Registration for the 2019 VIRA Island Race Series is open and I could not be more excited to be returning to the roads again!
This will be my 6th year being involved in the VIRA Island Race Series. Although I didn’t do all the races every year, I’ve been participating since 2013!
Throughout this post, I’m also sharing photos of memorable moments from my past 6 years.
VIRA Island Race Series: Cedar 12K 2013. Photo by: IMS FotoGrafix
Last year, I had the pleasure of writing the course previews and race recaps for all 8 races and I’m stoked to be documenting my VIRA Island Race Series adventures once again.
VIRA Island Race Series Hatley Castle 2013. Photo by: IMS FotoGrafix
This year though, I’ve decided to go much deeper than just writing the course previews (that was so last year!). Instead, I’m now offering workout, training, injury prevention and racing tips to all series participants for the duration of the series.
VIRA Island Race Series Harriers Pioneer 8k 2014.
I will be posting all training tips, injury prevention and racing tips on this blog. Ideally, I’d like to hear from you (the runners!!) what you’d like to know more about and what topics you’d like me to cover.
VIRA Island Race Series Comox RV Half Marathon 2015. The PB year. 🙂
The plan is to do one post every week (or every other week) which will answer your questions. My goal is to be as helpful to you as possible and to provide information that will help you enjoy your own VIRA Island Race Series journey. 🙂 I encourage you to ask questions through social media and in person.
Port Alberni 15K 2018. Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll
If you haven’t yet signed up for the VIRA Island Race Series and you live on the Island, what are you waiting for?
6 Reasons to sign up for the VIRA Island Race Series
1.The price is great. How many other times are you able to run 8 races for $175? Participating in the series costs you less than $25 per race if you do them all. Even if you register for the races individually, the price is still very reasonable and affordable.
2. Meet like-minded people. Over the past several years as a runner, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people.
3. It’s suitable for all fitness levels. Runners of all levels are welcomed with open arms. So, if you are nervous about your pace-don’t be! Everyone from the race directors, to other participants to the volunteers is very supportive and encouraging.
Sooke 10k 2017. The ruck march for Wounded Warriors. A great way to raise funds for ill and injured veterans.
4. Chip timing, awards, draw prizes. All races are chip-timed and well-organized. There are some amazing draw prizes up for grabs if you hang around for the awards ceremony. In the past, draw prizes have been everything from free entries to other local races to gift cards to running stores, and more!
Cobble Hill 2016. Photo by Ken & Lois DeEll
5. Race yourself fit. Since races happen every two weeks, you have the opportunity to “race yourself fit” even if you are working towards other races that take place later in the year. I’ve run a number of personal bests over the years during the VIRA Island Race Series (and I can even tell you which races are best for PBs). With a careful approach, you can substantially improve your performance without getting injuried.
6. Support a great charity. By being a part of the 2019 VIRA Island Race Series, you are supporting the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation raises funds for priority medical equipment and special projects at Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital, Vancouver Island’s largest and most comprehensive health care resources.
Still not registered? Want to try to WIN a FREE VIRA Island Race Series Registration?
I’m really excited to announce that anyone who registers for Run4Dreams BEFORE December 31, 2018, will be entered to WIN a FREE Island Race Series Registration. This is one of the BEST draw prizes that is up for grabs for one lucky Run4Dreams participant. Run4Dreams is Virtual 5k Race, where the net proceeds from registration will be donated to Help Fill a Dream Foundation. You earn bonus entries into the draw by referring others to sign up!
Final Thoughts
The first VIRA Island Race Series event is in less than 2 months! I hope to see you there and I look forward to answering your questions as we embark on this journey together.
PS. If you don’t yet have one, you should get a VIRA Island Race Series T-Shirt! They are super awesome and look great. Definitely worth checking to see if they are selling them again this year. 🙂