Happy Global Running Day everyone!
This evening we're excited to be helping Brooks launch its Big Endorsement campaign, which we'll learn more about in this week's Q&A. To get in on the action come a little early to Run Club (5:45 p.m.) and stay a little later.
Now, let's jump right into our conversation with Brooks Retail Marketing Manager, Lilian Yamasaki to learn more!
Q&A with Lilian
Tara: The Big Endorsement campaign invites runners of all levels to sign a contract with Brooks. Would you explain more about with this means for runners, and more details of this exciting campaign?
Lilian: This is a campaign that is inclusive. We want to send a message that this sport is not just about celebrities and fast runners (even though Hugh Jackman and Nick Simmonds wear our products), it’s about every single runner: fast, slow, 800m, 5K, marathoners, trail, road, male, female, running for a cause, no cause, you name it! We believe that every runner counts.
For runners, it means being valued wherever their goals might be and they too, can have infinite bragging rights! We will treat the endorsed athlete, like a rock star! They will receive a Brooks’ contract, athlete’s code of conduct and to top it off, one dollar cheque!
Then, they will have access to training and nutritional tips and many other surprises.
Tara: This is such wide-reaching effort by Brooks to make a positive impact on runners - what was the motivation for it, and what made this year the right year for this campaign?
Lilian: The motivation comes from what Brooks stands for. We are about everyone who runs and we constantly talk about this at our office meetings and our runs. We live our motto so when we decided to put our philosophy forward, this campaign was born. The only reason this campaign is this year is because, we didn’t think of it two or three years ago!
Tara: How do runners get involved with the Biggest Endorsement Ever?
Lilian: Runners can go to brooksathlete.com and sign up to be endorsed athlete
Tara: What does Brooks hope this campaign brings to the sport, and to individual runners?
Lilian: We hope to ignite the sport and to change the way the world views athletes. We want every runner who is out there, in the morning, in the evening, running, to feel that they too are athletes.
Tara: Tell us about Brainsport's involvement with the campaign and today's kick-off event.
Lilian: Tonight, at Brainsport, you can celebrate with others the biggest endorsement deal in history. For everyone who comes by and signs up, will receive a golden pen. If any purchase is made, they receive a limited edition Run Happy trucker’s hat
UPCOMING EVENTS
Brainsport Mimosa Run
On June 11 join Brainsport and the Lasers Swim Club for a 5K fun run in support of the Lasers Para Swim Program, which helps athletes with physical disabilities learn to swim and compete. Your entry will include a scenic fun run; a beautiful souvenir tank; sophisticated post-run snacks, and a mimosa! For more information about the run and to register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
Open Water Swim Clinics
Transition is offering Open Water Swim Clinics at Pike Lake this June. These clinics are designed to increase triathletes/swimmers confidence and skills in the open water, and are targeted at both beginner and experienced triathletes/swimmers. Focus is on skills and tips for open water swimming including sighting, swimming around bouys, exits, etc. For more information click here.
Huskies Track and Field & Cross-Country Community Forum Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend this open session aimed at informing people about the Huskies' program and the vision for it. Local cross-country and track & field teams, along with all members of the community will have an opportunity to learn more about the program, take part in a Q&A and hear from the Huskies' new coach!
EY River Run Classic
The EY River Run Classic, organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association, is being held in Saskatoon on Sunday, July 9. The event consists of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, with the 10K race being part of the Saskatchewan Athletics Road Race Series. 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
Tri-Unity Challenge
Registration for the 2017 Tri-Unity Challenge being held on August 12 is now open. Challenge yourself to walk, jog or run 18K, 8K or 3K - all while taking in the sights of Pasquia Regional Park in the Carrot River Valley. For more information and to register click here.
Canada Goose 150 Race
This one-time only, no-pressure distance running event is being held on June 24 and 25 in Wascana Park in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. There's something for everyone at this fun-inspired event. Choose from 150-minute run to a 150K run, with plenty of other options in between. For more information click here.
Canada 150 Ultramarathon
Celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by taking on this unique ultra marathon traversing the Canadian Shield. The event will be held on July 1 at Falcon Lake, Manitoba (race starts at Great Falls). Run the 150 solo, or get a team together to participate in the relay! For more information go to http://canada150ultra.com/registration/,
Breath Move Be Yoga - Six More weeks!
Breath Move Be is offering runner specific yoga at Namaskar Yoga Studio (615 2nd Avenue North. Cost is $72 if pre-registered. There will also be a $17 drop-in option if there's room in class. Pre-register by contacting
Product of the Week
Brainsport Pop-Up Shop
If you haven't checked out the Brainsport Pop-Up Shop, you're missing out! Our old location at 704 Broadway is packed with hundreds of pairs of running shoes, walking shoes, sandals, casual shoes, and more! There's something for everyone! Click here for a sneak peak at the stocked shelves.
Store Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Thursday open late until 9 p.m.
Noon - 5 p.m. Sunday
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara