The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association (VIRA) elected a new secretary and vice president on Saturday in Nanaimo at the 2024 annual general meeting (AGM).
Mariah Kelly
Mariah Kelly has taken the vacant vice-president’s position on the VIRA board. She was elected in absentia on Saturday.
Kelly was a Tokyo Olympic team member as an alternate in the 1500-metre event. The Niagara Falls, ON native, is a coach and is the head of The Track Club, technical director with the Royal Victoria Marathon and race director of the TC10K.
“I feel honoured and privileged to step into the role of vice president for the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association. Running has been transformative for me. shaping who I am today. The running community has enriched my soul and fuelled my dreams,” shared Kelly. “Vancouver Island will always hold a special place in my heart — it’s where my Olympic aspirations started to come to life. Even though I didn’t quite get there, the journey has been the ultimate gift. I have met countless incredible people and have had experiences beyond my expectations. Now my focus is giving back to the sport and community that has given so much to me.”
“Mariah has immersed herself deeply into the Vancouver Island athletics community as a runner, coach, race director and technical liaison. Her experience and enthusiasm will bring even more energy to an already vibrant VIRA board,” shared Christopher Kelsall, president, and general manager.
Kate Guy
Speedfarm athlete Kate Guy was elected as secretary of the VIRA board. The Toronto native moved to Greater Victoria in 2023 and has lived in France, Taiwan, the UK, Indonesia, and the US. She enjoys competitive racing, especially in marathons and has finished seven Ironman triathlons. Guy is an entrepreneur and event organizer.
“Kate brings to the association strong organizational skills that will complement the experienced VIRA team that has grown to near its maximum of 20 board members,” said Kelsall.
“I am thrilled to be part of VIRA’s board and look forward to continually improving the series for participants and helping foster and grow the relationships within the community. With my extensive event and marketing experience and knowledge as a runner, I hope to enhance the series and take it to the next level,” shared Guy.
“While we welcome Kate to the board, we would like to thank Chris Sullivan for his seven years of service to VIRA. Chris will stay on the board for one more year to support the transition of the new members as an at-large board member.”
Chris Callendar and Maurice Wilson
Added to the board is Chris Callendar from the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club. He is an experienced runner, soccer player and is a father of two boys. Callendar is a full-stack developer, his technical skills will assist the marketing and results team. Chris is the primary person responsible for developing the website RaceStats.org.
Maurice Wilson, formerly with BC Athletics, was added as an advisor in the capacity of at-large board member. Wilson is a former competitive runner and knows the Canadian and international athletics community as well as anyone in Western Canada.
“On behalf of the entire board, I am pleased to say that we anticipate continued strong growth with VIRA and the Vancouver Island Race Series with this very experienced crew of board members,” added Kelsall. “This is likely the most talented team in VIRA’s 44-year history.”
Current board and executive
Race directors:
Brenda Niziol (Ceevacs Roadrunners, Cobble Hill 10K)
Rob Kelly (Comox Valley Road Runners, Comox Valley Half Marathon)
Sasha Visona (Ridgeview Health & Performance, McLean Mill 10K)
Nick Walker (Frontrunners Athletic Club, Hatley Castle 8K)
Cindy Todd (Frontrunners Athletic Club, Hatley Castle 8K)
Jason Ball (Westcoast Running, Westcoast Sooke 10K)
Trent Horwood (Bastion Run Club, Cedar 12K)
Jeff Beddoes (Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club, Harriers Pioneer 8K)
Rob Hare (Team West Coast Running and Triathlon Society, Bazan Bay 5K)
At-large:
Chris Sullivan (Team West Coast Running and Triathlon Society)
Dr. Eric Ellis (Salt Spring Sneakers)
Wayne Crowe (Comox Valley Road Runners)
Gary Duncan (Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club)
Maurice Wilson
Chris Callendar (Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club)
Executive:
Treasurer: Kathleen Quast (Westcoast Running)
Secretary: Kate Guy (Speedfarm)
Vice-president: Mariah Kelly (The Track Club)
President: Christopher Kelsall (Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club)
The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association owns the Vancouver Island Race Series. VIRA also supports running on Vancouver Island with marketing, best practices guidance athlete support and access to liability insurance for island member clubs in good standing.
The Vancouver Island Race Series is an eight-event series of races that take place from January to April over a 16-week span. The races take place in Courtenay, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Cobble Hill, Sooke, Colwood, Sidney and North Saanich.
To find out more, visit the website: www.islandseries.org.