ORCA Learn to Run 2026

This page is kept as a past race archive for the Jan 29, 2026 edition in Parksville, BC. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

The ORCA Learn to Run Clinic begins the winter/spring season on January 29, 2026 in Parksville, British Columbia. Organized by the Oceanside Running Club Association, the 15-week program returns for adults aged 19 and over who want to learn or re-learn healthy running skills at a personalized pace in a friendly, local group setting.

Sessions run Thursday evenings from about 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm and gradually build participants’ endurance. Over 15 weeks the program progresses to 40–45 minutes of continuous running or a run/walk routine suited to each runner’s pace. Meetings take place at various Parksville and Qualicum Beach locations announced before each session; for the first six sessions the group meets at the Jensen Centre (132 Jensen Ave E, adjacent to Parksville City Hall/Library).

What sets this program apart is the community emphasis and practical perks for new runners: the clinic includes a 2026 ORCA membership, a wrap-up social event, and a non-transferable entry to the 5K portion of the Oceanside Mother’s Day 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk on May 10, 2026. Sessions run in typical winter conditions (except when ice or snow makes sidewalks unsafe), and participants are encouraged to bring reflective vests or flashing lights for the darker evening weeks. The clinic welcomes beginners, former runners, and those returning from injury who can already walk briskly for 35–45 minutes.

Registration opens Monday, December 1, 2025; the cost is $45 and includes membership and the listed extras. Once registered, participants receive a detailed program information package by email.

• First six sessions meet at Jensen Centre, 132 Jensen Ave East, Parksville (adjacent to Parksville City Hall/Library)
• Thursday evening sessions (approx. 6:00–7:15 pm) at various Parksville/Qualicum Beach locations announced before each session
• Training on local sidewalks and paved pathways; sessions proceed in typical winter weather except when ice/snow makes sidewalks unsafe
• Program progression targets 40–45 minutes of continuous running or run/walk by the end of the 15-week course
• Participants should be able to walk briskly and continuously for 35–45 minutes and are advised to bring reflective safety gear for low-light runs

• Includes ORCA membership & 5K entry: $45 covers a 2026 ORCA membership, a wrap-up social and non-transferable entry to the 5K portion of the Oceanside Mother’s Day Run on May 10, 2026
• Progressive 15-week plan: builds participants to 40–45 minutes of continuous running or a tailored run/walk routine
• Evening schedule for working adults: Thursday sessions run about 6:00–7:15 pm with the first six meetings at Jensen Centre in Parksville
• Safety-first winter training: sessions run in varied winter conditions (except icy sidewalks) and participants are asked to use reflective vests or flashing lights during darker weeks
• Designed for new and returning runners: tailored pace, friendly small-group coaching and a wrap-up social to connect with the local running community