When Bob Myers registered for the Brainsport Brainfreeze on the first day that registration opened, he never imagined how cold it would be on race day.Myers, 42, is from North Carolina, where it doesn’t get much below 0C in the winter.He, his wife and another couple travelled to Saskatchewan in early March in an effort to see the northern lights. They planned to fly into Saskatoon, then travel north to Sturgeon Lake. Their time in the Bridge City coincided with the Brainsport Brainfreeze on March 3 and one of Myers travelling companions, an avid runner, signed up and encouraged Myers and his wife to do the same.
Bob Myers at the Brainsport Brainfreeze.
Photo: Louis Christ. See more at https://www.lchrist.comWhen the race started, there was a windchill of -33C.“Being from North Carolina that was the coldest temperature I had ever personally experienced,” Myers said.He wore almost every stitch of clothing he had packed for the trip.“By the time I got back to the store I was way overdressed and sweating quite profusely,” said Myers, who ran the five-kilometre race.“I felt really, in a lot of ways, that it was easier to run in that than it is sometimes in summer in North Carolina … Once I got going it was fine. Different, but fine.”Myers was one of 301 people who registered to race this year’s Brainsport Brainfreeze, which is the only fundraiser for the University of Saskatchewan’s cross-country team.It’s not yet clear how much money the event raised for the team
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Photo: Louis Christ. See more at https://www.lchrist.com
Brainsport Brainfreeze by the numbers247: Racers who braved frigid temperatures to compete in the five-kilometre, 10-kilometre or half-marathon120: Racers in the 10-kilometre event, the most popular distance-19C: Temperature on race morning34 kilometres per hour: Wind speed on race morning-33C: Windchill on race morning1:24:45: How long it took Danny Halpin to win the men’s half marathon1:32:42: How long it took Katie Bennett to win the women’s half marathon
Upcoming Events
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.
NOTE: The Saskatoon Police Foundation Half Marathon, previously scheduled for May 5, has been cancelled in support of this new event. The foundation is expected to announce a new "challenge" soon.
Saturday May 11, 2019: Royal Road Race (Regina) SOLD OUT
The ninth-annual Royal Road Race, hosted by the Jaleta Pacers and the RCMP is once again being held on Mother’s Day weekend. This event is sold out. 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.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.Sunday June 23: Brainsport Donut Dash
Register now for a timed, family-friendly five-kilometre race that starts from the new track at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. This event is a fundraiser for the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.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.
Announcements
Sign up now for the Brooks Run Signature Event
Dates and times
Cost: Free
What: At Brainsport we continually strive to give our customers the best experience possible. We have added another tool to our shoe-fitting process: the Brooks Run Signature app! This system allows us to do a quick analysis of your running gait and ultimately help determine the proper shoe type for your specific running style. We provide this service free to our customers, however you must sign up for one of the available time slots if you are interested. (Sign up for day one here and day two here)
What you need to know:
1) This system is designed to analyze running gait. It does not work for walking.
2) You will be required to run on a treadmill barefoot or in sock feet. Typically the run portion is complete in a couple of minutes and the whole process is done in 5 - 10 minutes.
3) You must bring/wear the proper gear in order to participate. Shorts or tights work best. Loose fitting clothing does not work.
4) If you are currently injured, or have any condition that may prevent you from running naturally on a treadmill, it is advised that you wait for one of our future Run Signature events.Track and Field volunteers needed
Here's your chance to support young track and field athletes. Attend a two-hour training session to become a valuable member of the officiating team at future track and field meets. A clinic is being held Friday April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Saskatoon Field House in conjunction with the Aboriginal Indoor Track and Field Championships. For more info or to register email
Courses and programsMaraFun
The Marafun program gives students aged six to 13 an opportunity to run a marathon in a novel way.
For 10 weeks starting in March, students will walk, run or wheel 40 kilometres. This training will lead them to the Saskatchewan Marathon race day on Sunday, May 26 when all participants come together to cap off their hard work by running or walking a fun 2.2-kilometre race on part of the marathon course.
Throughout the program, the young athletes learn about an active lifestyle, how they can maintain an activity program to promote health, and the importance of having personal goals.
Being involved requires is a team leader and young participants. Team leaders get children to run, walk or wheel a specific number of kilometers per week and coordinates attendance to the Saskatchewan Marathon on May 26.
The fee is $20 per student, which includes a t-shirt, medal and trip to the food tent on race day, along with other things to encourage them to complete the program and build a lifelong love of being physically active.
Team leaders can get more information and register their schools for a 10-week program here.OnTrack
This high school running program is geared toward MaraFun grads and new runners. The eight-week program prepares students aged 12 to 18 to run a five-kilometre race at the Saskatchewan Marathon. Team leaders can organize students who are attending high school, home-schooled, or who are part of an organization or group. Team leaders should contact Jeff at
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.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.PatTrick Running Clinic (12-week marathon training program for the Saskatchewan Marathon)
Coach: Pat Somerville
Date and 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.PatTrick Running Clinic (27-week marathon training program for the Saskatchewan and Queen City marathons)
Coach: Pat Somerville
Date and 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. 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 offers a Yoga for Athletes course Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. until March 14 at Midwest Karate Studio on 506 Duchess St. Drop in for $18 when space is available.
A second course at Midwest Karate Studio will be offered for eight weeks on Thursdays from March 7 to April 25 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. $105 to register for the whole session.
For more information and to register contact Leanne Parsons at
Product of the WeekNike Air Zoom Pegasus 35
Brainsport is now carrying Nike products. The lightweight Nike Air Zoom Pegasus has been a staple of Nike for 35 years. A redesigned tongue and collar plus soft mesh upper hug your foot while the Nike Zoom airbag in the sole offers responsive cushioning.