Happy new year to everyone! We're going to kick off the first edition of the Times this year with a look at a spring race you may want to get onto your calendar.
The Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon is a great opportunity to check in on your fitness after a long winter, whether you're a competitive runner or someone who simply enjoys getting out for a run.
To learn more we're going to speak with Sergeant Wade Bourassa, who founded this event and is passionate about the positive role running plays in the community.
Q&A with Sgt. Wade Bourassa
Tara: Let's start off by getting the scoop on this year's Saskatoon Police Half Marathon. What can participants expect? Will it be similar to last year's event?
Sgt. Bourassa: The 2018 edition of the Saskatoon Police Foundation Run is on April 29, and will be the same in format as years past with a 5k, 10k, and half marathon distance available. There are some pretty significant changes that people will notice this year. The first change people will notice is that we will be one of the less expensive runs around to register for. Unlike almost everything else these days, we have dropped the price to register by $10 a person for all three events. A 5k registration fee is only $38, including the online registration fee. This fee includes a medal, lunch following the run and use of the Police Service gym to stay warm before and after your run.
The second big change people will see is in the race shirts. We have heard loud and clear that peoples race shirts are lost in a drawer because it does not fit or people simply have too many of them, so why pay for them. This year's registration does not come with a shirt which reduces the cost. Before you panic, at checkout, you will still have the opportunity to add a shirt to your registration. After one day of open registration, we have experienced that about one-third of people are opting out of having a shirt. That is a lot of shirts and money that would have gone to waste saving everyone money and directing more money to our charity so it’s a win-win.
Tara: How did this event come to be? Did you, being a runner, have an influence on it coming to fruition?
Sgt. Bourassa: This event has lived a bit of an evolution. It started out with me as a runner and police officer creating an event in Saskatoon that could shine a light on the mental stress police officers and first responders face daily. We wanted to provide a fun way to keep them moving while engaging with the community. Having faced and struggled with the daily stress of being a first responder and seeing first hand how much running and movement is critical to my mental and physical health, I felt it was worth the effort.
The start of the 2017 Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Marathon. Photo supplied
Tara: What makes this an important event for the Saskatoon Police Service to put on each year?
Sgt. Bourassa: Over the years we found that we could do much more with the race than what we set out to do in year one. We found we could continue to help our community in a different way. The race has raised and donated close to $80,000 to charities in our city. Charities such as The Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Saskatoon Search and Rescue, and children's charities like Start2Finish and Recess Guardians have benefited from our race. In addition, we have helped a lot of children run and move; creating a healthy foundation for lifelong health.
Most recently the Saskatoon Police Service Foundation has been able to use race proceeds to directly partner with the Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Search and Rescue to develop a brand new program for Saskatoon that until now, nobody could afford. The Saskatoon Police Service Foundation raised $20,000 to fund Project Lifesaver Saskatoon which will help Saskatoon Search and Rescue help the Saskatoon Police Service find vulnerable missing people who have wandered from the safety of their home and family due to challenges such as dementia, Alzheimers or autism. People can visit www.saskatoonsearchandrescue.org for information on Project Lifesaver which will quite literally be a lifesaving program here in Saskatoon.
Tara: Who are the races aimed at in terms of ability levels and experience?
Sgt. Bourassa: The run is simply for everyone. Last year we had about 100 kids under the age 10, of all abilities take part in the 5k run along with walkers. Runners of all levels and ages enjoy the 5k, 10k and half marathon distances. Our run is intended for everyone to take part.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sgt. Bourassa: Our sponsors over the years have enabled our event to be successful. Previously Brainsport, PANAGO, Crimestoppers, SIGA, ASICS Canada, Tim Hortons and the City of Saskatoon to name a few have all made significant contributions to our race. This year will be no different. We are excited to welcome ON, who has partnered with Brainsport to provide some registration surprises and challenges this year. Look for those registration challenges through the coming months. ON is an exciting brand of running shoes being offered at Brainsport and so we are happy they have teamed up to help us out this year.
We are currently seeking out new sponsorship opportunities for this year's event so if you own, or you are part of a business that you feel can offer something to our event we would be pleased to have the opportunity to talk. We can be contacted at http:
You can get race updates, registration contests updates and registration updates at www.saskatoonpoliceservicefoundation.org or from Facebook on our race Facebook page Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon. Follow us on Twitter @YXEpolicerun for updates as well. We look forward to seeing you all on April 29!
Upcoming Events
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/.
Just Tri It
The women's only eight-week triathlon program runs from March 18 to May 13 and includes, 3 sessions per week, one of each swimming, biking, and running. For more information about the program visit https://justtriitcom.wordpress.com/.
Pace bunnies wanted - Saskatchewan Marathon
Saskatchewan Marathon organizers are on the hunt for pace bunnies for the 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon taking place on May 27, 2018. Bunnies are needed for the 5k (:30 pace), 10k (1:00 pace), half marathon (1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30 paces) and marathon (3:45, 4:00, 4:30 paces). Pace bunnies should have a good track record in their distance and time, with room to spare. For more information contact Dave Stark at
Theatre on the Trail - unique volunteer opportunity
Sum Theatre is looking for volunteer walkers/runners! Theatre on the Trail will be a one-of-a-kind winter experience coming to Saskatoon in January, 2018. Created by Sum Theatre, the company that has brought Theatre in the Park to communities across Saskatoon each summer for the past five years, this original, large-scale, and completely free theatre experience will invite audiences to explore the wintertime beauty of Saskatoon’s beautiful Meewasin Trail.
Experienced walkers/runners would lead these groups in a scenic walk along the river, celebrating being outdoors even in the heart of Saskatoon's winter! Performance times are4pm, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. on January 18, 19, and 20. For more information, contact: Lisette at
Brainsport Run Academy Winter Training Sessions
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. We have listed several options for you to chose from for your winter training desires.
Learn To Run at the YMCA (new) starts January 17/18 and ends March 7/18. Coached by Jen Kripki.
Learn To Run at Brainsport starts Wednesday, 6 p.m., January 10/17 and ends February 28/18. 8-week course. Coached by Karon Mathies.
#PatTrick Run Program. One low priced registration for three high-quality long distance training courses. Starting Nov. 28/17, 6 p.m. at Brainsport. Coached by Pat Somerville.
For more information and register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.
Brainsport Brainfreeze
Join us for the 10th Anniversary Brainfreeze! Run a 5k, 10k or half marathon and support the UofS Huskies Cross Country team. This run will feature chip timing, and the first 300 entrants will receive a pair of custom Mizuno running tights. Registration is open at Brainsport and online at http://www.brainsport.ca.
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships
Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Saskatchewan Aboriginal Track & Field Championships, being held on March 2 and March 3 at the Saskatoon Field House.
Visit www.saskatf.ca for more information, and for details on how to register to compete, or volunteer.
Yoga For Runners - New Classes beginning in 2018
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $100 pre-registered and $17 for drop-in (if available space). Classes run from January 9 to February 17. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
Smartloft Glove from Smartwool
One of the biggest challenges of running outdoors right now is keeping your hands warm. Hopefully, we can help you out this week by introducing Smartloft gloves.
These lightweight gloves are all about the wool insulation! Smartwool starts by using Merino to manage temperature and moisture against your skin and then adds SmartLoft 60g insulation for warmth without bulk. The outer part of the glovesare wind and moisture resistant to help keep the warmth in and your hands dry.
Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara