Island Miles Podcast: for runners, by runners, celebrating running on Vancouver Island

Yana Hempler is a Victoria runner with a lot of personal accomplishments, including completing her Abbott World Major Six Star in Tokyo this March. She’s also channeled some of her apparently endless energy into a number of fundraisers for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, raising a crazy amount of money. She’s got a big 24-hour event planned for Duncan in September, and we got the lowdown. Race Roster event link: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112601/dream-nation-apparel-vancouver-island-24-hour (use the promo code  ISLANDMILES10 for a registration discount!)We also talk about the historic London Marathon result with two dudes going sub-2:00(!!), recap the TC10K, Boston and...Toledo? The Rundown - upcoming races and events: The Cumby - May 2 – https://thecumby.ca/Island Trail Series Lake Cowichan 13K/26K – May 9 - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/races/lake-cowichan/Fundraisers:The Victoria Mile – May 18 - supports Parkinsons Wellness Projects https://www.instagram.com/thevictoriamile/Power to Play Summit & Race – May 29-31 – supports Power to Be - https://www.powertobe.ca/powertoplay The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are SO many great trail races on Vancouver Island, and many of them are organized by the team at Coastline Endurance. Whether it’s the brutally tough Finlayson Arm races, extremely fun Island Trail Series, or the unique and challenging Kusam Klimb, they’ve got a great race roster, which they added to with the Hornby Island Ultra last month. The person at the helm of Coastline Endurance is Myke Labelle, and we got a chance to get to know him and what it takes to put on great races. Plus, he gave us a couple entries to Kusam to giveaway!The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  April 26 – TC10K – April 26 - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10kMay 2 – The Cumby 25K/16K/8.5K/4.5K distances https://thecumby.ca/ The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people are in running retirement by the time they hit 70, but Joe ‘Crazy Legs’ Camilleri is still going strong at 76! Joe was a late bloomer with his running career, so was probably saving his legs for later life glory. Joe has completed a number of marathons with his first in Vancouver back in 2017 at the age of 67, when qualified for Boston, and he’s now closing in on completing the Abbot World Marathon Majors. We get to know Joe, which Canadian legend inspired him to start running, how he got his nickname, and hopefully get some tips for running longevity! The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/April 12 – Saanich Physio Bazin Bay 5K – https://www.islandseries.org/product/saanich-physio-bazan-bay-5k/April 11 – Royal Roads 6K/11K – https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/races/victoria-royal-roads/ Canadian Cancer Society Run 80K in April Challenge: https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/events/680 The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is coming up on March 22. It’s the longest race in the Vancouver Island Race Series, and clearly one of the most popular as it sold out in January! It’s one of many races put on by the Comox Valley Road Runners, and in this episode, we caught up with their club President Brad Crowe and Comox Half Race Director Rob Kelly to talk about the race and their awesome, and VERY accomplished club which has been around since 1980. You can find them here: https://cvrr.ca/ We also got an update on the Wounded Warriors from Simon Brown and Nathalie Butler. This year’s campaign has raised more than $280,000 this year! You can still donate until the end of March.  https://woundedwarriors.ca/run-bc/. The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/April 12 – Saanich Physio Bazin Bay 5K – https://www.islandseries.org/product/saanich-physio-bazan-bay-5k/April 26 – TC10K – April 26 - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10k April 2 – Trail Running Film Festival – Vic Theatre - https://bit.ly/4qWmNMN  The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year, a group of eight runners and their amazing support team relay the 800 kilometres from Port Hardy to Victoria in just eight days, raising awareness for the importance of supporting trauma exposed Vancouver Island military personnel, first responders and their families. The 2026 campaign started on February 22, and the team is working their way down the island. The guys had a chance to talk to Simon Brown, one of this year’s runners before the team headed out. He shared some of their history, inspiring stories, and details on how people can support their mission. Every dollar raised by this tremendous group stays on the island, and you can find out more or donate here: https://woundedwarriors.ca/run-bc/. The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  March 8 – Westcoast Sooke 10K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/westcoast-sooke-10k-2/March 29 – McLean Mill 10K – Port Alberni - https://www.islandseries.org/product/mclean-mill-10k/April 2 – Trail Running Film Festival – Vic Theatre - https://bit.ly/4qWmNMN The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to nerd out on shoe technology! Super shoes have continued to dominate the conversation in most running circles, including the elites. Records continue to fall, qualifying times continue to get harder, and footwear is a main reason. Darren takes us to “shoe school” with a good history lesson and technical explanation of what the latest and great technology does. But are these shoes right…for you? We also catch up with local Burrito League legend Arianna Rumenovich to talk about her tremendous accomplishment while questioning her sanity.  