Sun Run: Vancouver runners set soggy pace to champion 10K elite races

A short and relaxed recreational run in light rain can refresh.

Sprinting to the finish line to out-leg an elite 10-kilometre class during a deluge is something else. And so is running quicker than last year to make it back-to-back triumphs.

The Vancouver Sun Run provided those stunning scenarios Sunday. The 39th running of the annual event not only attracted more than 35,000 participants, it also had its share of drama.

John Gay, 26, of Vancouver captured his first Sun Run title by holding off Justin Kent, 30, of Burnaby by just three seconds to win the men’s event in 29 minutes, 40 seconds.

Leslie Sexton of Vancouver, 35, defended her championship by methodically working her way past contenders to clock 32:22 and outdistance Malindi Elmore, 43, of Kelowna by 13 seconds for the women’s title.