YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times Mar. 28, 2018
T-minus 60 days until the running of the 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon!
For some, this may still be enough time to get prepared for the full marathon event; for others, there's still plenty of time to get ready to run the 5K, 10K, or half-marathon. It's a big year for the Saskatchewan Marathon as it celebrates its 40th year putting on one of the premier road races in the country.
In this week's Q&A we're speaking with Saskatchewan Marathon Race Director, Kim Ali to get the scoop on all the excitement surrounding this year's event!
Q&A with Kim Ali
Tara: This is an exciting year as the Saskatchewan Marathon marks its 40th year of existence. What does this milestone mean to the SRRA, and will there be any special celebrations at the event this year?
Kim: Yes! We’re planning “A Run Down Memory Lane” at the Race Expo. You can check out paraphernalia from past years and maybe even pictures of “streakers!” We’ll pay tribute to the fact that we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the homeland of the Metis. And lots of little surprises on race weekend . . . there may even be goats!
Tara: The Saskatchewan Marathon is consistently one of the best road races in the country, whether it’s the 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon. What contributes to this being such a quality event each year?
Kim: We like to push the envelope. We have clever volunteers with ingenious ideas and the passion to make them happen. It’s a tradition for so many organizations that look forward to helping us keep the “rubber on the road.” We launch the Saskatoon summer festival season with fitness, food and fun!
Thousands of runners take to the streets of Saskatoon each year for the running of the Saskatchewan Marathon. Photo supplied
Tara: There's still time to get registered this year. What do you have to say to new runners who might be apprehensive about registering for this top-notch event?
Kim: We strive to make the experience special for everyone, no matter their running or walking abilities. We are here for you, along the course, at the finish line, before the race and afterward. No one gets left behind -- it’s what made the event endure for 40 years.
There's no lack of support at the Saskatchewan Marathon. Photo supplied
Tara: The pasta dinner has a super special guest speaker this year - Olympic marathoner - Krista Duchene. What was the motivating factor is getting Krista to come in and speak?
Kim: Olympian, Marathon Mom and dietician, Krista’s girl-next-door attitude and her road to the Olympics has provided her with so many lessons that we can apply to our own lives. She’ll also do some colour commentating at the Finish Line – so that’s really going to be fun!
The MaraFun encourages children to get involved in leading an active lifestyle. Photo supplied
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Kim: It’s a fiesta of fun and fitness with something for everyone – the gazelles and the sloths, the MaraFunners and the ONTRACKers. If you can’t be on the course this year, be part of that colourful bunch we call the Volunteer Crew! It’s going to be a blast!
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/.
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.
Canada Goose Ultra
The 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.
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.
Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23. Coach, Kim Galus.
#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 Celebration
The 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.
Spring Triathlon Training Program
Transition Sport & Fitness' Spring Triathlon Training program runs March 27 to June 2. Choose from on one, two, or three times training for swim, bike and/or run. Coach's tips, info clinics and all the support you need to get in great shape and/or complete a triathlon. The program ends with a super beginner-friendly Transition Triathlon. http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more information. Or, click here to register.
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.
Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
The 2018 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is being held on April 29. This event features 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances - and is open to runners/walkers of all levels. For more information and to register go to https://saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org/. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you would like to give some of your time please contact Sgt. Wade Bourassa at
Brainsport Spring Run Off 
Join us on Saturday, May 12 in 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.
Brainsport Run Club - Thursday Morning Run 
The Brainsport Run Club is now gathering every Thursday morning at 10 a.m at the store. This session is in addition to the Wednesday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. sessions. Run Club is free and open to all levels of runners. We look forward to seeing you out with us for a run!
Yoga For Runners - Spring Tune Up
BreathMoveBe is offering 11 weeks of yoga to help get you ready for the Saskatchewan Marathon. The sessions run from March 13 to May 22 on Tuesdaynights from 6:05 to 7:05 at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Ave. North. Cost is $140 for pre-registered. Drop-in will be available if space permits. Register by contacting
Product of the Week
New Balance 890v6
Saskatchewan Marathon, MaraFun ambassador, Tarrant Cross Child has selected the New Balance 890v6 as this week's featured product. Often referred to as a cult favorite from years ago, the 890 is back! Its REVlite midsole provides a responsive ride, while the arch-hugging bootie brings a comfortable, supportive fit.
Tarrant recently took the 890 for a spin at Niagara Falls and says he "was impressed with the support and cushioning." He also notes the versatility of the 890, with it being a great fit for both tempo and long runs.
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara
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