Community

In July 2023, I started the Victoria Queer Run Club. Victoria Queer Run Club (VQRC) is a vibrant and inclusive community on lək̓ʷəŋən territory dedicated to runners of all levels who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of running while fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, we welcome you to join our diverse group and celebrate our shared passion for running.

Happy Thursday!

The week has flown by, and we're so excited to get back on the trails tonight! We're meeting at 6pm in the PKOLS beach parking lot, for a run around the base of PKOLS roughly around a 6km run. We welcome all runners and their abilities for a jaunt through the woods! This run is a 'no drop' run, so no one gets left behind! See you tonight!

For the Westshore chapter run, we’ll be stating at The Outpost for a 5:30pm start. Bring your pals, bring your dogs! It’ll be a fun lap around the neighbourhood!

⚡️Groovin’ - someone who is looking for a social/casual pace, anywhere between ~6:30-7:00min/km, and opportunities for stops as the group decides.

⚡️Movin’ - 7:30min/km or more! someone who wants to move their body and is looking to take their time, perhaps a newer runner, or coming back from injury!

VQRC is a “no drop” club. This means that every 1.5km or so, we take a to regroup and take a breather. If you feel like the run is out of your capacity, then there is also the option to cut it shorter and turn around, no questions asked! As the club grows, we will have groups to accommodate various paces/goals, but right now we’re welcoming everyone, no matter the experience. 🌈

Our Victoria crew got our for some good ole waterfront wiggling - all the way down the breakwater and back! We talked about our various plants and shared little stories why, and talked about so many cool topics!

Our next run is tonight with the Westshore Crew, meeting at The Outpost!

We’re still thinking about this weekend 🤭

Snaps of the runners who went home with some mental and physical health goodness and @alliesintegrated wellness at our Pride Party Run on Saturday!

Thank you to our community of runners who joined us for our Pride party, and raising 400$ for Rainbow Road! Hope you all had a joyful Pride weekend!

Oh it’s feeling sunnnnny outside today, and we’re loving in! Tonight we’ll be starting our run at the breakwater for some ocean breeze and harbour views 🤭 see you tonight at 6pm!

The Vic Queer Run Club and @fernwoodsocialrunclub Pride Party Run 🏃‍♂️🌈❤️ tunes on, dance vibes were flowing, and the sun was out 💫

We ran down to clover point for a midway dance break and photo op, cheered on by Park Run, and headed back, we welcome our runners up heartbreak hill through a tunnel, and finished up at Fernwood Square. We then meandered over to Parsonage for coffee and treats 🫶🏼

This years Pride Party Run was a fundraiser for Rainbow Railroad - an international human rights organization that creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration.

We raised 400$ for the organization, and there is still an opportunity to donate in the link in our bio :)

We were grateful for our sponsor from @alliesintegrated who donated some stellar prizes for patient care services, and hats from VQRC, Fernwood Social Run Club!

So grateful to have out this on with @fernwoodsocialrunclub !! Thanks Anelyse & Em for your enthusiasm and collaboration 😍

Happy Pride Weekend 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Action shots from our morning yesterday with @fernwoodsocialrunclub at the Pride Party Run! 🤭🌈❤️

Thank you to all who shared their Saturday morning joy with us 😍💛

TOMORROW IS OUR PRIDE PARTY RUN 🪄💫🌈🌟

Kick off your Pride Weekend by moving in community with the Victoria Queer Run Club and Fernwood Social Run Club! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Some details:
⭐️ Saturday, July 11th, 8AM
⭐️ Meet in Fernwood Square
⭐️ 6km route with a snack/party break midway! (See last slide for route!)
⭐️ We will have all paces available, including a walking option!

Prizes!
⭐️Dress up in your snazziest Pride attire (think glitter, trinkets, cool hairstyles and fits) to show your pride (and to still be able to run) for a chance to win some merch from FSRC and VQRC!
⭐️ This year, we are raising donations for Rainbow Railroad! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️☀️ folks who donate funds, will be entered into a draw with prizes from @alliesintegrated

Save the date 📅 tell your friends 🗣️ & bring your dogs 🐕 ! Were running early to beat the heat, and we can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you!

