New president and general manager for Vancouver Island Race Series

The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association (VIRA) which operates the Vancouver Island Race Series (VIRS) in partnership with member clubs, has elected a new president and hired a new general manager.

Christopher Kelsall succeeds Louise Hodgson-Jones after six years as general manager of the series, as she steps aside gradually toward retirement. Kelsall has also taken over for Jonathan Foweraker as president of VIRA.

Kelsall shooting the 2022 Cobble Hill 10K start. Photo credit: Joseph Camilleri

Kelsall started both positions on July 1, 2022, to manage the series which starts on Sunday, January 8, 2023. The first race as usual is the Harriers Pioneer 8K in North Saanich. The fixture typically doubles as the provincial 8K championships and is a member race of the BC Super Series. The Pioneer 8K is also the first race in Canada each year.

Kelsall is a sports journalist, former race director of the Victoria Run Series/Victoria Track Series, coach and is a 20-year member of the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club.

“I am pleased to take over for Louise, who has handed the role over to me with the series in great shape,” shared Kelsall. “And, the very capable hands of Jonathan, who stays on as past president. His continued leadership and experience are valuable to the board.”

The series continues into April with races in North Saanich, Sidney, Colwood, Sooke, Cobble Hill, Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Courtenay. The Synergy Health Bazan Bay 5K in Sidney caps the 43rd annual race series and series awards on Sunday, April 16 or potentially Sunday, April 23 — in between the Vancouver Sun Run and TC10K.

VIRA Athlete Travel Assistance

The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association (VIRA) will provide travel assistance of up to $500 per calendar year per individual.

Program:  

The program provides financial support for high performance athletes living on Vancouver Island to assist them in achieving personal bests and in participating international, championship or high-profile running races.

Eligibility:  To apply for financial assistance athletes must:

  1. Be a resident of Vancouver Island (minimum of 6 months)
  2. Be a member in good standing of a VIRA Club.
  3. Be participating in a race sanctioned by BC Athletics, Athletics Canada, AIMS or IAAF.
  4. Demonstrated achievement at a local, regional and/or provincial level with a significant record of participation in the Island Series – emphasis on results in the 12 months preceding the application.
  5. Be a minimum of 16 years of age at December 31 in the year of the application.

Criteria:  Funding support will be based on the following priorities:

  1. British Columbia or Canadian Championship race or qualifier
  2. International race representing Canada.
  3. Invitational international race.

Application Process:  Athletes must submit one application for each competition using the form on the back of this information sheet.  The VIRA Executive will review applications monthly and notify applicants within 30 days of their request as to whether funding has been approved.  Following the event, successful applicants are expected to provide receipts for their expenses as well as a link to official race results and a brief race report.

Submit Application to: Judi Sigurdson, Treasurer

                                                     


Note to applicants: VIRA is a non-profit organization operated on self-generated funds.  All travel grants will be based on available funds.  The VIRA Executive will approve requests for Travel Assistance and notify successful applicants within 30 days of receiving this form.

Please review ‘Eligibility’ and ‘Criteria’ prior to submission

2019-VIRA-Athlete-Travel-AssistanceDownload