Runners registering for any Saskatchewan Marathon event this year will once again have the option of adding a donation to their race fee to support the Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA).
The MVA is a non-profit organization that does conservation work along the South Saskatchewan River Basin and maintains and upgrades of the Meewasin Valley trail system.
“We’re using it so much. Let’s put back, let’s give back,” says Peter Goode, president of the Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA), which organizes the Saskatchewan Marathon.
SRRA President Peter Goode with dog Willie on a run along the Meewasin Valley trails.
The MVA has been the Saskatchewan Marathon’s charity of choice since 2010.
In the past, the MVA has netted between $7,000 and $10,000 each year from runners who donate while registering for Saskatchewan Marathon events.
Last year, people gave roughly $7,500 to the organization when registering and the SRRA matched that amount, for a total gift of $15,000 to the MVA.
Through naming the MVA the Saskatchewan Marathon charity of choice and by supporting the organization in other ways, the SRRA has directed more than $280,000 in donations to the MVA since 2010.
One of the SRRA’s first donations to the organization was in support of the water fountain and seating area on the MVA trail near the Diefenbaker Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. Some of the bricks there are used to display the names of the winners of the Saskatchewan Marathon.
Bricks on the MVA trail near the Diefenbaker Centre display the names of Saskatchewan Marathon winners. Photo: SRRA Facebook page
Goode says he can’t count how many times he has run along the Meewasin Valley trails, but knows it numbers in the thousands. He tries to show off the trail to runners from outside the city as much as possible and many of the SRRA’s races — including the Saskatchewan Marathon — are run along the trail.
“We have people come in to a lot of our races and they come to our races from Edmonton or wherever and they all say ‘You guys have the best trail system ever,’" he said.
For more information about the Meewasin Valley Authority or to donate, visit their website.
To register for a Saskatchewan Marathon event, click here.
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.
Sunday May 5, 2019: Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
Featuring 21-kilometre,10-kilometre and five-kilometre routes, this annual event raises money for various Saskatoon charities. Register now.
NEW: 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.
Courses and programs
Brainsport Running Academy: Full Marathon and Half Marathon Clinic
This clinic, coached by Pat Somerville, is ideal for less experienced runners or those looking to improve their previous half or full marathon times. It is recommended you be able to run 40 minutes consecutively before joining this clinic. The clinic runs Monday evenings from Brainsport starting at 6 p.m. It runs from Jan. 21 to May 20 and will prepare runners for the 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon on May 26. In addition to weekly coached runs, there will be informational sessions on topics such as injury prevention, core stability, running technique, nutrition, yoga for runners, and more. Register online now.
Transition Sport and Fitness Triathlon Training Group
The three-month winter program began Jan. 8. Choose from one-, two- or three-times-per week options. Register here. Email
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
Saskatoon Road Runners Association Matching Donations to Improve Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Site
Until Jan. 31, The Saskatoon Road Runners Association will match donations up to $50,000 to improve the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site and adjacent trails. Donate and learn more about the project through the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan website.
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
Merrell winter boots
Yes, Brainsport carries more than running gear! Check out our selection of Merrell winter boots, which feature ICE+ grip technology on the soles to help keep you from slipping this winter.