After many meaningful years serving our community, Runners of Compassion (ROC) has made the difficult decision to dissolve as an organization.
As part of this transition, ROC will not be hosting the Good Friday Fletcher’s Challenge in 2026. With the dissolution process underway, it is simply not possible to organize and deliver the event this year to the standard our participants, volunteers, and sponsors deserve.
That said, we are very encouraged about the future of the run.
Frontrunners Nanaimo, together with Vancouver Island Pacific Sport, are looking very seriously at taking on the Fletcher’s Challenge for 2027. The shared expectation is that the event will return as strong as ever — if not better. We are pleased to be passing the torch to organizations that care deeply about the local running community and the spirit of this event.
Before we close this chapter, it is important to say thank you.
Over the years, ROC has only been able to achieve its goals because of the incredible support of our volunteers and sponsors. Your time, energy, generosity, and belief in our mission made everything possible.
Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
- Central Drugs
- Goldstream Gazette
- H2 Accelerator
- Laird Wheaton GM
- Nanaimo News Bulletin
- Proline Management
- Times Colonist
Silver Sponsors
- Country Grocers
- DBL Disposal Services
- Frontrunners Nanaimo
- Gloves Studios
- Code Brew
- MJR Tree Services
- Mosaic Forest
- Salon D
Bronze Sponsors
- GU Energy
- Startline Timing
- Salomon
Without your support over the years, many of our goals and objectives simply could not have been met.
On behalf of everyone involved with Runners of Compassion, thank you — to our sponsors, our volunteers, our participants, and our community. It has truly been an honour.
With gratitude,
Runners of Compassion
This event memorializes Mr. Gavin Fletcher who died at too young an age. Gavin was a well-known sports columnist, a member of ROC, and a husband and father. His family values were paramount and his love of good fun competition in sports was unequaled.
With this intention, we created The Fletcher’s Challenge, held each year on Good Friday, open to both runners and walkers. It focuses on participation, having fun, and enjoying physical activity with your family.
Thank you for your interest in Runners of Compassion (ROC) – Nanaimo Chapter!
We’re no longer hosting Saturday morning run groups, but we’re so grateful for the community support over the years.
We warmly encourage you to stay active and connected with Nanaimo’s vibrant running community.
Here are a few great local running groups you may want to check out:
Westwood Running Club (Facebook Group)
A friendly, active trail‑running community hosting weekly Wednesday evening runs at Westwood Lake.
Facebook link
Frontrunners Nanaimo – Tuesday Night Run Clinics
Frontrunners hosts weekly Tuesday evening run/walk clinics, typically meeting at the NDSS track or from their Bowen Road location depending on the week. Frontrunners Nanaimo main site
Example Tuesday clinic post: Facebook:
Bastion Run Club
A long‑established Nanaimo running club offering a wide range of weekly group runs, road and trail options, and community events.
Bastion linktree
Club website
We encourage you to explore any of these groups to stay connected with fellow runners, find new routes, and enjoy the supportive running community in our region.
About ROC Nanaimo
Community Support
ROC is also a non-profit society whose purpose is to raise awareness and provide funding for social and charitable causes. ROC volunteers at the local food bank and raises money to help local citizens (especially youth) overcome financial barriers, allowing them to participate in sports.
ROC raises funds through our membership fees and our annual Fletcher’s Challenge trail race.
Since its inception in 2003, ROC (Runners of Compassion) has distributed almost $300,000 within our local community.