Many staff members at Saskatoon’s 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company love getting outside and moving. They created a Nordic ski club earlier this year when winter and COVID blahs were in full swing and that club has now transitioned into a free weekly running group.
“From our Nordic ski club in the winter we saw how big of a community was formed and just how nice it was for people to get out and meet new people,” says run club leader Erin Sawatzky. “Especially after these past two years, it’s something that people have really been searching for.”
Here’s what you need to know about the 9 Mile Legacy Run Club.
When: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at the 9 Mile Legacy taproom at 229 20th St W.
What: Accompanied by a run club leader from 9 Mile, runners depart from the taproom and head south along the river to the Gordie Howe Bridge in Holiday Park. They then turn around and head back for a beer (or two).
Runners stop at predetermined meeting points to wait for everyone and ensure no one gets left behind. Recently, the full distance has been about eight kilometres round trip and typically takes about 75 minutes by the time everyone stops to talk along the way. Future routes and distances may change as the club grows.
Sawatzky says the run club is premised on 9 Mile’s core values of inclusivity and building connections.
“We all chat along the way and get to know each other,” she says. “It’s really cool to be able to see friendships form. There’s a big group of people now that are really good friends from ski club. And we’re all planning on running the Beaver Flat together, which is really exciting.”
Who: This club is geared toward runners of all abilities.
“Whether you are a seasoned runner or are new to the sport, we would love to have everyone join us; we are mostly here to meet new pals and drink tasty brews together afterwards,” Sawatzky says.
“We are a very welcoming group. Everyone that has shown up is very welcoming and eager to run with new people. No one’s racing ahead or trying to get the fastest time. We take it fairly slow so no one’s left behind.”
How to join: This is a free club and no registration is required to show up. Simply show up at 9 Mile any Wednesday evening with a good attitude and clothes you’re comfortable running in.