We’ll be finishing the run with some post-run snacks provided by FSRC, and heading over to Parsonage for a post-run coffee/tea ☕️

Can’t wait and looking forward to Saturday!

ATTENTION WESTSHORE QUEERS, we got a walking group for you. 🫣💅🥳

We will be having a walking group for the Westshore Wednesday Queers, starting July 8th, and will be in conjunction with all the runs moving forward!! Yahooooo!!

JULY 8Th will be a WALK ONLY group! Join Rosana at Outpost for 5:30pm, for a neighbourhood walk!

Bring your dogs and bring your friends for some sunshine. ☀️

Kick off your Pride Weekend by moving in community with the Victoria Queer Run Club and Fernwood Social Run Club! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Some details:
⭐️ Saturday, July 11th, 8AM
⭐️ Meet in Fernwood Square
⭐️ 6km route with a snack/party break midway! (See last slide for route!)
⭐️ We will have all paces available, including a walking option!

Prizes!
⭐️Dress up in your snazziest Pride attire (think glitter, trinkets, cool hairstyles and fits) to show your pride (and to still be able to run) for a chance to win some merch from FSRC and VQRC!
⭐️ This year, we are raising donations for Rainbow Railroad! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️☀️ folks who donate funds, will be entered into a draw with prizes from @alliesintegrated

Save the date 📅 tell your friends 🗣️ & bring your dogs 🐕 ! Were running early to beat the heat, and we can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you!

We’ll be finishing the run with some post-run snacks provided by FSRC, and heading over to Parsonage for a post-run coffee/tea ☕️

Can’t wait and looking forward to Saturday!

Tomorrow’s run is at Cook Street Village Moka House 💛 We will offer three pace groups (see below!). Afterwards, for those who are looking to continue those conversations, we will have a post-run social for cold cooldown bevy’s!

⚡️Zoomin’ - someone who is looking for a swift pace, anywhere between ~5-5:30, with no stops, and offers opportunities for a second lap. Chatting optional!

⚡️Groovin’ - someone who is looking for a social/casual pace, anywhere between ~6:30-7:00min/km, and opportunities for stops as the group decides.

⚡️Movin’ - someone who wants to move their body and is looking to take their time, perhaps a newer runner, or coming back from injury!

Last Monday, we got out for a swim post run around the Vic west waterfront 🤭🥳 a celebration of summer feels, to say the least! We had a great group of groovers and movers, and we forgot to snag pics of the whole gang but here’s a few!!

Next run is tomorrow at Moka House on Cook Street 🥰❤️ route will be posted later today!

🔥July Schedule🔥 it’s looking hot this month - and we’ve got a lot going on - runs, walks & events!

🌈Monday Road Runs: For the month of June, we’ll be running around Victoria, alternating with Moka House on Cook Street! All pace groups will be available for these runs, and will continue to start at 6:00pm 💗👟 we will have our monthly walking group for July 6th!

🌈Wednesdays Westshore: Our queers in Westshore will be continuing for a 5:30pm road run bi-weekly road, with a Thetis Trail Run on July 1st! And guess what! We will be having a walking group for the Westshore Queers, starting July 8th, and will happen for all the runs moving forward!! Yahooooo!!

🌈Thursday Trail Runs: We will be having our 6:00pm trail run around PKOLS, meeting at the PKOLS beach bathroom/parking lot. This is a great opportunity to try out trail running in an inclusive environment! 🌸

Events:
🌈 VQRC x FSRC @fernwoodsocialrunclub Pride Party Run on July 11th at 8am, meeting in Fernwood Square! Check out the post for all the details!

🌈Were turning 2️⃣ years old! Join us for some birthday 🎂 celebrations on July 20th for our Moka House Cook Street Run - details to come 🤭❤️

Swipe for the details for our Victoria and Westshore Runs! Cant wait to have you join us!

