Runners with the Wounded Warriors Run BC make their way down Vancouver Island on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and are stopping in Nanaimo on Friday. (Wounded Warriors Run BC)

By Jordan Davidson

8 days, 800km

‘We keep pushing forward:’ Wounded Warriors Run BC enters Nanaimo leg of journey

Feb 28, 2025 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — The Wounded Warriors Run BC (WWRBC) is stopping in Nanaimo Friday as the annual fundraiser for first responders winds its way down Vancouver Island.

The eight runners and their entourage started their journey in Port Hardy on Sunday, Feb. 23, making their way to Victoria by Sunday, March 2, stopping at various communities along the way to raise funds and awareness for their mental health programs for trauma-exposed professionals and their families.

WWRBC director Jacqueline Zweng said most people will likely experience a trauma of some kind in their lives, but first-responders like police, firefighters and paramedics can be exposed to traumatic situations every shift.

“What our team is trying to do is make sure that when they take off that uniform, they have the supports in place to allow them to thrive in their life. They do so much for our communities to keep us safe, and we want to make sure that people understand that there are people here who care and want to help. We aren’t going to stop until everybody knows that.”

The runners will start their mid-Island leg of the journey Friday morning at the Parksville Legion Branch 49 at 9:00 a.m. before departing to the Lantzville Legion 257 by noon.

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Traffic delays are expected around the runners and their entourage on Hwy. 19 through much of the day as they slowly head south.

After a quick lunch, the group will continue towards Nanaimo, where their route makes a sight detour from years past, with their first stop in the Harbour City being the East Wellington Fire Department on Jingle Pot Rd. around 2:15 p.m., according to Zweng.

“A couple of years ago we actually had to take a detour off the highway because there was quite a bad motor vehicle accident which put us down this sort of back road (Jingle Pot Rd.) and we ended up driving by the fire department…so we’re going to pop in there and talk to those folks this year.”

WWRBC stopped by the Canadian Forces Base Comox (19 Wing Comox) on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to raise funds and awareness for trauma-exposed professionals and their families. (Wounded Warriors Run BC)

Their next stop will be at the Nanaimo Public Cemetary to pay respects to the buried WW2 veterans before heading to the Nanaimo Legion Branch 256 (1630 East Wellington Rd.) by 4:30 p.m.

Zweng said they are always greeted by an enthusiastic crowd when they stop at the Nanaimo Legion

“We are overwhelmed by feeling the love and support and also hoping that we’re giving that back to the community as well when we’re there. We’re very excited. Nanaimo is a pretty special place for the team and we’re just hoping to make as much of an impact as we can.”

With a fundraising goal of $250,000, all money raised goes right back into Wounded Warriors Canada programs to help first responders and their families deal with the regular trauma of their jobs.

Zweng said while it takes a lot of physical endurance to complete the almost 800-kilometre journey down island in only eight days, participants know it’s about much more than running.

She also wanted to acknowledge and thank motorists for being patient when passing their convoy on the highway.

She said they know it’s not always convenient, but that’s kind of the point.

“An operational stress injury does not decide to just show up on a perfect day. What people can do is give us a honk or a wave. That truly fuels the runner for every step and makes it easier for them. We can do it as long as we stick together and we help each other out, we keep pushing forward, because that’s why we’re here.”

More information on the Wounded Warriors Run BC, including how to donate, can be found here on their website.

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