Brainsport Times Mar. 14, 2018

Imagine, for a moment, running a marathon in full police uniform - that's not an easy undertaking. But for Weyburn Police Service Constable Jeff Bartsch, it's a way to help raise awareness and funds for mental health.

The Saskatoon native is no stranger to Brainsport. While living here he was a regular participant of our Run Club and took part in the Brainsport Running Academy. He's now found a unique way to use his passion for running to help others.

In this week's Q&A we're going to learn more about Cst. Bartsch's endeavours, including how he plans on representing Brainsport next month in a race in Los Angeles. 

Q&A with Cst. Bartsch

Tara: You’ve run more than 130 kilometres in full police uniform to raise awareness and funds for mental health. To date, you've raised more than $6,000. What motivates you to run for this cause?

Cst. Bartsch: I run in police uniform to raise awareness and end the stigma with mental health, as I have been affected by anxiety in the past. With the nature of law enforcement and high-stress jobs, anxiety and mental health is something that all first responders deal with daily. We have to understand how to manage those stress factors with positive coping strategies and be able to educate people. This is where running comes into the picture. Running in my uniform helps me relieve stress and also opens up opportunities for me to engage with the community. I want to be a role model to show the public that exercise is a positive way to control stressful situations and maintain positive mental-health coping strategies. I also want people to know police officers are approachable.


Cst. Bartsch will be running in full uniform at the 2018 Run To Remember in Los Angeles on April 8, which honours first responders who have died on duty. Photo supplied

Tara: In 2016 you ran the Saskatchewan Marathon in your uniform, and consider that your greatest running accomplishment. Tell us what makes this such a special achievement?

Cst. Bartsch: Training and running the full marathon in full police gear was a real game changer for me. Being on the course for five hours and 45 minutes brought a lot more mental and physical struggles than the average marathoner, but it was worth it to raise awareness. I've run other half marathons and other distance races in my uniform, but this was the ultimate feat. Raising more than $2,500 for the Canadian Mental Health Association in Weyburn in preparation for the 2016 Saskatchewan Marathon not only gave me sense of an unbelievable accomplishment, but finishing the marathon in my hometown with the support of family, friends and other police colleagues from Weyburn and across Saskatchewan was extremely humbling and made me proud.

Tara: You have caught the attention of police force's south of the border with your unique campaign. Would you mind telling us more about that?

Cst. Bartsch: I’m now in my third year running in police uniform for charity. I call myself Marathon for Mental Health. Over the past three years, I’ve positively engaged on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This has drawn the attention of American law enforcement workers, who also run in uniform for other various charities. I've been invited as a Canadian guest to run alongside American law enforcement at this year’s Run to Remember Los Angeles on April 8. I’ve also been invited to Las Vegas in November.

Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cst. Bartsch: If anyone is curious about my campaign or would like to know more about what I do as a runner, or policing in general, feel free to contact me by email or through social media. I’m also proud to announce that I have received sponsorship from Brainsport with a pair of On running shoes and will be showcasing Brainsport at this year’s Run To Remember in Los Angeles.

Twitter: @WPSCstBartsch
Facebook: Marathon Mental Health/Jeff Bartsch
Instagram: @bartschjeff
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Upcoming Events

Saskatchewan Marathon



The 40th Annual Saskatchewan Marathon event takes place on May 27! There's still plenty of time to get registered and train for your event, whether it be the 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. This is sure to be an exciting weekend featuring a pasta dinner, race expo and some of the best road racing in the province! To learn more about the event, including how to volunteer go to http://saskmarathon.ca/.

Brainsport Running Academy Spring Courses

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. 

Learn To Run: Training for the 2018 Saskatchewan Marathon 5K event. Begins April 4, ends May 23. Coach, Kim Galus.

#PatTrick Run Program: This is an on-going training group coached by Pat Sommerville. Participants can join at any time. Training will include preparation for the Saskatchewan Marathon, and Queen City Marathon. 
 
For more information on these courses, and to register go to www.brainsport.ca. Or call the store at 306-244-0955.

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/. Volunteers are also needed for this event. If you would like to give some of your time please contact Sgt. Wade Bourassa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Brainsport Spring Run Off 



Join us on Saturday, May 12 in Elbow for our annual Spring Run Off! Take the short drive to Elbow, or hop on the shuttle, and enjoy a 5k or 10k trail run on the beautiful and challenging Elbow Recreational Trail. Register here: raceroster.com/events/2018/15233/brainsport-spring-run-off.

Brainsport Run Club - Thursday Morning Run 



The Brainsport Run Club is now gathering every Thursday morning at 10 a.m at the store. This session is in addition to the Wednesday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. sessions. Run Club is free and open to all levels of runners. We look forward to seeing you out with us for a run! 

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/.

Yoga For Runners - Spring Tune Up

BreathMoveBe is offering 11 weeks of yoga to help get you ready for the Saskatchewan Marathon. The sessions run from March 13 to May 22 on Tuesday nights from 6:05 to 7:05 at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Ave. North. Cost is $140 for pre-registered. Drop-in will be available if space permits. Register by contactinghttp:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or text Leanne at 306-251-2964.


Product of the Week

FlipBelt



If you're looking for a way to keep your belongings safe on the run, look no further than the FlipBelt. Its secure design feels just like a waistband; there's no slipping up or down, or sliding side to side. Hold your keys, phone, bank cards, licence, cash, etc. with ease! The FlipBelt is also an excellent option for travellers, providing a place for your need-to-keep-safe-and-accessible items, such your passport, cash, etc. We have a variety of colours and sizes in stock for you to check out! 

Thanks for reading the Times.
Gotta run,
Tara