Run, run as fast as you can — registration for the Gingerbread Run opens Friday at 10 a.m.
And you really should run to register; this popular event, taking place in downtown Saskatoon on Sun. Nov. 26, tends to sell out fast. Here’s what you need to know about the run.
What: “Like a good gingerbread cookie, we aren’t changing the recipe for the Gingerbread Run,” says race organizer Carla Huntington.
Now in its 10th year, the Gingerbread Run pays homage to the children’s fairy tale “The Gingerbread Man” in which a speedy gingerbread man outruns and taunts many people before he is eventually caught.
In the Gingerbread Run, a speedy runner — typically a top University of Saskatchewan track or cross country athlete — toes the start line wearing a full-body gingerbread man costume and tries to beat all other participants all to the finish line.
“I ran this race with my youngest daughter one year – and I was forever hooked,” Huntington says.”It is family-fun race.”
While previous versions of the event have featured 10km distances and virtual options, this year’s event is solely an in-person 5km race.
When: The 2023 Gingerbread Run takes place on Sunday Nov. 26.
Why: Previous iterations of the Gingerbread Run have raised between $5,000 and $10,000 for local charities. Funds from this year’s event will support the Saskatoon YWCA.
“The YWCA Saskatoon had to turn away more than 4,000 women and children last year who wanted to access our shelter. We are very grateful for all runners who support this race and help us raise money to support women and children in need,” says Huntington, who serves as the Saskatoon YWCA’s vice president of development engagement when she’s not organizing road races.
Where: The event starts and ends at the YWCA on 25th Street East.
Because the YWCA is starting a major construction phase to add 35 units of transitional housing, the centre’s parking lot is a bit smaller than normal. “We encourage runners to arrive a bit earlier this year and find parking on the neighbourhood streets,” Huntington asks.
Register: Registration opens on Friday (Oct. 20) at 10 a.m. As in previous years, registration is capped at 400 runners.
“We expect it to be another sell-out, so we encourage people to enter early when registration starts,” Huntington says.
Find the registration link online through Race Roster, on Brainsport’s website or on Facebook.
