Another guest post (also Shelagh’s WFW Trail Mix is awesome!!):
I moved to Campbell River, from the mainland, with my husband and 2 children, in the mid 90s.
I joined the Comox Valley Road Runners in the early 90’s, when Darren Skuja was the coach. In the mid 2000’s Kathy Andrews stepped in. From Campbell River, going to track for its Tuesday night workouts, plus 11 or more club events…us baby boomers were younger and race crazy..nothing stopped us. Our running goals were at its peak. This was when marathons weren’t as popular…but when they were…we would run two a year…every year…Vancouver Marathon, Royal Victoria, Elk Lake 50k/50miler/100k were just some of our go to races. CR also had its own regular races…including Merville 15km, Miracle Beach 10km…
Continuing this passion of running, Comox Valley Road Runners became part of my yearly go to place, to run. Travelling from CR to Courteny weekly, was routine. I have met many friends through its club, and continue to have those friends today….You might ask, do you still run? And do you still have those CV Running friends…a big Yes!! Running is instilled, you never give it up, its part of our make-up….I might be slower, I might not race as much, you might not see me as much….but Im still running..
Moving to Campbell River, and running in CR….was the motivation behind putting on a fundraising race to encourage mothers to go back to school. My mother was a single mother, so the idea was easy, to give back to those women that are struggling to this day. The idea was to apply for a bursary through the NIC Foundation…this was the beginning of the WFW 5k10kTrail Mix Challenge Fundraiser…
The Women for Women 5k10k Trail Mix Challenge Fundraiser this year is in its 23rd year. The WFW has been through a lot of hiccups along the way and have given solely to the community of Campbell River. The NIC Foundation(single mothers to attend the college), North Island Transition Society(Womens Centre), Robron Secondary School, Discovery Community College and most recently Hospice. Most recently, I was very proud and honored to receive the Women For Women, King Charles Coronation Medal in June 2025, for its community service…Remember the passion of running can take you places, achieve incredible goals and don’t forget travel….I don’t go anywhere without finding a race, while Im there…
Thank you CVRR for still being there for running. Your passion for others is felt, your running enthusiasm, experience, motivating personalities are felt…far and wide. CVRR is the best!!!
This year the Women For Women is on Saturday Sept 12, 2026. This is a friendly, participaction of women and children..You can treat it as a race, this trail mix challenge is for all walkers and runners….it has everything!! Bring a friend!!
This year will NOT have a ——-10km WALK-NO 10km WALK—–its so we can all arrive at the same time…food, beverages and draw prizes are complimentary. Please find us on facebook, Women For Women 5k10km Trail Mix Challenge Fundraiser..ID# 117832
The future for the running community and WFW is to continue its focus for all…
Its not about the race, its about the cause”
