Vancouver Island Runners’ Association elects treasurer Kathleen Quast, two new board members in Mariah Kelly and Gary Duncan

The Vancouver Island Runners’ Association (VIRA) was seeking a new treasurer during the spring of 2023 to replace Bob Reid. Bob held the position many times, off and on over the 44-year history of the series.

The search came to an end with the election of board members during the VIRA annual general meeting in July 2023. VIRA chose Kathleen Quast of Westcoast Running. The club manages the Westcoast Sooke 10K as part of the Vancouver Island Race Series.

Kathleen comes to the board armed with years of experience working in the non-profit sector in finance and is the co-director of the Westcoast Sooke 10K along with partner Jason Ball.

Bob Reid remains the vice president of VIRA and continues to be involved with the Prairie Inn Harriers 8K, the first event of the Vancouver Island Race Series.

The board would like to thank Bob for his years of service and dedication to the board and his contribution to the role of interim treasurer.

Bob Reid was one of the earliest members to join the Prairie Inn Harriers, a club that started in 1978 and was founded by Bruce Gunner Shaw, Robin Pearson and Alex Marshall. He remains club treasurer, a position he has held for decades.

The race series is a Vancouver Island tradition dating back to the late 1970s.

Founded by John Crouch, president of the Vancouver Island Runners’ Association, the series was patterned after the Lower Mainland Grand Prix Series of five races.

Since its inception, more than 110,000 runners have participated in the series, which has varied between six and 10 races.

Also joining the board is Gary Duncan and Mariah Kelly. Gary is a World Athletics B-certified course measurer and president of the Victoria International Cross Country Association and Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club. Mariah is a partner with The Track Club out of PISE, and is assistant race director of the Royal Victoria Marathon and training manager for the TC10K.

The current board of directors may be viewed here>>