will need to have a grasp of your current ability to predict a timely, successful finish.
Royal Roads April 15
Sorry you missed it. This is a great introduction into trail running as the course is shorter at 11k or 7k distances and not as gut busting hilly as some of the others to come. Another bonus is that it is right here in Victoria on the beautiful trail networks around Royal Roads University.
Cobble Hill Mountain May 11
This race takes you up and around mountain trails of the Cobble Hill recreation area and is one of the most popular races in the series. It is not easy though with 915m of vertical gain over 20k in the long course. The short 12k course does not feel all that short when chugging up a mountain.
Port Alberni June 1
How often have you driven through the Port Alberni area on the way to Tofino but have never stopped at any of the parks or places of interest? This town is known for its forest industry origins, but it also has a beautiful backyard. And you will get to explore 10- 22k of it!
Ladysmith July 20
Some decent elevation and scenic Holland Creak and Heart Lake trails make this a popular race destination. And after all your hard work, you are treated with a beach front BBQ!
Mt. Washington August 10
You get distant, scenic views with this alpine race on the top of Mt. Washington, rising out of the Comox Valley. Those who normally ski up here in the winter will get a very different perspective of the terrain. At 820m of elevation gain, the course has got its share of climbing over the long distance of 14k or the shorter 8k.
Qualicum Bay October 26
The series saves the longest for the last, at 26k for the long course (11k, short). Participants can give thanks that the elevation gain is a bit more toned down for this distance at 383m. Since this event wraps up the series, it is also party time afterwards with a finale banquet and awards ceremony.
Though the coveted seasons passes offered in December are sold out, you can pick and choose your challenge by registering at: Islandtrailseries.ca. To see spectacular photos of past events, visit their Facebook page.