8 DAYS
8 RUNNERS
800 KMS
A Journey Across Vancouver Island That Supports Our Canadian Veterans, First Responders And Their Families.
LET’S MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE, TOGETHER!
The Wounded Warrior Run BC 2026 is coming, and we’re inviting you to be part of an unforgettable journey across Vancouver Island.
This isn’t just a run; it’s a chance to bring our communities together in support of our Canadian Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
Every step helps raise awareness and vital funds for the life-changing mental health programs from Wounded Warriors Canada, providing support where it’s needed most.
OUR 2026 EVENTS
GALA DINNER
January 31st, 2026
An evening to bring our community together and launch the 2026 run season. Every dollar raised supports Trauma Exposed Professionals and their families on Vancouver Island.
1 DAY RUN
February 1st, 2026
Join us on the Sooke-to-Sidney route as alumni team up with our 2026 runners to spotlight the journey ahead and support Wounded Warriors Canada’s mental health programs.
8 DAY RUN
February 22 – March 1, 2026
From Port Hardy to Victoria, no small feat. Come cheer along the route or meet us at one of 28 stops to support our runners, Canadian Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
8 DAYS • 8 RUNNERS • 800 KMS
MEET OUR 2026 TEAM
JACQUELINE ZWENG
I have served with the Canadian Armed Forces for over 25 years as a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer. In the past two years, I have taken on the role as the Public Affairs Officer at the Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific). I am very passionate about volunteering and supporting our uniformed personnel that help keep our communities safe every day. It has been an honour to act as the Director for the Wounded Warrior Run BC since 2018 and I am always eager to help as many people as possible.
NATHALIE BUTLER
I am incredibly excited and honoured to be participating in the Wounded Warrior Run BC for the fourth time. I recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after serving 7 years as a Dental Officer. I also grew up in a military family, as my dad served 42 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. I have witnessed the impact PTSD and operational stress injuries have on military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. I’m honoured to run for my friends and loved ones who suffer in silence.
DAN BODDEN
I am a co-founder of the WWRBC and am delighted to return as a Runner in 2026.
As a life-long endurance athlete, I wanted to showcase not only the physical but mental benefits of regular exercise. Each run can be its own therapy session. Talking is often the first step in removing the social stigma around mental health. Nothing to be ashamed of, no need to hide.
As a serving CAF member in the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is important to me to be a leader in this field.
KEVIN WHITESIDE
Kevin is the father of three awesome children, and married to his life partner, an elementary school teacher in Victoria, BC. The son of a late Toronto Police officer, Kevin has been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for over 26 years. When not at sea, he takes pride in volunteering his personal time to give back to the communities who have supported his family and fellow service personnel for so many years.
PAT BRYANT
I am in my 36th year of policing communities in Canada, the last 19 with The Central Saanich Police Service. I have seen first-hand the effects of working as a first responder can have on members and am excited and honoured to have been selected for the 2026 Wounded Warriors Run BC team. In the past five years, I have done several self-supported 80 to 100KM+ runs in support of local charities and was captain of the 2022 Tour de Rock team. I am a strong believer in the healing power of exercise for physical and mental health and will bring my positive energy to the 2026 campaign.
CHRISTINA HORNS
Having served as an RCMP 911 Police Dispatcher since 2018, I currently hold the position of Island District RCMP Telecommunication Training and Recruiting Coordinator. Throughout my career, I've directly experienced and witnessed the mental health toll that this demanding profession can take on first responders, their colleagues, and their families. I'm a strong believer that exercise, time in nature, and community are extremely important parts of the puzzle to keep oneself both mentally and physically fit. These are principles that guide both my professional approach and my personal life, including raising my two children. I am deeply honored to join the Wounded Warriors Run team this year, supporting those who routinely risk their mental and physical well-being to serve in times of crisis. The programs offered by Wounded Warriors of Canada provide essential, life-saving support to our everyday heroes. The community response I have encountered during this journey has already been astounding, and I'm highly motivated to continue working alongside the team to raise critical funds and awareness for this extremely important cause.
KAREN PETRASCHUK
I am honored to be participating in the Wounded Warrior Run for 2026. When I first saw the crew come through Parksville in 2023 I was moved by the stories of the speakers and knew I had to be a part of the movement. I have been with Parksville Fire Rescue as a paid on call firefighter since May of 2023. I started running when I was a teenager and have had a passion for it ever since, participating in a number of half marathons and triathlons. I am a strong advocate for staying active and how it has an impact on one's mental health, something I have experienced first hand. Joining the team has been important to help bring awareness to the mental stress first responders experience.
AARON THOMPSON
I’m honoured to have been selected as a runner for the 2026 Wounded Warriors Run BC—a powerful initiative that champions the mental health of veterans, first responders, and their families.
For the past 18 years, I’ve served with the Saanich Police, witnessing firsthand the emotional toll that frontline service can take. Supporting this cause is deeply personal to me.
As a lifelong Vancouver Islander, I’m especially proud to give back to the communities that have supported me and my young family. I look forward to listening, sharing stories, and continuing the vital conversation around mental health and wellness for all who serve. It’s essential that the supports offered by this foundation remain accessible to everyone who needs them.
Running has long been a cornerstone of my own mental and emotional well-being. It’s helped me stay grounded, resilient, and prepared for the challenges that come with a life of service. I’m proud to take on the physical demands of this run in support of those who dedicate themselves to protecting others.
