Vancouver Sun Run 2007

[kiMMie]

Just a big thank you and wow to all those who registered, ran, and finished today. :nuts:

Courtesy of Vancouver Sun

Streets of Joy
Chantal Eustace, Vancouver Sun
Published: Sunday, April 15, 2007



A stampede of fit bodies bob down the Cambie Bridge edging towards the home stretch of The Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday morning.

This is no ordinary herd.

According to official count, a record-busting 54,317 people registered for this year’s run, the most participants in the event’s 23-year history.

It’s a heart-pounding blur of energy to behold as runners snake through the city’s streets with speedy determination.

Along the route — which twisted down Georgia Street, through to Lagoon Drive, back along Beach Avenue and over the Burrard Bridge before wrapping up in front of BC Place — live bands busted out tunes ranging from reggae to rock while volunteers and spectators hollered out words of encouragement.

It was an incredible experience, says first-time participant Qiang Yang, the Consul General of China.

"I saw that Vancouver is full of energy — very active," said Yang, speaking through a translator. "It was fun. I found it very good."

He plans to do it again next year, he said, and will encourage other people to join in.

"I’d like to see more Chinese Canadians take part in the run," he said. "Next year I’ll ask more Consulate members to take part."

There’s nothing quite like running along with a pack while a crowd cheers you on, says Vikram Goghari, a third-time Sun-Run participant.

"I guess it makes motivates me to exercise more every year," says Goghari, 29. "It’s nice to get cheered on."

The party-like atmosphere is a big part of what appeals to the students of Archbishop O’Leary Catholic High School in Edmonton, said Renee Przyswitt. For the past five years the school’s Grade 11 and Grade 12 students have bused out to Vancouver to participate in the run.

She says the event is inspirational for young people.

"It’s about teamwork, dedication fun and it’s sociable," Przyswitt says. Her student, Kelly Penner, 17, nods.

"I was really looking forward to it," says Penner, who completed her run in about 55 minutes. "I thought it was good. You have to push yourself."

Two hours after the 9 a.m. race start, an after-party is well underway inside BC Place.

Hundreds of people with flushed cheeks and satisfied expressions — dressed in track shoes, sweat pants and race tee-shirts — munch on complimentary bagels and bananas. The 70s tune, We Are Family by Sister Sledge, plays on the stereo.

Jamie Pitblado, official spokesman for the event, says every year the run gets bigger and better.

"I mean so many people are doing it now. Once you do it, its contagious," he says. "Maybe people are wising up to the whole issue of obesity? It gets people thinking and setting a fitness goal."

Seventy-three-year-old Paul Russell trained about twice a week for the run. He was a little disappointed by his 52-minute though.

"I was hoping to break 50 minutes," he says, shaking his head with a grin. "I overdid it in the first half and didn’t have energy to do it after that."

Despite that, he says, it was an enjoyable experience.

"The sun was out," said Russell. "It was great."

And there’s always next year.