Let’s get out and move! Tomorrow the Westshore chapter will be leading a trail run at Thetis Lake, meeting in the parking at 1pm! Come one, come all, to swiftly move beneath the trees on this day off!

All paces welcome!

Tomorrow’s run meets at Banfield Park by the dock for a run along the waterfront💛 We will offer three pace groups (see below!). Afterwards, for those who are looking to continue those conversations, we will stay around for a little swim at Banfield (totally optional!!)

⚡️Zoomin’ - someone who is looking for a swift pace, anywhere between ~5-5:30, with no stops, and offers opportunities for a second lap. Chatting optional!

⚡️Groovin’ - someone who is looking for a social/casual pace, anywhere between ~6:30-7:00min/km, and opportunities for stops as the group decides.

⚡️Movin’ - someone who wants to move their body and is looking to take their time, perhaps a newer runner, or coming back from injury!

Kick off your Pride Weekend and Mark your calendars for July 11th at 8 am, and because we’re running the streets! You heard it first: it’s a Pride Party Run with Victoria Queer Run Club and Fernwood Social Run Club! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Some details:
⭐️ Saturday, July 11th, 8AM
⭐️ Meet in Fernwood Square
⭐️ 6km route with a snack/party break midway!
⭐️ We will have all paces available, including a walking option!
⭐️ We’ll be joined by @alliesintegrated who will be sharing some resources and offering micro-treatment services from their practitioners for gender-affirming health 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🦋

Prizes!
⭐️Dress up in your snazziest Pride attire (think glitter, trinkets, cool hairstyles and fits) to show your pride (and to still be able to run) for a chance to win some merch from FSRC and VQRC!
⭐️ This year, we are raising donations for Rainbow Railroad! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️☀️

Save the date 📅 tell your friends 🗣️ & bring your dogs 🐕 ! Were running early to beat the heat, and we can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you!

We'll be finishing the run with some post-run snacks provided by FSRC, and heading over to Parsonage for a post-run coffee!

Attention all passengers, this is your captain speaking 🧑‍✈️✈️ we are looking to improve our in-flight snack selection - what are your favourite airplane snacks? Pretzels did you say?? We hope you enjoy and have a safe flight ✈️

Thanks to Alex for sharing some post-run freezies 🧊 to Robyn for leading our movers, to Emily-Anne and Luke to leading the groovers, and to Leah for leading the zoomers! And shoutout to the sunshine ☀️

Queer Jock Night is tomorrow!!!! We hope to see you there 🤩 we’ll have some fun activities - drop by and say hello or stay for awhile, learn about VQRC, and check out all the other queer clubs and teams in town 🤭🤭💛

ONE MORE SLEEP until Queer Jock Night🤩🏳️‍🌈✨ the night where all 2SLGBTQIA+ sport clubs join forces!

Join us TOMORROW June 25th at 6pm 📆 at Stevenson Memorial Park (Park behind Fernwood Community Centre) for a big queer sport social! All queer sport groups and people interested in looking for 2SLGBTQ+ active spaces are invited to attend 🥏🏉🛼🛹🥊🧘🏼‍♀️🏄🏾🚴‍♀️

❗️The term “jock” refers to anyone who is a part of the queer sport community, or is interested in queer sport teams. You do not need to identify with the word “jock” to attend* (more of a catchy event name) 😋

What you can expect:
6:00:
✨park hangs (BYO blanket/snacks/hydration) 🧃
✨some friendly competition (lawn games, try new sports🏈 , tossing frisbees, etc.)
✨ mingle and socialize🧚!
✨ @alliesintegrated (who we LOVE!) will be set up with micro treatments 💛

6:45: Introductions from 2SLGBTQIA+ sports/clubs! ✨a soft place to land and learn about queer sport clubs in town🏳️‍🌈 (sometimes online registration is spooky without knowing anyone first!)

