Sun Runners jam Vancouver streets

An estimated 50,000 runners took over the streets of Vancouver on Sunday for the 26th annual Sun Run.

The run billed as the second-largest run of its kind in the world isnot only a great way to stay fit, but also an opportunity to give back to the community, said event chair Jamie Pitblado.

"It was founded to raise money for the Harry Jerome Track Classic and supporting Canadian amateur athletes in the track and field world as well as raising money for the Vancouver Sun literacy program our Raise-a-Reader program, which raises money for children and family literacy programs throughout the Lower Mainland."

Doug Clement, one of the founders of the event, saidthings have changed since he was a kid.

"When I grew up, anybody running in the streets was considered somewhat odd at least," he said. "Now we're seeing people exercising as adults not for sport but for fitness and health."

He credits the 10-kilometre Sun Run for some of that change, and addedthe event iseven promoting sport outside the Lower Mainland.

"The Sun Run has some programs and they're involving the aboriginal population up in northern British Columbia as well, and several dozen of those aboriginal groups are coming to Vancouver for the Sun Run and so the reach of the program is growing."

The event also makes contributions to Vancouver school groups and clubs.

Over the years, it has raised about $2.5 million; the target this year is$150,000.

Kip Kangogo of Lethbridge,Alta., was declared the winner with a time of 29:02. The Kenyan-born runner is hoping to become a Canadian citizen in time to represent Canada at the Olympic Games in 2012. Eric Gillis of Guelph, Ont., was second with a time of 29:05.

The winner of the women's division was Malindi Elmore of Kelowna with a time of 33:06.