The Vancouver Island Race Series has chosen KidSport BC as its new charitable partner.

Donations raised through the series will go towards KidSport BC's program of providing financial assistance to children so they can participate in organized sports. Funds will be distributed to local chapters in communities hosting the races.

Participants can contribute by selecting the optional donation feature during online registration on the series website. Registration and donation details can be found at .

This marks a shift in charitable focus for Run Van Isle, the organization behind the race series. Previously, it partnered with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.

"Our board re-evaluated our long relationship with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation," said Christopher Kelsall, president of Run Van Isle. "While we respect their work, we felt supporting KidSport BC would better align with our values and the desires of our participants."

Angela Crowther, director of KidSport BC, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the increasing need for financial assistance in youth sports.

鈥淭he increasing demand from families in need underscores the importance of our programs,鈥� Crowther said.

鈥淗owever, this demand strains our funding, especially since most of our chapters are run by volunteers. Donations through the race series will help us meet this demand and provide vital sports experiences for children.鈥�

The 2025 Vancouver Island Race Series opens Jan. 13 with the 45th annual Harriers Pioneer 8K and ends April 13 with the Bazan Bay 5K.

Other events include the Cobble Hill 10K, which serves as the B.C. 10K Championships on Jan. 27, along with the Sooke 10K, McLean Mill 10K, Hatley Castle 8K, Bastion 12K, and the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon on March 23.

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