YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Feb. 06, 2019
With less than a month to go until the Brainsport Brainfreeze on March 3, runners are encouraged to sign up before the event sells out, as it has the last two years.
The Brainfreeze, now in its 11th year, is the only fundraiser for the University of Saskatchewan’s cross-country team.
Last year, the race raised a record $13,000 for the team.
Huskies cross-country athlete Courtney Moffatt said the fundraiser allows the team to subsidize costs such as travel and competition gear for athletes. This is important because many athletes aren’t able to work while competing and attending classes.
Courtney Moffatt, left, racing for the Huskies.
“It’s tough being a university student and running sport. If we didn’t have (financial support) it would be quite pricey,” she said.
Moffatt used to play hockey but got into track at a young age because she preferred to compete in an individual sport. Yet she said being surrounded by teammates through the Huskies cross-country program has been an incredible experience.
“The team aspect was way better than running on my own,” she said. “The Huskies brings people together and it’s a family and it’s definitely been an experience that I would never take for granted.”
Moffatt, who’s now in her third year of an education degree, said being part of the Huskies cross-country team has done so much more than help her reach her running-related goals. It has also helped her learn commitment, motivation and made her a better student.
“I’ve matured a lot being on the team because of having those deadlines and being gone travelling and having a relationship with my profs, to tell them I’m going to be gone for meets and stuff,” she said.
The Brainfreeze is limited to 400 racers in three events: the five-kilometre, 10-kilometre and half marathon.
All participants will receive Mizuno racing jackets. There will also be tasty post-race snacks, organized in part by Moffatt, who is one of the volunteers helping get the event off the ground.
The race begins and ends at Brainsport. New this year is a staggered start; the half marathon begins at 10 a.m., then the 10-kilometre runners set off at 10:30, followed by the five-kilometre runners at 11.
"We are hoping that the weather is not too windy and we can have the big inflatable U of S Huskies at the start/finish for some memorable photos, and that we won't have too much fresh snow on the day of the race," says race organizer James Funk.
As an added incentive to register, anyone who enters the Brainfreeze before Sunday Feb. 10 at midnight will be entered in a draw to win a free pair of in-stock Mizuno shoes from Brainsport.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Mar. 3, 2019: Brainsport Brainfreeze
Brainsport’s Brainfreeze is a winter run that raises money for the University of Saskatchewan cross country team. Enjoy the snow-coated scenery as you choose from a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre or half marathon distance along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Register now. Anyone who registers before Sunday Feb. 10 at midnight will be entered in a draw to win a free pair of in-stock Mizuno shoes from Brainsport.
Saturday May 11, 2019: Step Up for Mental Health
This inaugural race hosted by Cameco offers five- and 10-kilometre run and walk distances. Cameco is matching every dollar from entry fees to fund local mental health projects. Register now.
Saturday May 11, 2019: Royal Road Race (Regina)
The ninth-annual Royal Road Race, hosted by the Jaleta Pacers and the RCMP is once again being held on Mother’s Day weekend. Since it began, this race has contributed over $161,549 to local charities. Held on the RCMP Training Academy grounds in Regina, this fast course has something for everyone with five-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, a five-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre wheelchair and a one-kilometre Mini-Mountie run for children. This race sells out fast so make sure to register soon. Register by Mon. Feb. 11 at 11:59 p.m. to be entered into a draw to win a pair of Hillberg & Berk sparkle ball earrings. Prices increase Mar. 31.
Sunday May 26, 2019: Saskatchewan Marathon
The Saskatchewan Marathon is the oldest marathon in Saskatchewan. The event is organized and produced by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association. The 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon features Craven SPORT services five-kilometre, Goodlife Fitness 10-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Sign up today. Prices increase Mar. 1.
Sunday June 2, 2019: RunRegina First Responders Run (Regina)
Featuring five- and 15-kilometre distances, the inaugural event supports first responders and mental health initiatives for first responders. Register now.
