The Oceanside Running Club Association (ORCA) is pleased to again host the Mother’s Day 10 K Run & 5 K Run/Walk in 2026.
We look forward to welcoming new and returni6ng runners, walkers, and valued volunteers on May 10!
Given the growing popularity of the event, to best assure a fun and safe time by all, there is a registration limit of 500 participants. So secure your place by registering early and take advantage of the lower fees!
Centred in the heart of the quaint seaside Town of Qualicum Beach, the 2026 event builds on the success of the “new in 2023” and the 2024/25 versions of the well-loved Oceanside Mother’s Day 10 K Run and 5 K Run/Walk.
The start/finish will be on the grounds of the Qualicum Beach RC Legion (Br.76) located on Veterans Way – the site of the famous QB Saturday Farmer’s Market.
The course is fully paved, utilizing both the popular Dollymount Trail and town streets, providing a safe journey through the urban forests, hobby farms and quiet residential areas of Qualicum Beach. “Once around” for the 5K, and a slightly modified “twice around” for the 10K. Over 70% of the route is shaded – a great bonus should it be a warm day!
The 5 K is open to both runners and walkers, while the 10 K is restricted to runners only.
Race Number Pickup:
Race number pickup will be at the Qualicum Beach Legion from 8:00am - 9:30am on May 10 only. Race numbers not picked up by the commencement of the event are forfeited and regarded as a charity donation.
Note that participants under the age of 19 years on May 10, 2026, MUST have the event waiver signed by their parent/guardian and presented to the registrar before receiving a Race Number. No exceptions.
Race Start:
The 10 K event starts at 10:00 AM – note that it may be necessary to hold a wave start to ensure safety along the initial narrow portion of the course.
The 5 K event starts at 10:15 AM (tentatively) - note that it may be necessary to hold a wave start to ensure safety along the initial narrow portion of the course.
Both courses will be closed at 11:30 AM. Marshals and water stations will not be available after 11:30 AM, and all race-related traffic controls will cease.
Facilities:
Washrooms (portable) will be available at the start/finish area, as will be limited access to washroom facilities inside the QB Legion.
Charities:
ORCA is pleased to announce that the Oceanside Mothers' Day event continues to support the following charities: Parksville Haven Society and the Forward House Community Society.
We appreciate your continuing generous support through direct donations to either of these charities through the registration process.
Parking:
There is NO parking at the race start/finish area. Participants are encouraged to first find space in one of the following parking lots:
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Kwalikum Secondary School – enter via CONDOR off Village Way – some parking at west side of school (first left off Condor), large lot at top of Condor (please do NOT use the parking lot for visitors to The Gardens (lot to the right at the top of the drive). A 2-minute walk to the start/finish area.
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Qualicum Beach town centre – parking lot opposite Qualicum Foods at Memorial and Fern – entrances from either street. An approximate 8-minute walk to the start/finish area.
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Qualicum Commons – (former elementary school) entrance on Primrose Street, just south of Fern. Approx. 10-minute walk to start/finish area.
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Street parking is available throughout Qualicum Beach central area.
Post Race:
Post race refreshments are provided for registered participants. Awards will start as soon as the race results are in -tentatively 11:30 AM. Stay after the race to win one of the many great draw prizes to be given away during the awards presentations, including several premium prizes at the end. Only participants who are present are eligible to receive draw prizes.
QB Legion Br.76 BBQ:
The legion grill team will be starting at 11:00 AM -offering hamburgers/cheeseburgers for $6, and draft beer available from $6.00 (-payment via cash, credit or debit - all handled by the QB Legion staff).
Plan to enjoy an informal post-event lunch on the large, covered deck or the beautifully landscaped rear yard – a great way to unwind and celebrate your success with family and friends!
Volunteers:
Please contact the race director or ORCA to sign up for volunteering or go to www.ORCArunning.ca
Entry Fees/Registration:
Note - registration is limited to 500 total participants - register early for best rates!
The entry fee is non-refundable and non-transferable from one participant to another.
Early – until March 21 -$35 (online only) plus service fee
Regular -March 22 through April 18 -$40 (online only) plus service fee
Late - April 19 through May 06 - $45 (online only) plus service fee
Online registration closes at 23:59 PM, Wednesday May 06, 2026
Race day/in person entry $50 (cash only) - if available -this space will be updated on May 07. Registration open 8:00 - 9:30 AM Sunday May 10 at QB Legion, Veterans Way. Exact cash amount appreciated.
You may transfer from one sub-event to another for a fee of $1.95 (plus applicable tax) at the current registration price point at time of transfer up until online registration closes at 23:59 on Wednesday, May 06, 2026
Race numbers not picked up by the commencement of the event will be forfeited and the registration fee will be considered a donation to our charities. Thank You!
Safety:
For safety and liability reasons the following are not allowed on the course: dogs, roller blades, bikes, skateboards, earbuds or earphones. Please understand and respect these rules.
Only registered participants are allowed on the course.
There will be traffic (vehicular and people) on sections of both the 10k and 5k course. Use caution! Obey the marshals and traffic controllers. They are there for your safety.
The Dollymount Trail section of the course is narrow and has bollards at main entrance/exit points -including the race start. Exercise caution to ensure your safety and the safety of others – notify other runners/walkers as you approach to pass - a simple “on your left” before going by.
Baby strollers or baby joggers are permitted in both the 10 K and 5 K events. However, anyone entering with a stroller/jogger MUST start at the very back of the group within their respective event.