Still not sure if you want to do this year’s Vancouver Earth Run? Here is our top 5 list of reasons why you definitely should:
5. It’s a great way to keep your New Year’s resolution
Mid-January to early February tends to be make-it-or-break-it time for those lofty New Years resolutions. THIS was going to be the year: exercise, eat well, etc etc. So instead of feeling guilty every time you get the monthly e-newsletter from that gym you never visit, how about you take a stand and commit to running the 10K at this year’s Earth Run? You too can be one of those Lycra-clad pedestrians bounding across the Burrard Bridge, or that guy in the office who gets in a “quick 5K” during lunch. Sure you can!
4. It’s going to be super fun
There’s a really good reason people sign up for events like Earth Run. Yes, there are the hyper-competitive adrenaline junkies who live for the thrill of beating everyone, everywhere, all the time. That’s nice, but for the rest of us, running with a huge group of incredibly pumped-up and positive people is a very uplifting experience. The combination of joy that comes from a hard-earned accomplishment and the good vibes from all your fellow runners is enough to make anyone want to do this sort of thing over and over.
3. You get to learn about oceans, and oceans are amazing
This year’s theme for Vancouver’s Earth Run is Oceans. If you’re lucky enough to call this city home, you may have noticed that we live pretty close to an ocean. Oceans can be scary (see also: the Titanic) but more importantly they are vital to the health of every ecosystem on the planet. Here are a couple awesome facts about oceans to get you started:
- - The lowest point in the world is called Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean, 36,200 feet below the surface.
- - The temperature of the water next to some deep sea volcanic vents can reach 450 degrees Celsius. Even though that’s enough to parbroil their shallow water relatives, organisms such as eyeless shrimp and white-tentacled anemones call the vents home.
2. Your fundraising efforts will inspire and awe your friends
We’re not going to lie: fundraising can be a lot of work. You have to put yourself out there and declare that you care enough about something to -gasp- ask for money. But once you get past the initial awkwardness, there’s will be a subtle but noticeable transformation from armchair environmentalist to eco-visionary. You are standing up for what you believe in. You are being a positive and dynamic citizen of Earth. You rule!
1. You will be doing your part to support three awesome environmental non-profits
And speaking of money, funds raised for Earth Run will be going toward three beneficiary organizations: the David Suzuki Foundation, Surfriders Foundation, and the Young Naturalists’ Club of British Columbia. The money they receive will pay for conservation projects, research, and advocacy work that supports a healthy environment for all of us. This is important work, and you get to be a part of it!