7:30: @victoriaqueerboxing will be having a class at Fernwood Neighbourhood House at 7:30! Interested? Check them out after the introductions at 6:45 for a waiver! Bring your gloves if you have them, but if not, there are 14 available spots for folks who don’t have equipment!

Until ~8:00pm: Park hangs & playing/sports until the sun starts to hide behind the trees 🏃🏻🥎🏀⚽️🧗🏾‍♂️🥌

Bring a friend, bring your fav lawn game, share with your pals, and looking forward to seeing you there! 😊 have questions? Let us know!!

Just a snippet of our beautiful Monday run last night 😍🫣🥹 it was a hot one out there but you guys showed up! We had 25 runners out for this weekly jaunt 🤭

Thursday night PKOLS trail runs 🌲 there’s just something so special about them!! This evening we talked about things we’ve been putting off, weekend plans, running shoe brands, and all the like!

Next run is Monday, meeting at Moka House on Cook Street at 6pm! Looking forward to seeing you there!

We’re joining forces for Queer Jock Night🤩🏳️‍🌈✨

Mark your calendars for June 25th at 6pm 📆 we’re all on the same team and getting together at Stevenson Memorial Park (Park behind Fernwood Community Centre) for a big queer sport social! 🏃🏻🥎🏀⚽️🧗🏾‍♂️🥌

❗️The term “jock” refers to anyone who is a part of the queer sport community, or is interested in queer sport teams. You do not need to identify with the word “jock” to attend* (more of a catchy event name) 😋

We have come together with the queer sports clubs in encourage all queer sport groups (or people interested in looking for 2SLGBTQ+ active spaces) to attend 🥏🏉🛼🛹🥊🧘🏼‍♀️🏄🏾🚴‍♀️

Join us for an evening of:
✨park hangs (BYO blanket/snacks/hydration) 🧃
✨some friendly competition (lawn games, tossing frisbees, etc.)
✨a soft place to land and learn about queer sport clubs in town🏳️‍🌈 (sometimes online registration is spooky without knowing anyone first!)
✨ most importantly, mingle and socialize🧚!

Bring a friend, bring your fav lawn game, share with your network, and looking forward to seeing you there! 😊 have questions? Let us know!!

Plus, @victoriaqueerboxing will be hosting their class at Fernwood at 7:30pm that evening - so come for 6pm to hang, and stay for their 7:30 class!

Running makes us feel like a kid again! Know what else makes us feel like a kid?
🩵 sidewalk chalk
🩵 bubbles
🩵 rollerblades
🩵 Beach days
🩵 T-shirt’s we can’t let go of
🩵 stuffies!
🩵 picking berries from the branches
🩵and so many more!

We had all three pace groups running around Fernwood! We ended our end with a stop at Vegas Market, and cooled down with a cool treat! Picking a treat from a candy shop also makes us feel like a kid 😄

Thanks to Robyn for leading our movers, to Emily-Anne and Ruth for leading the Groovers! Emily-Anne is our 0.5 selfie queen!

Next run is Westshore Wednesday, and then a Trail run at PKOLS on Thursday!

Thursdays trail runs are what we run for! The sun through the trees, hanging out with our pals and golfing through the forest 🥰 did you know our trail runs include running by this cute little farm stand by Rake and Radish!

Our merch store is open! If you want to get some VQRC goodies - now is the time! It will be open until June 19th! Click the link in our bio 🔗

VQRC Merch Store is open!! Click the link in our Bio and Details below! 👇

☀️There is a technical t-shirt, long sleeve, and hat option with last years design (2025) and a new design for 2026 in a long sleeve and short sleeve version. The technical tshirt, and long sleeve, have gendered sizing, but the fit is very similar, from a narrow or fitted vs a boxier fit - with sizing from 2XS-5XL. It’s a lightweight shirt, and is moisture wicking. The hat is similar quality to Ciele running hats.

💵The pricing is a DYNAMIC PRICE DROP - so it starts at 20% the base price, and as more orders come in, the pricing drops based on the schedule they have posted on the online store. Your payment is only processed AFTER the store closes - so everyone receives the same low price, regardless of when your order was placed! This was the most accessible option for high quality gear, and opportunity for a low cost. It will be bulk shipped, so no shipping cost for you.

