Runners and spectators from all across Canada will be gathering in Diefenbaker Park this Sunday for the 45th Saskatchewan Marathon.
Race Director Kim Ali says the marathon would not be possible without the 400 volunteers that donate their time to organize it, and the event serves as a place to bring the community together. Ali says many community partners also come together to make sure the event can happen. These include various cultural groups, running groups, sporting agencies, corporate businesses, and small businesses.
The first race starts at 7:00am, with several more at 7:30 and 7:45, and the children’s beginning at 10:30. There are 1900 kids participating in the race as part of their school’s MaraFun program. A Finish Line Village will be set up in the park complete with food trucks, a food tent, a performance from the band A Dram Too Few, and track-and-field activities for children. Proceeds from the marathon go towards Meewasin Valley Authority for future projects and maintenance of their trails. Ali also says they could always use more volunteers, and anyone wanting to help out can register at saskmarathon.ca.
To accommodate the race, no parking signs, road closures and lane restrictions will be in place along marathon routes. For safety, police control will be in place at intersections along marathon routes.
Road restrictions in place during this event:
Diefenbaker Park Road loop closed
St. Henry Avenue road closed between Taylor Street and Diefenbaker Park
Ruth Street road closed between Herman and St. Henry avenues
Taylor Street road closed between St. Henry and Victoria avenues
Victoria Avenue road and lane closures between Adelaide Street and Saskatchewan Crescent
McPherson Avenue road closed between Taylor and 7th streets
Saskatchewan Crescent road and lane closures between Eastlake Avenue and Taylor Street
Traffic Bridge road closed between Saskatchewan Crescent and 19th Street
Spadina Crescent road closed between Power Road and Schuyler Street
Spadina Crescent road and lane closures between 2nd Avenue and Pinehouse Drive
Drivers are reminded to drive carefully, watch for participants and officials, and to be aware of “no parking” signs along marathon routes.
Saskatoon Transit may be affected by these detours.