YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Mar. 15, 2017
If you can for a moment, shake off the cold feelings of the past several days and imagine yourself running along the Meewasin Valley Trail cradled by the warmth of a late-May day's sun. You're surround by hundreds of other runners reaching for their goals and supporters are cheering you along the way as run in one of the province's premier events: The Saskatchewan Marathon.
This is a special year to take part in this well-known, multi-distance event as it will be celebrating Canada's 150th Anniversary. In this week's Q&A we're speaking with race director Kim Ali to get more details.
Q&A with Kim Ali
Tara: As Saskatchewan's population continues to grow, so to does its running community. This means there are people who may not know a whole lot about the Saskatchewan Marathon. For those less familiar what do you want them to know about this event?
Kim: The Saskatchewan Marathon is fast, flat and fabulous! We’re Saskatchewan's oldest marathon with a proud history of supporting Saskatoon endeavours. Community-owned and focused on supporting running enthusiasts in our community, the race also operates a running training program for kids aged 13 and under with participants from all across Saskatchewan. Almost a thousand children are already registered this year.
Tara: This is a special year being that a celebration of Canada's 150th Anniversary is going to be a part of the Saskatchewan Marathon Event. What are some details about this that you can share with us?
Kim: Special Canada 150 medals and tees will make this 39th annual race a memorable one. We are rolling out a number of contests to encourage people to become involved whether as a participant, a volunteer or a spectator. Watch the Saskatchewan Marathon website and newsletter for more details.
Taking off at the 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon.
Tara: Are there any changes this year to the course, start times, groupings, etc.?
Kim: We are so blessed to have the Meewasin Valley, and each year the course is tweaked so the routes include more of the trails, living up to our reputation as being one of the most scenic marathon courses and this year is no different. We hope to be able to post course and start time information by April 1.
Tara: What gets you excited about this year's event?
Kim: Canada's 150 birthday is an excellent opportunity to focus on our community. We have so much to be proud of in Saskatoon. We've heard from many people who plan to celebrate Canada's birthday by participating in their first race at the Saskatchewan Marathon. The Race Committee has increased the prize money for the marathon event to $1500 (male and female), and offering a bonus of $1000 for anyone who breaks the course record. We anticipate this will bring a lot of interest from fast runners and we look forward to a real showdown at the finish line. Watch for the announcement of our very special guests at the end of March.
The top finishers of the men's marathon atop the winners' circle.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kim: The Saskatchewan Marathon is not just a race -- it is designed so everyone who participates has a fabulous experience on marathon weekend. The personal-best bell, the winners circle, check your chip, the food tent, and the vendors in the finish-line village; the activation and aid stations on the course, and all the pre-event activities -- all are designed to enhance the experience. Whether you are looking to cross the finish line first in your event, or cross the finish line for the first time, we know you'll enjoy the day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saskatchewan Marathon
This premier event, taking place on May 28, offers a distance for everyone, including a kids Marafun! Whatever level you may be at there's a race for you with offerings of a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The Saskatchewan Marathon is known as one of the provinces best racing events of the year! For more information and register go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 9. The event consists of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with the 10K race being part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen
Brainsport Running Academy - Spring Courses
Learn To Run Course:
Coached by Cara Mazurak, the Learn To Run course is designed to accommodate those from a non-running background, or someone coming back to running after an extended time away. This is an 8-week course, which will culminate with a 5K race. The Learn to Run course will give you a solid foundation for your future running goals.
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Spring Tune Up!
Starting on March 14 through May 16, Breath Move Be is offering runner specific youg at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North). Cost is $120 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if room in class. Pre-register by contacting
Canadian Western Short Track Championships
This March Saskatonian business people have the opportunity to sponsor the next generation of potential Olympians! The Saskatoon Lion's Speed Skating club is hosting the Canadian Western Short Track Championships on March 18-19 at the SaskTel Centre. There will be 128 of the best short track speed skaters in western Canada at this competition.
To successfully host this event, the club is looking for sponsors to help with the many costs associated with hosting an event of this caliber such as food for volunteers and athletes, timing equipment and rental fees. Sponsors will have their company logo placed along the crash mats for anyone that supports this event. If you, or someone you know may be interested in supporting this event, please contact http:
200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training
The Living Well Centers is offering 200 Hour International Yoga Teacher Training starting on April 4. Deepen your yoga knowledge and practice. Strengthen your spiritual connection. Become a yoga instructor.
Training consists of five modules in total, each focusing on different elements of yoga teacher development. Each module includes roughly 40 hours of instruction, personal practice and mandatory homework.
For more information email
Virtual Pilates and Virtual Rides
For runners looking for some great recovery, strengthening, and cross-training options, Transition is now offering pilates and cycling from the comfort of your own home. These interactive live web-streamed classes are unique in that. if you choose to have your webcam Coach Carly can see you and correct technique and interact.
Join live: Pilates for Strength, Recovery and Injury Prevention (Monday nights 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. For more information click on the link. http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/pilates-for-strength-recovery-and-injury-prevention
For those with an at-home trainer Virtual Rides take place Sunday mornings. Click the link for more information.http://www.powhow.com/classes/transition-sport-and-fitness/virtual-ride-triathlon-training-winter-2017/313494
Brainsport Shoe Donation Progtram
The Brainsport Shoe Donation Program has received a request for basketball shoes. If you have gently-used basketball shoes please consider dropping them off at the store for donation. They will go a long way in making sure no child is left sitting on the bench because they don't have proper footwear.
Just Tri-It - Triathlon Training
Ladies, have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a triathlon? Are you looking for a fun and challenging spring training program? The Just Tri-it program gives you eight weeks - starting on March 19 - of swim, bike and run training, plus entry into the Makin It Happen Triathlon, where you can show off your new skills. Registration is now open, and it always sells out! Learn more and register click here.
Triathlon Training
Transition Sport and Fitness is offering Distance Group, or Personalized Coaching for anyone wanting to take their swim, bike, or run training to the next level.
Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.cafor more info on all programs.
Start2Finish
Every week, at one of Saskatoon's community schools, volunteers and children come together for a running and reading program called Start2Finish. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by providing ongoing educational support to Saskatoon's at-risk children. You run, read, and share a word of the day with the group of kids. Start2Finish not only allows you the opportunity to give back to the community, and gain a rewarding experience, but also allows you to help children grow in a positive way. If you are interested in giving a couple hours of your time email http:
Product of the Week
Saucony Freedom ISO
An all-black running shoe! Yes, this will excite a lot of people as it's often a request at the store. But the Saucony Freedom has a lot more to offer than just a sleek look. This neutral, light, fast shoe is the first in Saucony's lineup to offer a full midsole made of their EVERUN Continuous Cushioning. This makes for great energy return, cushioning and responsiveness over the duration of your entire run!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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