Brainsport Times Apr. 24, 2019

Competitors in this year's Saskatchewan Marathon events can expect a scenic route and a festive post-race atmosphere.

Saskatchewan Marathon Director Kim Ali said the opening of the Traffic Bridge in the fall of 2018 is allowing race organizers to route runners along the Meewasin Valley trail for much of the races. The Traffic Bridge will be closed to vehicles on the morning of the race and runners in the 10-kilometre, half marathon and marathon distances will run over it at least twice.

"We're trying to make the race even more beautiful, running more kilometres along the Meewasin Valley," Ali said.

The five-kilometre course, which ran through a residential area of the city's Exhibition neighbourhood last year, is largely unchanged except that they will start and finish under the Saskatchewan Marathon arch. Ali says the fast, flat course has been popular with athletes in the past.

Course changes and the resulting road closures that are needed mean all races are starting 30 minutes earlier this year as compared to last year. The half marathon and marathon will get underway at 7 a.m. while the 10-kilometre race will start at 7:45 a.m. and the five-kilometre race begins at 8 a.m.

In addition to changing up the courses, race organizers made a decision not to host a pasta dinner on the eve of the race. Instead, organizers are focussing on "a finish-line village carnival” and all participants can take their bib to Boston Pizza on May 25 — the evening before the race — to get a 25% discount on their food order.

"The race committee decided that we wanted to increase the animation of the Finish Line Village so that all participants can join in the fun. Participants and volunteers can just drop in and be a part of it and people's families and other spectators can be a part of it as well," Ali said.

Among the food tent and bag drop, there will be a Vendor Village (where you can find Brainsport), food trucks and activities such as tug of war. A "yoga jam" will start at 10:00 a.m. featuring local band Bombargo and yogi Ryan Leier.

Last year, 2,198 people crossed the finish line in the Saskatchewan Marathon's four events: 583 in the five-kilometre, 895 in the 10-kilometre, 602 in the half marathon and 118 in the marathon. In addition, 1,600 kids finished a 10-week training program by running 2.2 kilometres on the Saskatchewan Marathon course as part of the MaraFun event.

Ali said she expects numbers to be similar this year.

Though the marathon has consistently had the lowest registration of the offered distances, Ali said there are no plans to scrap the Saskatchewan Marathon's longest race.

"The marathon race is a very important element of this event," she said. "It provides inspiration for runners and excitement as those athletes cross the finish line."

The Saskatchewan Marathon is Sunday May 26, 2019.

To register and to see the course map, visit the Saskatchewan Marathon website.

Upcoming Races

Saturday May 11, 2019: Step Up for Mental Health SOLD OUT
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. This event is sold out.
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.

Saturday July 20: Runner's Soul Fifth Avenue Mile (Lethbridge, AB)
2019 is the 25th Anniversary of the Runner's Soul store in Lethbridge. Help celebrate by taking part in the Runner's Soul Fifth Avenue Mile. Runners will enjoy a fast, flat route and can compete for cash prizes. Post-race festivities include food trucks and vendors. 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.

Announcements

Get your tickets for the VIMFF playing next week at the Broadway Theatre

What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival: Best of the Fest
When: Monday April 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Broadway Theatre
Cost: $20 (Proceeds go to Saskatoon Search and Rescue)
Celebrate and embrace mountain film and culture, outdoor sports, and environmental initiatives! The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Best of the Fest Tour presents unique films that passionately illustrate experiences, culture, environmentalism, exploration, and adventure from all corners of the globe. 
Tickets are available at Brainsport or online at the Broadway Theatre ticket office.

Courses and programs

Breathe Move Be Yoga for Athletes
An athlete-specific yoga course runs for 10 weeks on Thursday evenings at Midwest Karate Studio on 506 Duchess St. from March 28 to May 30. Classes go from 5:40p.m. to 6:40 p.m. Cost is $18 to drop in.
For more information and to register contact Leanne Parsons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Product of the Week

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