Athletics: Sun Run celebrates 20 years running - One of North America’s great races

Vancouver – (March 23, 2004) – Thousands of Sun Runners are expected to join Canada’s largest 10 km road race on Sunday, April 18 for its 20th annual running. The event, ranked as the second largest 10 km run in North America, kicks off at 9 a.m. in downtown Vancouver.

From a field of just under 5,000 participants at the first race in 1985, the 2003 field tallied 49,743. Projections for 2004 are to celebrate 20 years of running with 50,000 participants.

“Vancouver’s incredible support for the event has consistently secured the Sun Run’s standing as the biggest race in Canada for 20 years. It’s very rewarding to reach this milestone knowing that the run has fulfilled its original objectives to create an event that would get people of all ages moving, promote fitness and a healthier lifestyle, and support amateur athletics,” says Jamie Pitblado, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Vancouver Sun.

”From its humble beginnings the Sun Run is now one of Vancouver’s premier family events where thousands of participants experience the thrill of finishing a 10 km run. It is also a rite of spring for many Vancouverites,” adds Pitblado.

And as icing on the cake, the Sun Run, just a month shy of its anniversary, is the recipient of an enviable Runner’s World accolade. In the April 2004 issue, the magazine lists The Vancouver Sun Run as one of the eight great races in North America. Praise from this source is not a first for the event. In 2000, the magazine described the Sun Run as “big and fun”.

And big and fun it is. It’s the magical combination of adrenaline, aspiration, fun, camaraderie, challenge and a spectacular course that keeps Sun Runners coming out in droves year after year.

Sun Runners are entertained right from the start line where the Neurotics, a Beatles clone band, gets the crowds rocking and sets the mood for the rest of the journey, where an additional nineteen bands sprinkled along the scenic route keep Sun Runners motivated.

The race starts at Burrard and Georgia and winds its way through the city, cuts in to part of Stanley Park, continues along English Bay and passes through tony Yaletown to finish up at BC Place Stadium where post race festivities get into full swing shortly after 9:30 a.m. After the race, Sun Runners can replenish spent energy levels with plenty of water, yogurt, bagels and fruit. They are invited to stay a while and enjoy the live stage band, the whacky, fun loving Dr. Stangelove, and watch the awards presentation to the top overall finishers.

Would be Sun Runners have until March 31 to take advantage of the $32 fee which increases to $37 from April 1. The last day to register is April 17. From April 15 – 17, registration is in person only at the Sun Run Fair at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, 655 Burrard Street. The fee includes a 100 per cent cotton souvenir T-shirt featuring the artwork by renowned Vancouver artist, Tiko Kerr.

For the wee ones or those not up to tackling the 10 km route, the Shaw Mini Sun Run offers a great new 2.5 km course packed with loads of fun. Mini Sun Runners have an 8 a.m. start. The new course starts and ends at the 10 km finish line on Pacific Boulevard, between BC Place Stadium and Plaza of Nations. Mini Sun Runners are led by a parade of mascots and have an activity filled Kids Zone to explore inside BC Place Stadium. Kids pay just $17 until March 31 and then $22 till April 17. Fee includes a paint-your-own T-shirt and paints. It’s free admission for parent or escorts unless a t-shirt is required.

The Vancouver Sun Run is presented by HSBC Bank Canada. Registration and race information is available at /www.sunrun.com or 604-689-9441.