The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  Feb 22 - Bastion 12K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/bastion-12k/March 8 – Westcoast Sooke 10K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/westcoast-sooke-10k-2/March 14 – Hornby Island 25K & 50K - https://www.coastlineendurancerunning.com/hornbyisland/ (sold out) The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone has considerations in their running - from footwear, to mileage, to hydration and nutrition…but what if you have a chronic health challenge? How do you manage that additional, sometimes debilitating hurdle in your training? On this episode host Dan Deane talks about living and running with Type 1 Diabetes, and his running Coach Jim Finlayson (elite Victoria runner, coach, and former Beer Mile world record holder!) shares his journey with Multiple Sclerosis. We also recap the Cobble Hill 10K and talk about the awesome weirdness of Burrito League!  The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  Feb 8 - Hatley Castle 8K – https://www.islandseries.org/Feb 22 - Bastion 12K - https://www.islandseries.org/product/bastion-12k/Feb 28 – Seymour Bloom Trail Race - https://bit.ly/3ZjESc7 (waitlist)April 26 – TC10K - https://www.runsport.ca/tc10k The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you registered for a big race in 2026? Maybe it’s a new distance for you, and you’re wondering how best to attack it so you’re ready to be your best on race day and hit that goal? With a Physiotherapist and run leader as hosts, we’ve got you covered! We talk everything from load management to injury management to strength training and shoes. Plus a recap of the Pioneer 8K, Rory Linkletter and…a Costco ultra marathoner?The Rundown - upcoming races and events: Jan 25 - Cobble Hill 10K – https://www.islandseries.org/Jan 26 – registration opens – Lululemon Seawheeze Half – https://www.seawheeze.com/Feb 1 registration opens – The Cumby (25K/16K/8.5K/4.5K) - thecumby.caFeb 8 - Hatley Castle 8K – https://www.islandseries.org/ The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the season finale, we share our thoughts on the first 10 episodes, reflecting on our favourite moments and guests. It was really hard to choose! We talked about planning out your 2026 race calendar and what kind of things to consider, and talk about some of the best holiday gifts runners can get. And just wait until you hear the way our South African host says the word “toque”! Books referenced:  Born To Run – Christopher McDougallOnce A Runner – John L. Parker, Jr. Outsider – Brett PopplewellThe Rise of the Ultra Runners - Adharanand Finn   The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been to any races on the Vancouver Island in recent years, you’ve probably seen a really fun, energized run club called Badass Chicks Run Trails. It was founded by a group of first responders who discovered a shared love of trail running to help manage the personal strains caused by challenging work lives. From humble and almost accidental beginnings, the group has grown into a strong and positive running community. Founder Nikki Jomha joined the show to share the club’s philosophy and her own incredible story!The Rundown - upcoming races and events: Dec 7 – 22nd annual Prairie Inn Harriers Stewart Mountain Challenge - https://pih.bc.ca/race/12-stewart-mountain-10-mile-5-mile-cross-country-challengeDevil’s Ladder - registration opens Dec 5 - https://devilsladderultra.com/Island Trail Series – full series registration opens Dec 5 - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/Island Race series registration - https://www.islandseries.org/  The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On our third episode, we talked to Chris Sundby just before he set out in mid-September to run the length of Vancouver Island in 14 days, with his mom acting as his lone support crew. More than 700 kilometres and three pairs of shoes later, Chris completed his epic journey right on schedule, and now that he’s back from the wilderness and (mostly) recovered, he rejoined the show to tell us all about it. And he brought his mom Sylvia to talk about her experience too!His epic adventure raised more than $24,000 for Jacob’s Well on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and you can still donate here: https://www.jacobswell.ca/chrisruns The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  Nov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/race Nov 22 – 41st annual Gunner Shaw Classic - https://pih.bc.ca/race/3-gunner-shaw-memorial-10k-cross-country-classic The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years ago, Julia Loglisci decided to make some major lifestyle changes. Along with a new dietary approach, she started weight training, practicing yoga, and walking. Those walks started to