2025 Summer Parks Challenge

Kick Off Your Victoria Day Adventure on Vancouver Island

Imagine stepping onto a trail at dawn on Victoria Day and, by nightfall, having discovered hidden green havens you never knew existed. What if your next adventure wasn’t just a run, hike, or walk—but a race against time to explore the very best parks Vancouver Island has to offer? Keep reading, because on May 19, 2025, the Harriers Running Club is unveiling a challenge that will transform your summer into an unforgettable odyssey of nature, camaraderie, and community spirit.

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Event Overview

Who: Organized by the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club, open to everyone—Harriers members and non-members alike.
What: The 2025 Summer Parks Challenge asks: how many parks can you visit in 126 days?
When: Begins at 12:00 a.m. PDT on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19, 2025, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. PDT on the final day of summer, Monday, September 22, 2025.
Where: Anywhere on Vancouver Island—urban oases, provincial parks, national historic sites, even tiny pocket parks all count.

How It Works

Two Ways to Compete

Qualifying Criteria

Registration & Fees

• Cost: $40 all-in (no hidden fees); Prairie Inn Harriers members receive a $30 discount, reducing their fee to $10.
• Process: Register via Race Roster and automatically gain access to your personal dashboard and live leaderboard.
• Deadline: Registration opens immediately and closes at midnight on May 18, 2025—secure your spot early to jumpstart your summer challenge.

Route Planning & Tracking

• Interactive Maps: Your dashboard features GPS-powered maps that automatically log each park entered during your adventures.
• Park Listings: Eligible parks span municipal, CRD, provincial, national, UNESCO, and historic sites—plenty to choose from and add to your itinerary.
• Community Sharing: Connect with fellow challengers, share photos, and compare itineraries through our social-media prize announcements.

What to Bring

Footwear & Apparel

Hydration & Nutrition

Navigation Aids

Safety Kit

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Prizes & Charity

• Weekly Awards: Celebrate the best photo, longest run, most unique park, and surprise mystery prizes announced on social media.
• Grand Champions: Top performers in both volume and uniqueness challenges earn prize packages at season’s end.
• Charity Partner: All proceeds support The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, safeguarding critical habitats and heritage sites across B.C. .

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Gear up for the 126-day Summer Parks Challenge—kicking off on Victoria Day (May 19 2025) and wrapping up at the end of summer (September 22 2025). Secure your spot for just $40 CAD by registering through Race Roster and get ready to run, hike, or walk your way through Vancouver Island’s most beautiful parks. For full details, park listings, registration links, and FAQs, refer to the official event website: parksrun.ca.

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