Friday Sept. 6 — Sun. Sept. 8: GMS Queen City Marathon (Regina)
Saskatchewan's largest road-racing festival features three days of races from Friday to Sunday. There are mini marathons ranging in distance from one- to three-kilometres for kids and distances from the five-kilometre to the marathon for runners of all ages. Register now.
See all events at the Brainsport events calendar.
Courses and programs
NEW: Spring Learn to Run
Coach: Kimberlee Galus
Date and time: Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m. from March 20 until May 8
Location: Brainsport (616 10th Street East, Saskatoon)
Cost: $80
Prerequisite: No previous running experience is required to join this clinic. Just show up ready to have some fun!
This clinic is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to run, or those that need a refresher. If you have ever wanted to start running, Coach Kim is here to help you with that goal! This eight-week program will teach you the essentials of running in a safe and fun environment. This clinic will culminate in a special event designed just for you on Saturday, May 18th. In addition to the weekly coached run, we will be offering informational sessions on topics such as injury Prevention core stability, running technique, and more. Register now.
NEW: 10-kilometre Clinic
Coach: Ian Klassen
Date and time: Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m. from March 20 until May 22
Location: Brainsport (616 10th Street East, Saskatoon)
Cost: $100
Prerequisite: It is recommended you be able to run 30 minutes consecutively before joining this clinic.
This clinic is ideal for less experienced runners or those looking to improve their previous 10-kilometre time. This 10-week program coincides with the 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon on May 26, which offers a 10-kilometre event. In addition to the weekly coached run, we will be offering informational sessions on topics such as injury prevention, core stability, running technique and more. Register now.
NEW: PatTrick Running Clinic (12-week marathon training program for the Saskatchewan Marathon)
Coach: Pat Somerville
Time: Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. from March 5 until May 21
Location: Brainsport (616 10th Street East, Saskatoon)
Cost: $120
Prerequisite: You must be able to run 10 kilometres easily prior to joining
This clinic will get you ready for the Saskatchewan Marathon at the end of May. Register now.
NEW: PatTrick Running Clinic (27-week marathon training program for the Saskatchewan and Queen City marathons)
Coach: Pat Somerville
Time: Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m. from March 5 until Sept. 3
Location: Brainsport (616 10th Street East, Saskatoon)
Cost: $200
Prerequisite: You must be able to run 10 kilometres easily prior to joining
This clinic provides continuous training for events like the Saskatchewan Marathon (May) and the Queen City Marathon (September). Register now.
NEW: Just Tri-It (JTI) Women-Only Introduction to Triathlon Training
This eight-week triathlon program runs from March 17 to May 12. Visit http://www.triathlonsaskatoon.org/just-tri-it/introduction-program for more information or to register.
Virtual Cycle Sundays and Virtual Pilates Mondays
Take part in a fitness class from the comfort of your home through virtual classes hosted by Transition Sport and Fitness. The Sunday rides run from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the Monday pilates go from 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. The pilates class is tailored towards triathletes. Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.ca or email
Breathe Move Be Yoga for Athletes
Breathe Move Be offers a Yoga for Athletes course Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. from Jan. 10 to March 14 at Midwest Karate Studio. $140 to pre-register for all classes. Drop-in spots will be made available for $18 when space is available. For more information and to register contact Leanne Parsons at
Announcements
Saskatchewan Marathon Seeking Pace Bunnies
Pace bunnies are needed for the five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon distances for the May 26 races. The most important bunnies are at the 0:30, 1:00, 2:00 and 4:00 times in the respective distances. Organizers will then look for bunnies in five-, 10- or 15-minute increments on either side of the milestone times. If you're interested, please contact pace bunny wrangler Dave Stark by email at
Product of the Week
Mizuno Wave Rider
If you sign up for the Brainsport Brainfreeze before midnight on Sunday Feb. 10, you could win a pair of any in-stock Mizuno shoes, including the Wave Rider, which is one of the brand's go-to shoes. The Wave Rider is also available with a GoreTex lining to keep you warm and dry in all conditions.
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