Date: July 27, 2013
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Pace: 9:26 min/mile
Finish Time: 28:48
Overall Place: 49/147
For the last few races, I’ve made a conscious effort to wear bright clothing so that I’d be able to pick myself out of the many photos that get posted afterwards. Guess what? That strategy fails miserably at a Pride Run, where pretty much everyone is dressed up in a rainbow of colours.
The Vancouver Pride Run – held on Saturday, July 27 at Stanley Park’s Lumberman’s Arch – was the largest in the event’s nine-year history. Just under 400 runners and walkers came out for the 5K and 10K, and more than $10,000 was raised for Out in Schools.
Pride Run Package Pick-up. Photo credit: Zack Musa.
Due to crazy-bad downtown traffic in the city on Thursday, I bailed on advance package pick-up at the Denman Running Room, which led to undue stress on race day (I hate not having everything ready to go in the morning), but the on-site package pick-up was quick and efficient.
The 5K route was the same as the Game of Life run back in April, but this time I made a concerted effort to not start out too fast. No side stitches or knee issues, which was a relief.
Disco Water Station. Photo credit: Zack Musa.
One highlight of the Pride Run was the “disco water station.” All water breaks should be that much fun.
During the second mile, I amused myself by imagining what the cruise ship passengers visiting Stanley Park were thinking about the parade of rainbow-coloured and half-naked runners passing by them on the Seawall.
After crossing the finish line and recovering with some water and bananas, we headed straight off to the West End Farmers Market to pick up our CSA basket and stockpile some of the good bacon. We then proceeded down to the Stadium area for a post-race “brunch” from the Yolk’s food truck. Not bad for a Saturday morning.
For August’s run, I’ll be running the Run for your Lives Zombie 5K. BRAAAAAAINSSSS….
Brain Candy 