Are you one of those people who hyperventilates in large crowds? Does the thought of pounding pavement for 10ks through the downtown core make your knees buckle?
The annual Vancouver Sun Run is this Sunday, April 19, and it will generate a feeling that compares to no other.
Imagine yourself as a salmon, fighting your way upstream against a current of competitors.
Although extremely over-crowded, there is rhyme and reason to the race day mayhem. Tens of thousands of fitness junkies and anti-runners will be out in full force, take the city by storm and then – poof! – will be gone.
Call it an obligation or a rite of passage, but every fit and fun Vancouverite should surrender. Despite the pain and inconvenience (it is at 9am on a Sunday on Georgia), suck it up and enter. This annual spring ritual is not an option but a call of duty. Here’s why:
History
Since 1985 the Sun Run has been molding Vancouver into a kingdom of healthy people. Hit the ground running with over 50,000 others. This is the largest 10K in Canada and the second largest in North America so it’s go big or go home time.
The Rush
Nothing quite beats the adrenaline rush of a competition when you are at the start line waiting for the gun to fire and the high energy cheering stations are sending out positive vibes. Ten kilometres is doable even if you have missed a few training sessions. The route is classic Vancouver: English Bay, Stanley Park, our usual beautiful hood.
Free Stuff
Just like driving, slower runners stay right and let others pass on the left. When approaching the finish line, don’t stop, don’t faint but do move out of the way. Cool down as you walk into the Sun Fair and high-five familiar faces while your heart rate settles back down. A plethora of snacks and other free goodies await you under the roof at BC Place Stadium before the awards ceremony starts at 11am.
Press
See your name in the newspaper! Wear a GoPro and capture the fish swimming upstream while getting elbowed by crowds of other runners. Create your own media coverage on YouTube.
Experience
It’s pretty much impossible to run a road race as big as The Vancouver Sun Run without crossing paths with someone you know. Even non-runners come out for this one because it’s all about the experience and the camaraderie.
We live in one of the most health conscious and picturesque cities in the world, so just do it! Run, Vancity! Run!
