The Island Series is an annual series of running races that take place across Vancouver Island, from Victoria to the Comox Valley. Races range from 8 kilometres up to the half marathon.
As a virtual series this year, participants can choose to race on a course of their choosing any time within an eight-day window. While the format of the series has changed, local runners have leapt at the opportunity to race. To date, there are more than 330 people registered for the series, with more than 75 coming from the Comox Valley.
The series is meant to be fun with each of the traditional events having a running challenge and a photo challenge. There is also an opportunity for those who want to be competitive to upload their times for comparison to other runners.
The first race of the series, the Harriers Pioneer 8k, just finished. For this event, runners chose an 8k course with at least two hills.
Local runners threw down some fast times, with five of the top 10 times posted by Comox Valley runners. Derek Vinge of theh Comox Valley Road Runners snagged the top spot with a time of 28:44. He was followed by CVRR secretary Jonathan MacDonald in second, in a time of 29:35. Rounding out the top 10 were CVRR president Rob Kelly (fifth), Jordan Brietzke (sixth) and Derek Brenchley (eighth).
On the women’s side, five of the top 10 times were also posted by Comox Valley runners. Andrea Wilson came third with a time of 33:04. She was followed closely by Gillian Clayton (fourth) in 33:28. Rounding out the top 10 were Colleen Schmidt (sixth), Kim Coscia (eighth) and Mimi Poulin (10th).
The photo contest involved taking a selfie in front of a favourite pub. CVRR’s Steve Blacklock (along with Neil and Cathie Collins) earned an honourable mention for their photo in front of the Church Street Taphouse.
The local flagship event, the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon, will be a 19k race this year. The event will take place between March 17 and 24. Participants can run solo, or as a relay in teams of two to five people (depending on the latest PHO orders). Also currently taking place is the Comox Valley Road Runners 5k Clinic.
More information on both events is available at cvrr.ca