The VIRA Island Race Series Harriers Pioneer 8k is set to take place on Sunday February 27th at 11:30am. It was supposed to be the first race this year, but was rescheduled due to weather. I’m hoping for good weather this weekend!
As previously mentioned, I’m very excited that we have live events this year after mostly having to stick to virtual events for parts of 2020 and 2021. I look forward to continuing to connect with the running community. 🙂
The Harriers Pioneer 8k is hosted by the Prairie Inn Harriers and takes place in North Saanich. Number, food and awards pick up are at North Saanich Middle School, 10400 McDonald Park Rd. The race itself starts at 11:30am PST and finishes at the Tourist Information Centre parking lot, 10382 Pat Bay Highway.
You have the option to pick up your race package at the following times and locations:
- Saturday, February 26, 10:00am – 3:00pm at Frontrunners Shelbourne (3659 Shelbourne St, Victoria)
- On race day Sunday, February 27, 10 am – 11:15 am at North Saanich Middle School, 10400 McDonald Park Rd. Sunday race package pick-up happens outside the front entrance on the North side of the School.
Unfortunately, there is no race registration this year. Also, the entry fee is non-refundable and non-transferable between races or participants.
What is the Harriers Pioneer 8k course like?
I’ve done the Harriers Pioneer 8k a few times now. The last time I participated in this event was in 2020 and that that time, I had no idea that it would be one of the last few live races for a while.
This course is both fast and flat. The highest elevation is approximately 30m and the lowest is just under 10m. With a total elevation change of approximately 20m over the entire course, you have the potential to get a personal best and to run faster than you think you can. This is partly why it attracts Olympians, elite runners, passionate running fanatics (like myself), recreational runners and the weekend warriors.
It is run on quiet rural roads, providing participants with stunning views.
Harriers Pioneer 8k 2022 course map
First, take a left turn onto John Rd. The first km is a gentle downhill, so this is where many of us (such as myself) have the tendency to start too fast.
Then, turn left on to Wilson Rd for a very gentle (barely noticeable) incline to Mills Rd.
After that, take a left turn onto Mills Rd and then left again onto Littlewood Rd. Then, take a right onto Glamorgan Road, where you will be less than a km away from the turnaround.
The turnaround will be well marked, so there will be no way for you to miss it. The 4km marker will be near the turnaround.
Once you turn around, you will head back the exact same way to get to the finish line.
A FEW TIPS FOR RUNNING THE HARRIERS PIONEER 8K (FOR FIRST TIMERS)
- The first km looks like a gentle downhill, which means that it’s very easy to start too fast. You may want to start a few seconds per km slower than your desired goal race pace so you don’t burn yourself out in the first km. At the same time, if you are ahead of pace, don’t beat yourself up because it takes time to learn how to pace yourself properly.
- Maintain a conservative pace until the turnaround. Between km 1 and 3, there is a very gentle incline but you won’t notice it unless you ran the first km way too fast. Naturally, the turnaround forces people to slow down a little bit. Therefore, I like to coast until after the turnaround so that I don’t waste too much energy from needing to put on the brakes only to try to accelerate again after a sharp turn.
- Try to pick up your pace after km 5. After km 5, you are more than halfway to the finish, which is a good opportunity to speed up if you have the energy for it.
- Take advantage of the longer, straighter and flatter parts of the course. The small changes in elevation should be hardly noticeable if you don’t start too fast.
- Really though, you should just enjoy it. If this is your first time running a VIRA Island Race Series event (or any race for that matter), then you should enjoy it. Take in the beautiful views of the countryside, breathe some fresh air, make new friends. Don’t worry so much about your time or your pace and just run. In 2020, I didn’t run my fastest time, but still enjoyed it and had a great time chatting with my running friends.
Above: Harriers Pioneer 8k finish line. Photo by Joseph Camilleri. By the way, I heard that Joseph will be taking photos at this event again this weekend!! He’s great!!
I look forward to seeing you at the race on Sunday and I wish you all a fantastic day on race day. 🙂 If you missed out on this one, the next event is the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 13.
P.S.
Please also take note of the VIRA Island Race Series Covid-19 Protocol:
1. VIRA will abide by all Provincial Health Orders and guidance provided by BC Athletics regarding holding outdoor events and indoor gatherings. Participants are advised that, if Provincial Health Orders require it at the time of the race, proof of full vaccination and wearing a mask may be required to access outdoor settings and indoor venues – which include tents with two or more walls. (See Note #2 below re: venue requirements). Further, participants must be aware that Provincial Health Orders are frequently amended, which could result in different requirements for different races.
2. Some Island Series races have access to indoor venues, and those venues are mandating that participants are fully vaccinated and wear masks to go inside. For everyone to enjoy the full Island Series race experience we strongly encourage participants be fully vaccinated to enable you to participate in the post-race food and awards.
3. Safety is our number one priority, and each host club will work with their local health authority and venue to ensure a safe event for all participants and volunteers.
4. Anyone who is sick or showing signs of COVID-19 prior to any race must not participate for the safety of others.