For something so aptly named the 'Sun Run', I made an easy mistake for a novice runner: not wearing enough layers. When accompanied by 50,000 other runners, you forget that it can take nearly an hour to even get near the start line of one of North America's largest road races. And the wait is frustrating when you just want to get going!

Runners throng around the start line. Photo from flickr user BigA888.

This year, six Greenies were amongst the throngs who sprinted, ran, jogged and rambled along the 10 kilometre downtown route. Starting at Robson Square, the course grazes the edge of Stanley Park, winds through the West End, pops over the Burrard Bridge before finishing at the epic BC Place. While I am not a serious runner - and certainly weaving in and out of the slowly-moving crowd makes it difficult for all but the most determined to pursue record-breaking times - the Sun Run is a big event on the Vancouver scene. With the city's vibe pulsating to heavy breathing induced through yoga, biking, hiking, skiing and all other health and wellness activities, I feel like you aren't a real Vancouverite until you have done the Sun Run. My goal this year was just to complete the race and not stop, and while these may seem simple objectives, I was happy to plod round and take in the music and local supporters who cheered and entertained us on route. The Sun Run is a spectacle.

Next adventure: the Grouse Grind.