OUR 2026 SUPPORT TEAM
JOHN PENNER
As a professional photographer and having completed an almost 37 career in the Royal Canadian Navy, I am a passionate supporter of causes which support and benefit Canadian Veterans and with the run since the beginning. I am fortunate not to have suffered with operational stress injuries during my time in uniform, and I feel it is important to help those who have.
AGGIE PRINGLE
I have been a paramedic throughout BC since 1992, most recently serving in Sayward. I come from a family that has members from each generation proudly serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Remember the Fallen and helping the living are causes that are closest to my heart. Of my three grown children, one is becoming a first responder, and one is pursuing a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. I am a strong advocate for helping others and advancing mental health resources to fellow paramedics.
RAYMOND HALL
Raymond is a Canadian Forces Veteran with 19 years as a Aircraft Technician (ISTech) and 10 years as RMS clerk (Navy). After suffering physical and mental injuries, he was diagnosed with PTSD and released in 2012. Grateful to have been introduced to the Wounded Warriors Mental Health programs, he is giving back as a Support Team Driver (Moho) and helping with the financial side of the run.Kevin Whiteside: Runner
Kevin is the father of three awesome children, and married to his life partner, an elementary school teacher in Victoria, BC. The son of a late Toronto Police officer, Kevin has been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for over 26 years. When not at sea, he takes pride in volunteering his personal time to give back to the communities who have supported his family and fellow service personnel for so many years.
DAVID SHULTZ
I have served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 37 years as an Infanteer. After operational tours of duty in Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Kabul and Kandahar Afghanistan, I’ve seen an alarming number of wounded warriors. It has taken me a long time to get involved with something as important as this. If I can contribute in some small way, it will be just a fraction of the support and help that has been made available to me.
LANE DOUGLAS-HUNT
I have been a first responder for 18 years and have seen firsthand the toll that this noble and honorable field can take on my peers. Through my work with my agency’s Peer Support Team and the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, I cultivated a working relationship with Wounded Warriors Canada. After now many years of experience in this field, there is no doubt in my mind that WWC is the leader in mental health care as well as proactive mental resiliency training for first responders. I am beyond honored to be a small part of their mission.
SUSAN MARCOTTE
Married to Stéphane Marcotte and dog Mum to service dogs Sarge Marcotte and now Bunker Marcotte. Susan has been part of the WWRBC planning committee and support team since year 2. She has participated in many programs provided by Wounded Warriors Canada and feels the need to give back. Susan stays helpful in local fundraising events for the run and continues to promote WWC programs. Susan coordinates with the Lions Club on Vancouver Island to liaise between Lions Club and Wounded Warrior Run BC team.
STÉPHANE MARCOTTE
Stephane is a Submarine veteran who retired in December 2014 after spending 28 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. Diagnosed with PTSD in 2010 and medically released in 2014, he has worked very hard to get his life back. Having participated in many of the Wounded Warriors Canada programs, he works at volunteering to give back. Stephane has been involved with WWRBC since year 2. He continues to help with some of the Digital Marketing and local events with his wife Susan, his now-retired service dog, Sarge and new service dog, Bunker.
BRAD LANDERS
I have been a Police Officer with the RCMP for almost 20 years with 15 years being in General Duty / Front Line and 5 years in Traffic Services. In that time I have been exposed to everything from barking dog complaints to murders and everything in between. My personal hero, my grandfather was a WW2 Veteran who was wounded in Italy and sent home but re-enlisted during the Korean conflict to serve his country again. I know first hand of the toll paid by first responders and armed forces personal and and proud to be a part of the Wounded Warrior team. This is a cause that makes a difference to all of those who serve to keep our communities and country safe. I am honoured to once again return as the police escort as the team makes its way from Port Hardy to Victoria.
KARI COCHRANE
Coming from a military family, I joined the Army Reserve at 17, serving 4 years with the 11 Service Battalion. I have recently retired after 29 years as a police officer with VicPD. I have seen first hand how military and first responder service affects the mental health of family and friends. Coming from the era of “suck it up buttercup”, I am truly grateful for the awareness and programs Wounded Warriors Canada brings to our military and first responders.
OUR ALUMNI
The Wounded Warrior Run BC wouldn’t be possible without our past runners and support crew. We’ve felt incredible support from our communities, and we want to give a special shoutout to our core alumni: Jason Laidman, Rob Brennan, Paul Jones, Francesca Lott, Matt Carlson, Chris Stranger, Yana Hempler, Daryl Baswick, Jeff Kibble, Lori Timpson, and Maria Marciano. Thank you for your dedication, heart, and the miles you’ve put in to make this run what it is.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS THAT MAKE THIS JOURNEY HAPPEN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO WE GET IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM?
Email Jacqueline@woundedwarriors.ca or call 250-661-4333.
AM I ABLE TO RUN WITH THE TEAM DURING THE EVENT?
If you are interested in applying for a position on the team or to join the team in a smaller portion of the run, please contact jacqueline@woundedwarriors.ca. Please note that this is not an open running event and strict timings are kept to ensure our stops are on time.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AS A SPONSOR?
We have several ways to get involved as a sponsor of the 2026 Wounded Warrior Run BC campaign. Please contact jacqueline@woundedwarriors.ca to receive our 2026 sponsorship pack.
HOW MUCH OF THE FUNDS DONATED GO TO COMMUNITIES ON VANCOUVER ISLAND?
100% of the funds donated from Vancouver Island stay on Vancouver Island. In fact, any money donated on the island actually comes back 10 fold from the rest of Canada to provide life changing programs on the island.