YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times May. 2, 2018
Welcome to May everyone - the month of the Saskatchewan Marathon! One of the things that make the Saskatchewan Marathon such a fantastic event is everyone has the opportunity to participate - you don't have to be a marathoner to be a part of the Saskatchewan Marathon. Whether you're a volunteer, a sponsor, a fan cheering along the sidelines, or you're running in one of the many distance options - there's something for everyone! In today's Q&A we're going to learn more about the Saskatchewan Marathon Marafun; a program aimed at getting children active and interested in running. Here to tell us all about is Team New Balance's Tarrant Cross Child. This is Tarrant's second year serving as Marafun ambassador.Q&A with Tarrant Cross Child
Tara: Tell us, what drew you to become a part of the Saskatchewan Marathon's Marafun?
Tarrant: My sons ran in this event back in 2015 and 2016. I was able to see their progress leading up to the 2.2K race. They always looked forward to training. On race day I watched not only my kids run but hundreds of others. In 2017 I had the honor of being asked to be the Marafun ambassador, along with guest speaking at the Saskatchewan Marathon Pasta Dinner. Tara: What exactly do the students partake in during the months of training, and what does race day look like for them?
Tarrant: Thanks to Craven Sports Services, a training plan is written out for the parent or teacher who's leading the Marafun athletes at the school. During the weeks leading up to the Saskatchewan Marathon day, the Marafun athletes will have completed 40K with the final 2.2K to be completed on race day. They get a t-shirt and get to run across the famed Saskatchewan Marathon finish line. They also learn about nutrition, teamwork, and goal setting; plus meet new friends while getting in shape.
Tarrant speaking with a group of Marafun participants - getting them excited about running. Photo supplied
Tara: Talk a bit about the growth in participation the Marafun has seen over the past few years. What makes this such a successful program?
Tarrant: A few years ago the number of Marafun participants was 700. Last year we had 1200 participants, and this year we set the goal at 1500 participant. With a month to go until race day, we have hit that number and then some. The race committee is amazing! It's comprised of energetic and fun people who work hard promoting the Marafun in all the schools in the area. Having Craven Sports Services tried-tested-and-proven programs has been a huge success. The participants have successes and victories in this program and come back each year bringing along friends. It's also important to note, the schools have wonderful volunteers who contribute a great deal to the success of the program.
Completing the final 2.2K of the Marafun program on Saskatchewan Marathon race day. Photo suppliedTara: What are your hopes for each of the participants?
Tarrant: My hope is that each participant has fun and accomplishes what they set out to do. I hope they meet new friends and realize running and sport can play a positive role in their lives. Thus, encouraging them to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
Tara: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Tarrant: Thank you to the race committee for the opportunity to be the Marafun ambassador. Thank you to all the teachers and volunteers who give their time to train the Marafun athletes. If you haven't signed up for the Saskatchewan Marathon, they have a distance for you. It's not too late!
Upcoming Events Saskatchewan Marathon
The 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon event takes place on May 27! There's still plenty of time to get registered and train for your event, whether it be the 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. This is sure to be an exciting weekend featuring a pasta dinner, race expo and some of the best road racing in the province! To learn more about the event, including how to volunteer go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.Sweat Science - at Brainsport
Join author Alex Hutchinson at Brainsport on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. as he discusses his new New York Times-bestselling book, ENDURE: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance, exploring the science of endurance and the surprising role of the brain in setting our physical limits.Alex Hutchinson (@sweatscience) is an award-winning science columnist for Outside, the Globe and Mail, and Canadian Running, and a former national-team long-distance runner.This event is free, but as space is limited please sign up through the link above or at the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-science-at-brainsport-tickets-44725979609.
Brainsport Spring Run Off
Join us on Saturday, May 12 at Elbow for our annual Spring Run Off! Take the short drive to Elbow, or hop on the shuttle, and enjoy a 5K or 10K trail run on the beautiful and challenging Elbow Recreational Trail. Register here: raceroster.com/events/2018/15233/brainsport-spring-run-off.Saskatoon Triathlon Club - Volunteers There is several opportunities to delve into the triathlon scene this summer as a volunteer. The STCI is looking for volunteers for the following races:
- Bridge City Duathlon Saturday, May 5
- Sask Marathon water station Sunday, May 27
- Brainsport Kids of Steel Saturday, June 16
- Living Sky Triathlon Saturday, June 23 - Sunday, June 24
Canada Goose UltraThe Canada Goose Ultra is a timed distance running event for all levels of fitness. The race welcomes new ultra runners and offers a fast course for seasoned ultra runners. Choose from the 6-hour, 12-hour, or 24-hour event. All events are run on a certified 4K loop. The course is a flat, paved route through a beautiful urban park. This race is officially the 2018 Canadian 24-hour Championship. The race takes place on May 12 through 13. For more information and to register click here.
Yoga for Athletes - Instructor TrainingYoga for Athletes is the third training module of the FYI (Fitness Yoga Instructor) program. Yoga instructors looking to add athletic perspective to their current class offerings can participate in this training module and receive CEC's for SPRA and Yoga Alliance. BreathMoveBe will be offering this training on April 20-22 at Anytime Fitness Gym in Yorkton. If interested, move quick - there are only two spots still open. To register contact
SIGA’s Second Annual Good Food Run
On June 10, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is hosting its second annual fun run in support of CHEP: Good Food Inc. Presented by SIGA’s Long Runners, participants can choose between a 1K, 5K or 10K run. There are finisher medals for all participants! Family entertainment, water stations, swag and after-race snacks and refreshments provided.Registration is now open! To register or donate go to http://www.siga.sk.ca/goodfoodrun.
Brainsport Running Academy Spring Courses
Join our interactive and fun-filled training courses with expert guest speakers presenting on healthy running technique and injury prevention specific to runners. Our high-quality coaches will prepare a program for you which will help you reach your personal running goals. #PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Saskatchewan Marathon, and Queen City Marathon.
For more information on these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.RIKI Walkathon 50th Year CelebrationThe RIKI Walkathon is celebrating its 50th year on June 9. The entire family is welcome to come walk 22 miles along scenic Pike Lake. Gate fees are being waved for participants, and there will be refreshments and awards for the top fundraiser after the walk. All funds raised this year will go to the Riversdale Kiwanis Club. For more information about this event click here.Canada Beer Run
The Canada Beer run is going coast to cost this year, hitting eight cities across the country, including Saskatoon! On June 3 the run stops in Saskatoon! Run your way through 10K making stops at six breweries along the way!For more information about this event visit https://canadabeerrun.ca/products/saskatoon-beer-run.Product of the WeekNew Balance Fresh Foam Zante (kid's version)
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante is one of New Balance's most popular running shoes for adults, and it makes no compromises for the kid's edition of the shoe. Whether it's for a local track meet, or an everyday-shoe for playing around - the kid's Zante provides cushion and protection for the foot without overly supporting their young, developing feet. This is a great choice for the young runner in your life!
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
Comments