The organizers of the Moose Mountain Marathon are once again gearing up for the big day, which will be held on August 11, at 7 a.m.
The Marathon is looking at it's fifth year. The event began when Cathy Burton, Lucille Weber, and Eugene Brown attended the Coal Country Run. A comment was made that they should hold one and a decision was made to organize the first annual Moose Mountain Marathon.
"Last year we held another very successful marathon at Saskairie," Cathy Burton explained, "We had another increase in our registration of over 65 percent. This year again we have the availability of the internet and the Running Room website."
As the number of attendees increases the group has seen people from far and wide participate, which is made much easier with the availability of the Running Room's online registration for the event.
"Over the years we have had runners from all over Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and North Dakota," Burton explains. "This has meant that we have had more runners and walkers enjoying the beautiful Moose Mountains and spending time in our communities."
The marathon is based out of Saskairie where the terrain is somewhat hilly, but the view is incomparable through the trees to the prairies and back again.
They usually plan two routes. One meanders through the trees into the Moose Mountains and is considered to be quite elusive as it has been too saturated by rain in previous years, having only been used once. The other path runs along grid roads to the south of Saskairie, which do not retain the water like the paths through the trees.
The marathon has three event options. There is a five kilometre run/walk, a 10 kilometre run/walk, and finallya half marathon run. All are $40 to participate in, with an option of purchasing a $20 Moose Mountain Marathon T-shirt. If interested in a T-shirt to "Run on the wild side," as the marathon's slogan exclaims, individuals must pre-register by Friday, June 7, otherwise registration is open until August 9.
Included in the registration fee are medals for all finishers, awards, and brunch. There are also water stations spaced every two and a half kilometres, which are run by volunteers.
"The Moose Mountain Marathon has had wonderful support from our community as well as from the surrounding communities," Burton stated. "The donations and volunteers has been overwhelming."
All funds raised following expenses goes to the Arcola Track Club, to which Eugene Brown is the coach. Last year his team had many competitors who qualified for Team South East in the Saskatchewan Summer Games.
"The Arcola Track Club has benefited greatly from this event," Burton explained. "The money raised stays within the school and benefits all of our kids. With our profits, we were able to continue to make the many (much needed) upgrades to our weight room, gym, and track. The funds have also helped to send our athletes to many miscellaneous track and field events."
Looking forward to another good turn out the organizers have been very pleased with how the event has grown and is appreciative of the support they have received.
"This event and the growth of it have shown the growing interest with health and fitness among our communities," Burton exclaimed. "Our hope is that the more adults and kids we can get interested in running the healthier our communities will become."
To register for the event visit The Running Room's online registration form at http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=9134 or contact an organizer directly.
