Wounded Warrior Run hits its stride on Vancouver Island

Runners of the 2024 Wounded Warrior Run BC begin their 8-day journey running across Vancouver Island.

Paul Dagonese, 
Lookout Staff 

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The 12^th annual Wounded Warrior Run (WWRun) B.C. kicks off on Feb. 23 featuring an 800-kilometer run with participation by members of CFB Esquimalt’s Defence community. Hosted by Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC), the event will once again see eight runners trek the length of Vancouver Island in eight days. These runners, along with WWC support volunteers, will stop in 28 communities along the way to promote awareness and raise funds for trauma-exposed professionals.

Warrant Officer (WO) Dan Bodden, Training Support Coordinator at the Regional Cadet Support Unit, is taking part in the WWRun this year, but this isn’t his first time getting involved with WWC.

“I was one of the people who started it,” he said.

Back in 2013, he and a neighbour felt there was a challenge they needed to face—addressing the impact of trauma on professionals, particularly Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members returning from the Afghanistan War.

They assembled a team of runners and volunteers and launched the very first Wounded Warrior Run.

“We thought as military members and first responders, we should be leaders in this,” said WO Bodden. “We felt we needed to figure out a way to not only engage the public but directly engage those communities affected. And the best way to do that was to lead by example.”

Bodden is proud of WWRun’s success in B.C. and is optimistic about its impact on mental health awareness.

“There’s still work to do yet, and that doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he said. “We’re going to keep doing this—promoting awareness, being available, and remaining non-judgmental toward people who need to talk.”

That original run included four CAF members. As the event grew, organizers realized that trauma-exposed professionals wear many kinds of uniforms.

“We have a team where we really try to represent as many uniformed members and family members as possible,” said Captain (Capt) Jacqueline Zweng, CD, Wounded Warrior Run B.C. Director. “It is comprised of people who are military but also includes paramedics, police officers, and firefighters.”

Capt. Zweng said WWC now offers more programs to aid individuals through the multiple stages of trauma healing. One program prepares professionals for operational stresses before they occur, while WWC’s Trauma Resiliency, Spousal, and Kids Warrior programs address a wider range of those affected.

WO Bodden and Capt. Zweng are supported by other CFB Esquimalt team members, including Matt Carlson, Projects Officer for Base Public Affairs and Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander. Carlson began his affiliation with WWRun in 2017 after being asked by Master Sailor (MS) Steve Deschamps if he would volunteer as their Lead Runner. 

“I was honoured to be asked,” says Carlson. He applied, got the leadership position, and has remained onboard ever since, promoting the WWRun’s mission.

“My involvement with the team allows me to utilize my strengths as a leader and ambassador,” he said. “I am so pleased I can give back to so many who consistently and bravely put their lives in danger day after day to keep my family and me safe.”

The determination and effort from CFB Esquimalt staff have helped WWRunBC grow exponentially as a fundraiser. In 2017, they raised $42,000. In 2018, donations doubled to $88,000. By 2024, they reached $204,000. Capt Zweng hopes to raise $250,000 or more in 2025.

“I’ve served for a long time, so it’s important for me to continue to give back to my community,” says Capt Zweng. Capt(N) Whiteside, is also proud to participate with this year’s team of runners. His motivation is to support fellow service personnel, first responders, and their loved ones affected by trauma.

Beginning Feb. 23 and ending Mar. 2, the WWRunBC main event involves an 800-kilometer run starting in Port Hardy. The event raises funds and awareness with stops at Legions, fire departments, police stations, and memorial sites, ending at 4:30 p.m. in Victoria’s Market Square for the grand finale.

The WWC will host a Gala Dinner on Feb. 1, at the Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. The event will include the Naden Band quartet performing during a cocktail reception, a formal three-course meal with a blessing by a local elder, and keynote speaker Dr. Tim Black, Program Director and National Clinical Director.

To prepare the runners, a “One-Day Run” will take place in Sooke on Feb. 2 starting at Legion Branch #54, resting at local fire departments throughout the day, and arriving at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney to finish the day.

Visit woundedwarriorrunbc.ca for more information, designated cheer stops, and to purchase tickets for the Gala Dinner.

Runners and supporters of the 2024 Wounded Warrior Run including the Naden Band gather in Market Square, downtown Victoria. Photos from Wounded Warrior Run BC Website