We’ve got blarney, bunnies, big-time fun
A couple impatient runners I know, and whose names shall remain anonymous if they keep buying coffee and doughnuts, are already itching for a “winter test.”
With 75 days left before the 34th Vancouver Sun Run, these restless InTraining peeps want to feel some “race-day vibes” ASAP, preferably with costumes and camaraderie included.
Makes sense, considering most Sun Run participants aren’t of the one-and-done ilk. Heck, some train every other night and race every weekend in the plethora of events, especially in the Lower Mainland.
So, when pressed for some “proven winners,” it was easy to rattle off several, including the St. Patrick’s Day 5K (Saturday, March 17), the annual West Van Run (March 3-4), Big Bunny Run and Egg Hunt (March 31) and Aldergrove Ramble (Feb. 25).
With apologies to Andrew Weaver, the St. Patrick’s Day run is always the best green party in B.C. In fact, the event welcomes participants to “come for the race, stay for the party.”
Save for the handful of rocketlike elites at the front of the race, the bulk of the fun field really gets into the Irish costume theme. And this year the race falls on St. Patrick’s Day, which should boost the fun factor.
Debra Kato of West Van Crew, a great photographer and costume queen, encouraged this oncerestrained blogger to “green up” a few years ago to ensure her wild outfit wasn’t the only one that made people gasp. Last year we got closer to the desired look.
Baxter Bayer, who just launched his expanded Big Fun Run Series, is the “Hared Honcho” of the third annual event, set for Jericho Beach this time around. There is a 10K, 5K and Bunny Run/Walk for seniors and kids. His hoppy-go-lucky event even provides the bunny ears.
The West Van Run, with changing themes, offers a 5K race March 3 and 10K race the following day. Last year yours truly ran as a Super Ninja Turtle and did really well until the 3.5K mark when I discovered onepiece, no-zipper costumes aren’t conducive to quick bathroom stops. Then again, as a turtle there was no pressure to finish in a fast time.
And the Aldergrove Ramble, with former Sun Run champions Paul Williams and Phil Ellis running the show, is the third leg of the Peninsula Runners’ Fraser Valley Trail Run Series.
I did their series-opener New Year’s Day in Surrey and that was way more fun than expected. Sure, we had a flask with some Fireball to keep us going at chilly Crescent Park, but my Sun Run training partners ensured it was a great way to start the year!
Gotta run …