‼️ This is for everyone & anyone - you do not have to run with VQRC to order ‼️whether you are part of our queer community or an ally, we welcome you to sport our gear 💕 it’s so special to be able to facilitate this space that I’m so glad to show it off more🦋🌈

Link will be in our stories & bio! 🤩🥳

You guys have asked, so we’re back with a MERCH ORDER! 💋🌈🍒 our merch store is dropping TOMORROW, and closing on July 19th! It will be available for pickup JULY 10 - just in time for Pride Weekend celebrations!

Welcome back our merch order, featuring a new design! Our merch is Jakroo products☀️ custom, and offers various sizing options - yes please!

☀️There is a technical t-shirt, long sleeve, and hat option with last years design (2025) and a new design for 2026 in a long sleeve and short sleeve version. The technical tshirt, and long sleeve, have gendered sizing, but the fit is very similar, from a narrow or fitted vs a boxier fit - with sizing from 2XS-5XL. It’s a lightweight shirt, and is moisture wicking. The hat is similar quality to Ciele running hats.

💵The pricing is a DYNAMIC PRICE DROP - so it starts at 20% the base price, and as more orders come in, the pricing drops based on the schedule they have posted on the online store. Your payment is only processed AFTER the store closes - so everyone receives the same low price, regardless of when your order was placed! This was the most accessible option for high quality gear, and opportunity for a low cost. It will be bulk shipped, so no shipping cost for you.

‼️ This is for everyone & anyone - you do not have to run with VQRC to order ‼️whether you are part of our queer community or an ally, we welcome you to sport our gear 💕 it’s so special to be able to facilitate this space that I’m so glad to show it off more🦋🌈

Link will be in our stories & bio! 🤩🥳

Last night at VQRC, we didn’t let the rain drown our shine 😄 we zoomed, grooved, and moved, and talked about some of our bad habits 🫣 you know, the ones that are hard to break!

Following our rainy run, we stopped into Moka House for some socializing, and were so impressed with the latte /hot chocolate art by the barista! That’s one way to put a smile on your face!

See you Thursday for our trail run at PKOLS!

What to expect at Queer Jock Night? A whole lot of queers just having a good time! ⚽️🏈🥏🏉🏓🛼🥊🛹🤼🚴‍♀️

In all seriousness - here are some pictures and videos from last years Queer Jock Night. Think picnic space to hangout, trying new sports, and getting to meet the people that are behind the scenes of queer sport teams and clubs!

Last year..
💛Each team/club introduced themselves to talk about their sport!
💛VQRC had a giant map that people could use to create new run routes for our club.
💛We heard of many people trying new sports for the first time - like throwing a football or frisbee!
💛 People brought snacks for the picnic vibes, friends/partners, their kiddos and even dogs!
💛We had around 100 people show up throughout the evening!

We’re so excited to welcome you for a fun evening of sporty hangs and friendly faces on Thursday June 25th at 6pm.

PKOLS Thursday crew got out for a jaunt and we had the energy!! We talked about things we recently learnt, races and upcoming adventures that we’re excited about. If you want to join in our the trail running fun, reach out or join us!

Stay tuned for our Monday post, and mark your calendars for Queer Jock Night on June 25th!

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Victoria Queer Run Club aims to race past exclusion

Victoria Queer Run Club aims to race past exclusion Victoria Queer Run Club founder Leah Fulton says the group creates a welcoming space for runners at a time when there seems to be less inclusivity in events.

The Victoria Queer Run Club launched in the summer of 2024 with two runners. Six months later, it has three regular run groups and a budding community. We hear how it started, and learn how anyone could be inspired to start their own community group - running or otherwise.

The birth of the Victoria Queer Run Club, and how it could inspire you

Gear shapes how we move. Visibility isn’t just about standing out, it’s about being seen, represented, and a sense of belonging.

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