The virtual Saskatchewan Marathon is almost upon us. For one month starting on May 28, participants can tackle a distance of their choosing and upload their results online.
Before the race kicks off, race director Kim Ali spoke with The Brainsport Times to address some of the frequently asked questions that have been coming her way recently.
Q: How do I pick up my race packet?
Saskatoon residents can pick up their race packets on Saturday May 29 or Sunday May 30 from the Forest Grove Community Church at 502 Webster Street. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
When registering, participants can request to have their race package mailed to them. If you need to have your package mailed to you but forgot to select this option email Kim at kimali@onpurpose.ca. If you registered after May 10 and requested your package be mailed to you it may not arrive before May 28.
Q: What’s in my race package?
A New Balance T-shirt, medal and race bib.
Q: When can I run?
You can run your race anytime between Friday May 28 and Monday June 28.
Q: Where should I run?
The beauty of a virtual race is that you can run wherever you want.
People running longer distances may want to consider running loops near their home so they have access to a bathroom and snacks as needed.
Runners should try to avoid crossing major roads and may want to measuring out their route in advance using free online programs such as mapmyrun.com.
For those who’d like to run the 2019 Saskatchewan Marathon courses, the race committee has provided maps of the routes on Racepoint.
Q: What do I do after I run?
All participants will receive an email before May 28 with instructions on how to upload their race results to Race Roster.
If you or your cheer squad took any photos during your run, share them on social media tagging @saskmarathon.
“We love to see photos of people crossing their own finish line or getting their medals — those kinds of things, those celebratory moments,” Kim says. “It’s important to celebrate success in this virtual race.”
Q: How can I stay safe while racing alone?
Tell someone when and where you are racing.
Particularly for longer distances, have your phone with you. If listening to music, keep at least one ear bud out so you can hear what’s going on around you.
Have your personal information and information of an emergency contact on your person. This can be on your bib if you choose to wear it.
Carry your own fuel and hydration or run a looped course so you have access to these at regular intervals.
Don’t run if you’re feeling sick. The flexibility in timing is one of the other advantages of a virtual race.
Do not spit or blow snot rockets.
If running with others, keep two meters distance.
Q: Are there age group awards?
No; prizes are not awarded based on posted results.