Brainfreeze race supports Huskies

The runners will wind their way along the scenic Meewasin river trail, passing by iconic Saskatoon landmarks, such as the Bessborough Hotel and many of the historic bridges spanning the South Saskatchewan River.

The Brainfreeze winter running race was first conceived in 2008, with the first race actually taking place in the winter of 2009. At that time, there were many races in Saskatchewan during the late spring, summer and early fall, but few offered throughout the winter months, a time of year that the Brainsport Running Store wanted to promote for running. Meanwhile, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Cross Country program was searching for a fundraising project that could generate the funds needed to supplement its athlete recruitment scholarships and could help cover some of its travel expenses to high-level competition around North America.

The goals of the Brainsport Running Store and the Huskies Cross Country team resulted in a partnered commitment to host the first annual Brainfreeze winter running race, with the store fulfilling its desire to promote the winter running scene and the team receiving the proceeds from the race. With the race now in its fifth iteration, the Brainsport crew continues to provide financial support and access to its many connections in the running community and the Huskies continue to tackle the organization and race-day operation of the event.

"We believe that organizing an annual race during the winter months provides a great goal for the Saskatchewan running community to look forward to throughout the winter months" said Alyosha Boldt, one of the race directors for this year's event. "Also, it's resulted in a very successful opportunity to give back to the Huskies Cross Country program, with the 100% of the race proceeds going towards establishing a scholarship fund for the athletes and even allowing them to travel to Portland Oregon in 2009 for a top-tier event".

The 2013 race takes place on Sunday, March 3rd with the official race start at 1:00pm in front of the Grace Westminster Church in Saskatoon. Registration for the race is open until March 2nd. Further information and registration forms can be found online at www.brainsport.ca or at the Brainsport Running Store on Broadway.