When Saskatoon Road Runners Association (SRRA) President Peter Goode heard that the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival was planning to build a permanent site for its performances, he knew it was a perfect project for the city’s running community to help out with.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan leases land from the city on the west bank of the South Saskatchewan River near the Prairie Lily riverboat dock and former Mendel Art Gallery building. The organization spends weeks erecting a main stage every spring and then takes it down at the end of each summer once performances are over. When shows are not being performed, the site is locked.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is now in the midst of a fundraising campaign to create a permanent base for its festival. In addition to building an amphitheatre, the organization has plans to convert the nearby seasonal washrooms to year-round facilities with an indoor water fountain and to work with the Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) to route the Meewasin trail through the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site.
Artist rendering of the new Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site provided by aodbt Architects
Given the anticipated improvements to the trail system, Goode said it was a “no brainer” for the SRRA to contribute to the project.
So, until Jan. 31, the SRRA is matching donations to the campaign up to $50,000 for a total potential gift of $100,000.
Alan Long, director of marketing and development for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, says the organization began fundraising in December of 2017 with a goal of raising $3.5 million. The campaign had garnered $1.6 million by early January.
Long says he hopes Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan can reach 80 per cent of its fundraising goal (roughly $2.8 million) by the spring. He wants to get shovels in the ground this fall and the permanent site open by the spring of 2020.
“It’s a lofty goal,” he admits.
Once a permanent site is in place, the gates will be open year-round except for private events or event set-up. When that happens, runners will be able to follow trails similar to the existing ones, which take them past the site gates.
Artist rendering of the new Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site provided by aodbt Architects
Long expects the renovated site to be used by many organizations throughout the year.
“It’s a great location to launch a run or two or have other events on the site,” he said.
For example, the Saskatoon Police Service has already expressed interest in holding the annual Race Against Racism there once the site is operational, Long said.
Goode says proposed plans to put a wider trail through the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site will make the trail safer, since that area can be congested with runners and cyclists competing for limited space. He also said the winterized washrooms are “really critical.”
“I run with people who, they’re out for a long run and sometimes it’s a long time between washroom buildings, especially in the winter, so that’s going to be a huge benefit,” he said.
Find out how to give through the SRRA's donation matching program here.
Store sale
Run, walk or polka to Brainsport's Polka Days sale happening Fri. Jan 18 to Sun. Jan. 20. Enjoy 10 to 70 per cent off select merchandise.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Mar. 3, 2019: Brainsport Brainfreeze
Brainsport’s Brainfreeze is a winter run that raises money for the University of Saskatchewan cross country team. Enjoy the snow-coated scenery as you choose from a five-kilometre, 10-kilometre or half marathon distance along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Register now.
Sunday May 5, 2019: Saskatoon Police Service Foundation Half Marathon
Featuring 21-kilometre,10-kilometre and five-kilometre routes, this annual event raises money for various Saskatoon charities. Register now.
Saturday May 11, 2019: Royal Road Race (Regina)
The ninth-annual Royal Road Race, hosted by the Jaleta Pacers and the RCMP is once again being held on Mother’s Day weekend. Since it began, this race has contributed over $161,549 to local charities. Held on the RCMP Training Academy grounds in Regina, this fast course has something for everyone with five-kilometre and 10-kilometre races, a five-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre wheelchair and a one-kilometre Mini-Mountie run for children. This race sells out fast so make sure to register soon. Prices increase Mar. 31. Register by Jan. 18 to be entered in a draw to win a pair of Hillberg & Berk sparkle ball earrings.
Sunday May 26, 2019: Saskatchewan Marathon
The Saskatchewan Marathon is the oldest marathon in Saskatchewan. The event is organized and produced by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association. The 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon features Craven SPORT services five-kilometre, Goodlife Fitness 10-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon event distances along a scenic course highlighting the world-renowned Meewasin Valley. Easily deemed one of the most scenic running events in Canada, the Saskatchewan Marathon is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Sign up today. Prices increase Mar. 1.
Courses and programs
Brainsport Running Academy: Full Marathon and Half Marathon Clinic
This clinic, coached by Pat Somerville, is ideal for less experienced runners or those looking to improve their previous half or full marathon times. It is recommended you be able to run 40 minutes consecutively before joining this clinic. The clinic runs Monday evenings from Brainsport starting at 6 p.m. It runs from Jan. 21 to May 20 and will prepare runners for the 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon on May 26. In addition to weekly coached runs, there will be informational sessions on topics such as injury prevention, core stability, running technique, nutrition, yoga for runners, and more. Register online now.
Transition Sport and Fitness Triathlon Training Group
The three-month winter program began Jan. 8. Choose from one-, two- or three-times-per week options. Register here. Email
Virtual Cycle Sundays and Virtual Pilates Mondays
Take part in a fitness class from the comfort of your home through virtual classes hosted by Transition Sport and Fitness. The Sunday rides run from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the Monday pilates go from 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. The pilates class is tailored towards triathletes. Visit www.transitionsportandfitness.ca or email
Breathe Move Be Yoga for Athletes
Breathe Move Be offers a Yoga for Athletes course Thursday evenings from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. from Jan. 10 to March 14 at Midwest Karate Studio. $140 to pre-register for all classes. Drop-in spots will be made available for $18 when space is available. For more information and to register contact Leanne Parsons at
Announcements
Saskatoon Road Runners Association Matching Donations to Improve Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Site
Until Jan. 31, The Saskatoon Road Runners Association will match donations up to $50,000 to improve the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site and adjacent trails. Donate and learn more about the project through the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan website.
Saskatchewan Marathon Seeking Pace Bunnies
Pace bunnies are needed for the five-kilometre, 10-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon distances for the May 26 races. The most important bunnies are at the 0:30, 1:00, 2:00 and 4:00 times in the respective distances. Organizers will then look for bunnies in five-, 10- or 15-minute increments on either side of the milestone times. If you're interested, please contact pace bunny wrangler Dave Stark by email at
Product of the Week
Craft Women's Protect Cross-Country Ski Skirt
This insulated, water-repellant skirt can be worn over running tights to keep you warm on the chilliest days. Photo: www.craftsports.us
The Brainsport Times brings you news and stories from Saskatoon's running community every Wednesday. If you have a story to share, an event you want featured or suggestions for future content, please email Brainsport Times editor