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.
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