As an employee at Brainsport, Harvey Weber is continually asked the same question these days: “What run groups can I join?”
Brainsport used to offer free run clubs almost every day, but those have been suspended as the store faces the challenges posed by the pandemic. While the Saskatoon Road Runners Association took over Brainsport’s Wednesday evening run groups this summer, that group is no longer meeting.
Brainsport is continuing to figure out what its run clubs will look like in this post-COVID era. In the meantime, there are still many ways for people in Saskatoon to run together.
“Some people love to run as individuals. But we’re kind of social creatures and once you start running with people, you can find a lot of enjoyment,” Weber says. “Having a small little run group or run community — that can really help your running and your fitness level and your motivation.”
Here are some of Weber’s suggestions for finding a run community that works for you:
Join a track club
Saskatoon’s track clubs are finding COVID-safe ways for runners of all ages and abilities to train and compete. You can find a list of clubs registered with Saskatchewan Athletics online. Some of the city’s largest clubs are the Saskatoon Track and Field Club, Riversdale Athletics Club and the Running Wild Athletics Club. The Century Masters Track Club is particularly popular with masters athletes.
Sign up for parkrun
The Mendel Riverbank parkrun is a free weekly five-kilometre run that takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Meewasin Trail by the Wunderhub. While it’s free to take part in, runners are asked to sign up online before they show up the first time so they can get a barcode to register their results.
Hop into the Back-of-the-Pack Running Club
If you’re a new runner, Mike McGuire’s Back of the Pack Running Club may be for you. This coached group proclaims itself to be “Saskatoon’s running club for people that don’t run.” The most recent training session began Oct. 19 and is wrapping up at Christmas, but a new session is expected to start in the new year. Stay tuned to the Facebook page for updates. The cost to new members is $40.
Meet up with runners at Rotary Park Monday or Thursday
Former Brainsport staffer Harvey Mathies leads free run clubs from Rotary Park Monday evenings at 6 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. Both groups are for runners of all abilities. On Mondays, runners go out for 17 minutes and then turn around, with the goal of everyone making it back to the start together. On Thursdays, everyone runs five kilometres. Participants try to ensure everyone has a group or partner to run or walk with and the front runners wait for the last runners at the turnaround point and the end of the run. The run typically ends with some visiting and a treat.
Connect with runners on social media
The Brainsport Virtual Run Clinic and Saskatoon Running Group Facebook groups are two popular social media communities frequented by Saskatoon runners and many members are looking for running buddies.
Before meeting up with a new running partner or running group, Weber advises that people ask three important questions: How far are people running, at what speed and on what surface (road or trails).
“You need to run with a group that you have confidence with,” Weber says. “If you’re running with a group that you’re not prepared to run with, that’s not good for you or for your running and can lead to injuries.”
The Brainsport December Run Streak Facebook group, which is active each December, is another great way to connect with other runners.
Register for a race
In-person races are back on the calendar and provide a great way to meet people who run at the same level as you. Even before you make it to the start line, you may be able to connect with runners on social media who have the same race plans and goals as you.
The Saskatchewan Marathon is going in-person this spring for the first time in two years, with events happening the May 27-29 weekend. Registration opened Nov. 25.