Top 10 reasons to register for virtual Sun Run
Like just about everything else in the past year, the 2021 Vancouver Sun Run is going virtual. But that's no reason to not participate in the 10-kilometre event.
Whether your goals are exercise, community, or fun, the Sun Run is still a great opportunity to get out and accomplish something.
Here, Race Director Tim Hopkins counts down his Top 10 reasons to register for this year's Vancouver Sun Run Virtual Race. (For a complete list of registration fees, visit vancouversunrun.com.)
10 You don't need to be a runner to participate
One of the things people love about the Sun Run is its inclusivity. Yes, runners come from all over the world to take part. But the run is open to participants at all levels — including walkers. “The goal is really to get people out, and get active,” says Hopkins. “You don't have to be an elite runner. Doing the Virtual Vancouver Sun Run is so important right now, to keep the mentality that anyone can do it.”
9 You can run/race against people from all over the country
With this year's Sun Run going virtual, it's no longer only for people in the Lower Mainland. This means that you can form a team with people from across the country (or the world). “One of the biggest features is the team component,” says Hopkins. In the past, a company with a head office in Vancouver might put a team in the event — now, it can challenge teams from its offices in other provinces. “You have the opportunity to be much more inclusive with your friends, your co-workers, your family. The virtual event lets you train together and keep tabs on how you're doing. And on race day you can compete with each other.” After the race, you can even arrange a Zoom pancake breakfast.
8 Weather won't be a factor
Another benefit of a virtual Sun Run is that participants have a 12day window to complete their own personal 10K. “We don't want to force everyone out onto their favourite running route at the same time. The goal is to maintain social distancing, and part of that is encouraging people to run or walk on different days.” Watch this space for suggested running routes.
7 It's about the journey, not the destination
Completing the Sun Run is a great feeling. But training for the run, and then carrying those healthy new habits forward, are what make participating in the event really worthwhile. Running, walking and weekly exercise boosts your immune system. Plus, setting a goal of completing the 10k run (or walk) is a great start to a healthy lifestyle.
6 Change your focus
Participating in the Virtual Vancouver Sun Run helps change your focus from what you think you can't do to what you can do — as a challenge to yourself and the changes forced on us by the pandemic. The show, and the run, goes on, despite COVID. “We didn't have the Sun Run last year because the pandemic was so new,” Hopkins says. “We have a great community that supports running here, and we want to get as many people out doing what they can during the pandemic, and running or walking is something a lot of people can do right now.”
5 The gift of giving
There are six charities associated with this year's Sun Run, including the B.C. Cancer Foundation, B.C. Children's Hospital, the B.C. SPCA, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and Ronald McDonald House. When people register, they can raise money for a charity of their choice.
4 Run on your own time
For the late sleepers, this is a real bonus — there is no need to get up early on Race Day. “You're not scrambling on event morning to get into downtown Vancouver,” notes Hopkins. “You can run from right outside your front door to wherever.” You can even run in increments, keeping track with any number of apps and devices.
3 Sun Run Finisher Medal
This year, all 10k registrants will receive a first-ever finisher medal. “Because of the uniqueness of the virtual run, we thought it would be awesome to have a commemorative medal,” Hopkins said. Participants can have the medal delivered via mail or pick it at a Running Room location before they complete their run.
2 Everyone's a winner
Following the run, the Sun will post the names of all the participants who complete the run, but not the results. “Some will be running a course with hills, some without. But we'll be recognizing everyone, whether they took five days to run it, or one. It's not about your time ... You're going to win the race for yourself.”
1 The best is yet to come
You have the opportunity to be much more inclusive with your friends, your co-workers, your family.
Running your own Virtual Sun Run in 2021 will make it that much easier to run the Vancouver Sun Run in April 2022. Says Hopkins, “It's all about setting ourselves up so that next year you're already in condition to train and run the 2022 in-person event.”