include some light jogging, and eventually the walking intervals disappeared as she found a love of running. Julia recently completed her first half marathon and joined the show to talk about her health journey, what running has meant to both her physical and mental health, and how it has positively impacted many facets of her busy life as a small business owner. You can find her photography work at www.julialoglisci.com/. The Rundown - upcoming races and events:  Nov 9 – Partridge Fall Classic 8K - raceroster.com/events/2025/111240/partridge-fall-classicNov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/raceNov 22 – 41st annual Gunner Shaw Classic - https://pih.bc.ca/race/3-gunner-shaw-memorial-10k-cross-country-classic The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Instagram at @islandmilespodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen McArthur is the owner/operator of The Crazy Cookie House in Metchosin. It’s a small shack with a roof shaped like the sorting hat from Harry Potter and surrounded by mythical creatures including a wooden dragon named “Doug H”. Her cookies have drawn local media and social media attention! Helen is also a passionate long-distance runner and decided that she wanted to run a marathon on each continent, and she’s close! She ran the Sydney (AUS) Marathon in late August, leaving just Africa.  The Rundown - upcoming races and events: October 25 – Qualicum Bay 11K/26K - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/Nov 2 – Boundary Bay – 5k/10k/half/full - https://www.tryevents.ca/boundary-bay-raceNov 11 – 29th annual Prairie Inn Harriers Thetis Lake Cross Country 20K relay - https://pih.bc.ca/raceThe Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Instagram at @islandmilespodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With RVM week finally here, we know many will be experiencing some race anxiety. And if you've never strapped on a bib before, or you’re racing at a new distance, then you're swimming (running?) in unchartered waters. But fear not! The Island Miles gang is here to talk race preparation and execution to help get you race day ready.The Rundown - upcoming races and events: October 19 – CEEVACS Cowichan Autumn Classic - https://www.ceevacs.com/cowichan-autumn-classic/October 19 – Edge to Edge half/10K in Ucluelet - https://www.edgetoedgemarathon.comOctober 25 – Qualicum Bay 11K/26K - https://www.islandtrailseries.ca/  The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Instagram at @islandmilespodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's new for RVM's 45th anniversary? Let's find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Sundby grew up on Vancouver Island and now lives and works in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, working with Jacob’s Well, an organization that provides support to the most vulnerable members of that community. Chris is back on the island, and beginning September 15, is taking on the insane challenge of running from the southern tip of the island all the way up to Cape Scott at the northern end to raise money and awareness for Jacob’s Well. It’s roughly 800 kilometres, and he’s giving himself just 15 days to accomplish it! This was an unplanned bonus episode, because we just had to talk to him before he headed out. Good luck, Chris!!!!You can follow Chris’ journey on Instagram: jacobswellyvr/ or chrissundbyrunsTrack him on Garmin! https://share.garmin.com/sundbyrunsDonate here: https://www.jacobswell.ca/chrisruns The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us: [email protected], or find us on Instagram: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A free Clover Point 5K every Saturday at 9am? Sign us up! It's called ParkRun, and it actually happens at roughly the same time, every Saturday, all over the world (including Shawnigan Lake and Courtenay). Sean Mitchell and Natalia Seal join the show from the ParkRun team to share the ins and outs of this cool event and the inclusive community of runners it has created. You only have to register once to get your unique barcode and can then take part in ParkRuns wherever your travels take you! Find them online at https://www.parkrun.ca/cloverpoint/ and on Instagram at @cloverpointparkrun. The Rundown - upcoming races and events: September 14 – Terry Fox Run – several island communities (https://terryfox.org)September 27 – Perseverance Trail Race – 3K/6K/12K (https://www.perseverancetrailrun.com/)October 5 – CIBC Run for the Cure – Victoria and Nanaimo (https://tinyurl.com/4rpk5e7m)October 11-12 – Royal Victoria Marathon – Kids Run/5K/8K/Half/Full - https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/)The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? Email us at [email protected], or find us on Instagram at @islandmilespodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of the Island Miles Podcast! Dan, Darren and Jamie discuss what the show is all about, share a little bit about themselves and talk about the type of topics they'll cover. And just how many pairs of shoes Dan owns! The Island Miles Podcast wants to hear from YOU! Got a topic idea? Know someone doing something cool that should be celebrated? A race you're hoping to get the word out on?Email: [email protected]: @islandmilespodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.