Organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA), the Saskatchewan Marathon has become a key part of the spring outdoor events season in Saskatoon. And in 2022, participants can choose to run virtually between May 30 to June 30 and an in-person race happening on the weekend of May 27 to 29. There are many options from 2.2K to 42.2K and an option to run or walk. The finisher medals are inspired by the beautiful sunsets in the “Land of the Living Skies.”
In addition to this being back live this year, the SRRA has forged a closer partnership with the Meewasin. Meewasin, the Cree word for beautiful, has been the charity of choice for many years but now Meewasin will be the main beneficiary of the 2022 Saskatchewan Marathon. Proceeds from the event will support Meewasin’s important work in the Meewasin Valley, building trails and conserving the river valley.
Andrea Lafond, CEO of Meewasin spoke to the relationship between the organizations. “There is a long history between Meewasin and the Saskatchewan Marathon. Not only is it the location of the event, the Meewasin Trail, but it is where many of the participants train for the event. Making Meewasin the beneficiary of proceeds of the 2022 event just takes that relationship to the next level. We thank the SRRA volunteers for working so hard on this wonderful event.”
This year’s event includes a new 2.2 distance for families, sponsored by Family Focus Eyecare. Company lead, Dr. Vy Tham, says “Family Focus Eyecare is thrilled to be a sponsor of the 2022 Saskatchewan Marathon. We believe in supporting events that promote health, wellbeing and build a sense of community in our vibrant city. We also feel it is important to give back to the beautiful land on which we live and help raise funds for the Meewasin Valley.”
The race has existed since 1979 and the 42.2K distance is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Greg Fenty has been the course designer for the Saskatchewan Marathon each year and has been ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper! While that MIGHT be an exaggeration, it’s no stretch of the imagination to say that he is a key player on the race ommittee. Starting out as a runner early on he continues to race in events across Western Canada.
Also new is a commitment to pay respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. One of the ways this is happening is by engaging Indigenous artist, Brandy Jones. Brandy is an Inuit and Gwitchin artist originally from Williams Lake, British Columbia who now makes her home on Treaty 4 Territory in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is inspired by Haida, Salish, Inuit, and Metis art. Her use of abstract mixed mediums challenges the viewer to explore the layers of beauty that lie within her culture. Brady created the design for this year’s New Balance souvenir T-shirt. She explains, “This piece of art is dedicated to The First Nations of Saskatchewan – Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree), Nahkawininiwak (Saulteaux), Nakota (Assiniboine), Dakota and Lakota (Sioux), and Denesuline (Dene/Chipewyan). To me this piece of work was a representation of coming together in unity for a brighter tomorrow and walking together, as people of Saskatchewan.”
And that’s what they are all about in Saskatoon – supporting each other to reach each of their goals whether they are running, walking or raising funds for a great cause.
Join the Saskatchewan Marathon in Saskatoon May 27 – 29, or virtually between May 30-June 30 by registering here: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/51829/saskatchewan-marathon
