Harvey Mathies loves running. His love for running includes an evangelistic streak. Not only does he love running, but he wants everybody else to try it and love it too.
I met Harvey because of a tragedy. It was 2010 and a massive earthquake had struck Haiti. We all watched as people that had precious little to lose lost everything. Harv walked into Brainsport and asked if we would support a fun run to raise money for aid. The run was a success, though I don’t remember how much money was raised. I do remember that we hired him shortly afterward.
Since then, between shifts selling shoes, Harv has discovered ultramarathon trail running, has been a tireless leader at our Run Club, and he organizes the best New Year’s Eve celebration in Saskatoon: the No Frills Chili Run.
In its 8th year, Harv sees the run as a celebration. “It’s the last run of the year. We can get together with friends and celebrate that we’re all in good health and can go for a run together,” he says. “There are no expectations. It’s just a run and a bowl of chilli afterwards.”
For the last run of the streak, you can join in. Stop by Brainsport before 3 on Christmas Eve to sign up.
Once the streak is over, Harv keeps on running. You can join him for our free Run Club on Wednesday at 6 p.m, Thursday at 10 a.m or 12:08 p.m (special downtown edition), and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. He personally leads and organizes the Thursday workouts: 10 a.m. at Brainsport and 12:08 at the clock tower by the Meewasin skating rink.
Thank-you Harv!
(photo credit Harvey Mathies)
