Athletics: 46,024 already signed up for Sunday’s 20th annual Sun Run

Vancouver (April 16, 2004) –There are just two days left to the 20th annual Sun Run. If plan to join the 46,024 participants already registered, you have until 5 p.m. on Saturday to get to the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and register. The Hyatt Regency is located at 655 Burrard Street (corner Georgia) and late registration is in person only. Remember that there is no race day pick-up.

Late entry fee for the 10 km run is $37 and includes a souvenir T-shirt. The 2.5 km Mini Sun Run fee is $22 plus and includes a paint-your-own t-shirt for kids. There is no fee for the children’s adult escort unless a t-shirt is required.

If you are planning to walk or run on Sunday, observing a few pointers can make your Sun Run that much more enjoyable and pleasant.

Start Time

Sun Run starts at 9 a.m. at Burrard and Georgia Street. Get there early. Leave yourself plenty of time. SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express, buses, Aquabus and Granville Island Ferries are all offering peak hour service.

The Mini Sun Run start is at 8:00 a.m. on Pacific Boulevard at BC Place Stadium.

T-Shirt/Race Number and Timing Chip Pick-Up

If you haven’t picked up your race number, T-shirt and timing chip yet this is your last chance unless you are an out-of-towner i.e. you pay long distance charges to call Vancouver. Make your way down to the Sun Run Fair at the Hyatt Regency (655 Burrard St.) today between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. or tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Shoes

Now is NOT the time to buy those fancy new runners you’ve been promising yourself. Nor is it prudent to try and run Sunday’s race in an ‘uninitiated’ pair’.

Training

Don’t try and cram that last bit of training in before the race. You’ll just be worn out for the big day. Rest and run with better results on Sunday.

Saturday Dinner

Don’t go for fancy new foods. Stay with something you’ve tried before. This is your opportunity to go for the carbs - a pasta dinner will do nicely, but stay away from caffeinated drinks and alcohol. These will just dehydrate you.

Sunday Breakfast

Get up early enough to have a small, light breakfast e.g. a banana or bagel with some water or juice. Drink a couple of glasses of water before the race.

What to Wear

Check the weather forecast and plan appropriately. Cardinal rule when planning is LAYERING. Pack hat, gloves and rain jacket for wet day. T-shirt and shorts are fine for a warm day with a light longsleeve T-shirt and tights as a top layer. Pin your race number to your shirt and attach the timing chip to your shoe on Saturday night! Don’t forget to pack a complete change of clothes and some money for after the run. Gear check ($5) is available on race day.

Enjoy the Run

Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water along the route, pace yourself, run safely and have fun. Give yourself a big pat on the back at the finish line. And don’t forget to head into BC Place Stadium for food, water, entertainment and an awards ceremony for the top finishers.

Results

See your name in print. Pick up a copy of The Vancouver Sun on Monday for a complete list of race results.