After two virtual pandemic years and a shortened 2022 season, the Vancouver Island Race Series is back to eight races.

The season starts on Sunday, January 8, 2023 with the Harriers Pioneer 8K and wraps up with the Synergy Health Centre Bazan Bay 5K and series awards presentation on Sunday, April 23.

Port Alberni is back after a hiatus. The Paper Chase 15K will now be the McLean Mill 10K. The race will now start and end at the National Historic site of McLean Mill.

The purpose is to provide a more popular distance, take out a few hills and provide a stunning environment to host the Port Alberni fixture. Additionally, the race goes Sunday, April 2 to ensure the likelihood of good weather.

The popular Nanaimo Cedar 12K is back and is once again the third race of the series after the Harriers Pioneer 8K and Cobble Hill 10K happen in January.

Meanwhile, Cobble Hill’s route — already fast — is going to be even faster. The host club Ceevacs have worked with course measurer Gary Duncan to remove three hills and the tangent that went through town.

Even though the cost of everything seems to be going up, the series is in a great place financially, and VIRA is pleased to offer the same pricing as 2020 at $150 as the early rate for a season pass and $175 for late race registration.

Individual races will remain at $25 early and $30 late.

Registration will open on Oct. 7 for the season pass and Nov. 12 for individual races.