Sask. Marathon attracts over 4,000 runners for 39th race

The 39th annual Saskatchewan Marathon got underway Sunday morning with organizers expecting more than 4,000 people.

“The volunteers make the race,” C95 Mornings Host, Shauna Foster said, whose ran in the 10km race the last seven years. “They’re always cheering you on with a huge smile.”

The races included a marathon (42km), half-marathon (21 km), 10 km, and 5 km races.

A pre-race ceremony went at 7:15 a.m. with 1,300 runners starting the full marathon on St Henry Ave next to Diefenbaker Park at 7:30 a.m.

“I love the race because nobody is judging you,” Foster said.

And they’re off- full and half marathon 1300 runners running a race @SaskMarathon @CKOMNews #yxe pic.twitter.com/tICKPvtskU

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) May 28, 2017

The 42-km marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier if a certain time is hit in the respective age group.

The winner of the Saskatchewan Marathon gets $1,500.

The race means several road closures in the Exhibition neighbourhood and on Spadina Crescent Sunday.

Shad Ali with @SaskMarathon talking about the 39th annual event- 10 km getting underway at 8 a.m. @CKOMNews #yxe pic.twitter.com/OQN6tCju7N

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) May 28, 2017