YourSaskatoon Blogs
Brainsport Times May. 18, 2016
There's no doubt, Saskatchewan is a great place for summer racing. Fast approaching is the Saskatchewan Marathon here in Saskatoon, which a lot of you have been in training for. Following this great event is the Queen City Marathon in September; another marquee racing event in the province.
In this week's Q&A we're speaking with the race director of the Queen City Marathon, Shawn Weimer. He has a lot of information for us, so let's get to it!
Tara: As plenty of runners are gearing up for the Saskatchewan Marathon, you're busy in preparation for the Queen City Marathon. Can you speak to the way these two events work as a nice combination for Saskatchewan runners?
Shawn: I think both events offer a quality experience for runners and walkers of all ages. With the Saskatchewan Marathon taking place prior to summer and the Queen City Marathon taking place after summer they are ideally placed to keep everyone moving all year long.
Tara: Are there any changes to this year's event? Or something in particular you are excited about the 2016 race?
Shawn: We made a lot of changes in 2015 to the Queen City Marathon, like a new course and start/finish location as well as expanding to two full days of events, so nothing major this year. We do have plans to make a few small tweaks in an effort to improve the overall experience for participants.
We do, however, have a few new things up our sleeves for this year's participants but I'm not quite ready to announce those yet. We encourage everyone to watch our Facebook and Twitter for announcements throughout the summer leading up to the race weekend in September.
Tara: Any tips for those looking to race in both events this year?
Shawn: I would encourage anyone who is participating in both events to keep their training fun and to find a group of friends to participate with.
Runners taking to the streets of Regina at the 2015 Queen City Marathon. Supplied Photo
Tara: I understand Brainsport Academy participants, and those reading the Brainsport Times, can expect a pretty good deal on entry fee this year. Would you mind telling us a bit more about this?
Shawn: We appreciate the support Brainsport always shows our event each year with helping to promote our event as well as hosting running clinics in Saskatoon. We thought it would be a nice gesture to share a discount on race fees to those clinic participants and the friends of the store who have not yet registered for this years race. You can pick up your promo code for the Queen City Marathon at Brainsport and save a few dollars.
Tara: In addition to being a great running event, the Queen City Marathon is also a fantastic charity fundraiser. Would you tell us a bit more about that, and what participants can do to help out?
Shawn: The Queen City Marathon encourages participants to make a charitable donation as part of their registration. This year we have expanded out charity partners and have included the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan as one of the partners for donations. The Queen City Marathon is also proud to provide donations directly to many of our charity partners after the race each year.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Shawn: The Queen City Marathon will have a booth at the Saskatchewan Marathon Expo this year. We encourage everyone to stop and say "hello." I look forward to meeting everyone and inviting you to come run with us in September.
I want to thank, Tara and Brainsport for sharing a little bit about our event and encourage anyone who has questions to email me at
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brainsport Speakers Series
You are all invited to come out for a super informative (and free) talk on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m in the Brainsport Community Room. Nutritionist and ultra-marathoner, Theo Phillips will being discussing his top tips for runners, including how to avoid an upset stomach on race day.
Please bring an empty water bottle for some taste testing. Theo is also doing a collection for the Food Bank, so if you can bring one small item to donate, that would be great!
Brainsport Running Academy
The Brainsport Running Academy has you covered if you're looking to peak for half marathon this fall. Starting on June 7, coach Pat Sommerville will get clinic participants ready and set to go! The target race for this clinic is the Queen City Marathon. Register online through Race Roster or come into Brainsport and we'll get you signed up!
38th Saskatchewan Marathon
The 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon taking place May 29 2016 features 5K, GoodLife Fitness 10K, Half-Marathon and Marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley through the city of Saskatoon. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
Register today at http://saskmarathon.ca/races/.
16th Annual Saskatchewan Credit Unions Queen City Marathon
SRRA Trail Race Series
Race #1 Saskatoon April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Race #2 Cranberry Flats, July 17 at 9 a.m.
Race # 3 Blackstrap, September 18 at a.m.
For more information on all the races visit https://srratrailraces.wordpress.com/.
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 10. The event consists of a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, with the 10k race being the Saskatchewan 10k provincial championship. It is a great route along the South Saskatchewan River. For those of you who will not be entering the race, please consider volunteering (volunteers can contact Nancy Milhousen at
Hike to Machu Picchu, Peru with Charity Challenge!
Do something truly life changing and start you own inspirational journey to help end blood cancer today! Not only will you be broadening your horizons and experiencing a different environment. You will be funding life saving research to beat blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The journey takes place October 15 to 22, 2016. For more information go to:
https://www.charitychallenge.ca/expedition2.html?id=1885&cid=3106.
Make It Happen — Triathlon
Here's your chance to give the triathlon a go — no timing involved — just fun! Distances for women-only heats are: Swim 200 metres, Bike 6K, Run 2K. Distances for co-ed heats are: Swim 500 metres, Bike 12K, Run 4K. Race day is May 15. For more information visit http://www.triformarlene.com.
NB Run Crew — New Balance running group
NB Run Crew meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at New Balance Saskatoon. Always free and open to all levels. The group runs every week from April 14 to June 9. This group is led by the girls of Black Dove Healthy Eats (Saija Shearer & Madison Heise) and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! For more information check out NB's Facebook page.
Club NB — New Balance walking group
This group is led by NB Ambassador Carol Keesey and will finish at the 5K event at the Mogathon on June 12! Check out NB's Facebook page for more details.
YIN/Restorative Yoga Workshop
Join BreatheMoveBe for a 2 hour workshop on Wednesday, June 1 from 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at the Brainsport Community Room. A yoga class that is specifically restorative in design uses props to support the body to encourage relaxation as well as enabling the student to receive the benefit of poses without engaging the muscles, the props do the work, we receive the benefit. $35 registration fee. Space is limited. Register today by contacting Leanne at http:
Yoga For Runners Spring Tune Up
This class is now full, but there are possible drop-in options. Text the number below. Come out for some runner specific yoga. Yoga is a great compliment to running and can help keep you running injury free! Starting Wednesday, April 6 to May 25. From 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Brainsport Community Room.Space is limited and fills up fast. To register contact Leanne via email at http:
Rock Your Run Contest
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Brainsport Running Club we are excited to announce the Rock Your Run contest. Brooks shoes is sending one lucky run club member to run the Las Vegas Marathon this fall.
There are several ways to enter: 1) Every time you lead a group at Run Club you get an entry. 2) All new Run Club members will get an entry. 3) Everyone who comes out to our July 13 anniversary Run Club gets and entry. In order to win you must be present for the draw on July 13. The prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Air, hotel and race entry included. Hope to see you at Run Club!
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
KEEN UNEEK
If you were in the store this past Saturday, you may have noticed staff were wearing the Keen UNEEK sandal; and there was also a big KEEN tent set up, you likely didn't miss! We all had fun in KEEN's new sandal. Its free-moving cord upper provides a nice customized feel. In addition to a very comfortable fit, this sandal also feels super stable and protective under the foot. The PU midsole is super durable and solid feeling. This is, indeed, a UNEEK sandal, capable of taking you on a ton of adventures this summer!
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara
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