Yesterday I participated in my first Sunrun in over 15 years. The Sunrun is Canada’s largest 10K road race, and a popular event for walkers and families.
It has been around since 1985; a race doesn’t become Canada largest without top notch organization and communication. The website is full of event, and participant information, and the course is well marked and full of volunteers.
Just to give you an idea of growth over the last 33 years; the first run attracted 3,200 participants and in 2017 an incredible 41,924 registrants signed up.
The 10K route is a beautiful scenic course which begins in Vancouver’s downtown core at Burrard Street and Georgia Street. An easy downhill start towards Stanley Park, continuing along English Bay to Hornby Street, then onto Pacific Avenue, across the Burrard Street bridge exiting onto 2nd Avenue. Winding along Fir Street to join 4th Avenue the route continues east on 6th Avenue to the Cambie Street Bridge for the final stretch across the bridge to the finish line.
At $49 for early registration and $70 for late registration its on the pricer side. However registration includes a technical T-shirt and a post-race party in BC Place Stadium. At the wrap party you can celebrate your achievement with live entertainment, and enjoy free fruit, bagels and refreshments provided by the generous sponsors.
Likes:
- Lively and fun ambiance – Music and live entertainment throughout the race is motivating and entertaining.
- Route – The route starts on a downhill and finishes on a flat with minimal hills and picturesque views.
- Organization and Volunteers- With numerous water stations and a well marked course., there were tons of volunteers helping to make this event run smoothly.
Dislikes:
- Crowds – I am used to running in longer runs like the BMO half, which seemed less congested and runners have more passing etiquette.
- Technical Shirt- A technical shirt is provided which makes for a great training shirt for future race. I wasn’t overly fond of this years design, the green with the design on it reminded me of lizard skin.
- Date: It is so close to the BMO half Marathon, participating affects my training as this weekend should be my last long run before tapering for the BMO.
How did I do?
On the Friday night I squeezed in my last long run. A tough 18.5km that was supposed to mentally prepare me but ended up having the opposite effect. I finished the run with pelvic pain and a stiff SI joint. Making me incredibly nervous to run both races. Saturday morning I visited the local pool and treated my sore muscles to a dip in the hot tub. Followed with lots of stretching, in addition to wearing my SI belt.
I took yesterday nice and easy keeping a close watch on how I was feeling, thankfully it felt OK even on the hills. By the end of the race I was confident enough to try for a sprint, which also felt good. I finished the race in under 55 minutes, and the top 6.5% of my age category.
Would I do this again?
Maybe……given the crowds and its proximity to the BMO I think I will wait to see what my running calendar looks like before committing.
Congratulations! I have always wanted to run a marathon but I am too lazy to train!
That race has been around for a long time. I think it’s great that you participated in it. I bet it was a nice feeling to complete it after 15 years. I hope your pelvic pain and a stiff SI joint are better, yikes.
It looks like a great atmosphere, I’d love to do this!
A run like this looks like it would be so beneficial. I have always wanted to do one of these as I ran track in high school.
You’re my hero! I wish I liked to run races. All the girls in my family run but I just didn’t get that gene! This looks like so much fun.
I love Vancouver. I am impressed with your running, when I visit I just eat 🙂
Good work! That sounds intense, but that crowd definitely looks huge and I don’t think I could handle that!
I’m glad you did a great job with the race. Sorry about the crowd and the schedule being close to another run. It’s really something that will discourage you but I’m glad you came through and finished!
Oh wow I would love to see the race first hand. I fell in love with Vancouver on my first visit last year with my mom. Such an incredible place.
Well done on completing this even with your aches and pains, that is commitment indeed and you did a great job! I cant say I would be too fond of the crowds either it looks really intense.
Thanks it was tough but I’m glad I followed through
Congratulations on finishing the run! 18.5 km is a long stretch, and you finished it with a great record. 🙂
Oh wow, what an awesome race. Congratulation for finishing the race. It was a great milestone.
Holy smokes that is a lot of people! You did great – what an exciting event to participate in.
Yes it a great energy to be apart of
I think I’m going to participate in a run myself, that sounds like a lot of fun, and many of my friends have been doing it lately! Congrads on your great results!
Thanks I recommend trying one…who knows you might get the bug😉
That sounds like one BIG race! However, I find larger crowds and that festive atmosphere (especially with music) inspiring. Thanks for the thorough review. I used to do a lot of half marathons and 5Ks before having my son and would love to get running again.
Good for you. You finished the race, and under 55 minutes too. Congratulations! You even sprinted toward the end.
I am not a runner, but this looks for a great those who are. I have friends that do travel around for different races.
It’s awesome that you did this! I am not a long distance runner and don’t know if I ever could, but it’s definitely something I am not opposed to trying! I have a freind that runs in a lot of races such as this one and she loves them as well! Thanks for sharing!
I used to join fun runs in my country. This looks like a great event to do. I wish I was there.
Congratulations for coming in the top 6.5%. I give you many kudos. I have only started in one walk a thon and didn’t finish many years ago. My daughter and granddaughter have done the color run which I hope they get back to. You must be in awesome health and that is a wonderful place to be.
Kudos to you and congratulations on your win. This is inspiring to me.
Will done on your race – you did amazingly 😊 it sounds like a really fun race to participate in, with the crowds and morale-boosting music as you run around x
I wanna get back into racing. Its such a great way to melt all the fat off your body.