Year 1 - May 12, 1979

cloudy, rain showers
9am wind: northwest 19Kmh, 7am: 5°C, 11am: 11°C


male winner: Ted Hawes; 2:33:02
female winner: Sandra LeClaire; 3:18:03

This, the inaugural event, was a qualifier for the Marathon event of the Western Canada Summer Games. The event was hosted and organized by the Saskatoon Road Runners Association (established in 1975). The organizers of the Western Canada Summer Games needed an event to determine Saskatchewan qualifiers but also wanted to have a “trial run” of the course and the event generally to iron out any kinks.

There were 66 runners entered for the event and 53 finished. The top five finishers were 31 years of age or older and the winner was 37 years old.

The entry fee was $5.00 (late entries: $10.00). A special rate of $29 per night was available at the host hotel, the Bessborough.

Three time marathoner, Rick Hindmarsh, was asked before the race about “the wall” that marathoners hit at about the 20 mile mark. He said that at that point, he would “…say the marathoner’s prayer: May the wall have a doorway!”. He went on to finish 37th in a time of 3:30:22.

Year 2 - May 11, 1980

sunny
9am wind: north 15Kmh
7am: 1°C, 11am: 8°C

male winner: Ross Spence; 2:28:22
female winner: Dale Lyons; 3:21:07

The second Saskatchewan Marathon was run over the same route as the first event and the Western Canada Summer Games Marathon one year earlier. There were 68 entrants in the marathon and a half-marathon distance was incorporated in this year. The half-marathon course was run point-to-point, starting at Griffith's Stadium and ending near Saguenay Drive on Spadina Crescent. Fifty-seven athletes entered the half-marathon. The half-marathon was won by Russ Jones of Yorkton in a time of 1:11:21.

A reported 100 spectators watched Ross Spence finish in 2:28:22.

For the second year, Ken Arndt was the race director. Just three weeks before the Saskatchewan Marathon, Rosie Ruiz made headlines by cheating in the Boston Marathon. She jumped into the race in the last mile or so and "finished" with a remarkable time of 2:31:56 (but her deception was subsequently discovered and she was disqualified). Race Director Arndt was asked if such a thing could happen in Saskatoon. He replied: "With the control that we have, it can't happen.  We register each runner's time and number every five kilometres."

The early years of the Saskatchewan Marathon certainly attracted what today would be termed 'elite' athletes. While today, a four hour time for the marathon distance is an admirable goal, aspired to by many entrants, the bulk of the times in the early days were well under four hours. In fact, in this the second year of the event, the slowest time was 3:41:50.

Year 3 - October 4, 1981

sunny
9am wind: none, 7am: -2°C , 11am: 10°C


male winner: Glen Chilton; 2:42:41
female winner: Gwen Pelican; 3:13:27

The course for the third Saskatchewan Marathon was the same as in the previous years, being tried and tested three times. The half-marathon ended at the turnaround point near Assiniboine Drive.

Regina resident, 22 year old Glen Chilton led 105 runners who completed the marathon distance (140 had registered). Chilton acknowledged that he went out too fast and actually walked at times in the second half. He still did achieve a personal best. Gwen Pelican won the women's division in the marathon and was followed in second place by Leona Domshy (3:21:19). Domshy's time was good enough to win the women's masters' title. Don Cochrane was the men's masters' champ and fifth overall in 2:48:12.

In the half marathon, the men's winner was Adam Sarty (1:13:08). Judy Warick took the women's half marathon title in an unpublished time.

The marathon featured a special entrant: Saskatchewan native, but California resident, Gordon Johnson. He made the trip to Saskatoon specifically to run the marathon on his 50th birthday. Race director Martin Arndt made sure that Johnson was given a special bib, with number '50' and he completed the distance in 4:43:37.

There were a total of 245 registered competitors, a 50 per cent increase over 1980.

Year 4 - October 10, 1982

sunny
9am wind: northwest 7Kmh, 7am: -4°C, 11am: 6°C


male winner: Robert Moore; 2:26:06
female winner: Dale McNeil; 3:16:57

Earl Ripley finished in 16th place (3:06:08) in the first Saskatchewan Marathon and acted as race director for this year's event. The course was similar to the first three years', but started and ended at the Saskatoon Field House. The event this year served as the Canadian Master's Championship and the overall winner, Bob Moore, was also the Master's Champion. The women's Master's winner was Patti Wilson (3:20:30). Patti would go on to be the overall female Saskatchewan Marathon champion in 1985 and 1989.

A total of 278 athletes registered for the marathon or half-marathon and there were 241 finishers.
The half-marathon winners were Adam Sarty (1:10:50) and Joan Harelkin (1:27:39).

Year 5 - October 9, 1983

sunny
9am wind: south 17Kmh, 7am: 6 °C, 11am: 8 °C


male winner: Michael Graham; 2:32:50
female winner: Sherry Wright; 3:15:19

The first of a string of sponsors came on board for this event - it became known as the Molson Saskatchewan Marathon (Molson Brewery had been a sponsor of Regina's Marathon since 1978).

The event moved from the University start & finish location to a downtown start & finish - at Riverview Collegiate (subsequently known as the Gathercole Centre and torn down in 2005). A downtown gathering location would be used until a return to the University in 1987 and 2001 and to Diefenbaker Park for 2007 and 2008.

The Saskatchewan Marathon has always been an eligible qualifier for the Boston Marathon. This year, 17 participants ran times good enough to qualify for Boston.

The half-marathon winners were Louis Christ (1:13:14) and Jeanne McSheffrey (1:28:00).

For the first time, a 10 Kilometer distance was added to the event. The winners for this shorter distance were John Holiday (31:03) and Caroline Crabtree (34:49).

Year 6 - September 8, 1984

drizzle & fog
9am wind: northeast 15Kmh, 7am: 4°C, 11am: 4°C


male marathon winner: Jim Jasieniuk; 2:31:38
female marathon winner: Marie Wolfe; 3:37:12

This year, the Molson Saskatchewan Marathon was held in early September and just one month later, on October 7, an event known as the "Molson Medley" was held. That event featured distances of 5, 10 & 20 Km. The winners of the Molson Medley were:
Harry Weber & Caroline Crabtree in the 5Km;
John Halliday & Ev Cousins in the 10Km;and
Gary Baker in the 20Km (no female winner was reported).

The half-marathon winners were Albert Christ (1:12:11) and Ev Cousins (1:28:18).
In the 10Km event, Glen Charanduk (31:14) and Joan Harelkin (37:45) were the winners.
Noteworthy particpants included long-time race course designer and calibrator and 1992 race director, Greg Fenty (placing second in the marathon in 2:31:38). The masters division in the 10Km was won by Don Cochrane (34:06) and Pat Lorje (43:52).

Year 7 - October 13, 1985

cloudy
9am wind: southwest 13Kmh, 7am: -3 °C, 11am: 3 °C

male winner: Jorgen Lorensen; 2:39:21
female winner: Patricia Wilson; 3:16:01

After a couple of years participation by Molson's, sponsorship changed and the event became known as the Turbo Saskatchewan Marathon.

A total of 256 athletes registered for the three events (61 for the marathon), again starting and ending at Riverview Collegiate.

The half-marathon winners were Tim Murphy (1:12:53) and Joi Belyk (1:25:32); in the 10Km, it was Jim Jasieniuk (31:55) and Joan Harelkin (38:51).

Year 8 - October 12, 1986

sunny
9am wind: south 17Kmh, 7am: -3 °C, 11am: 6 °C


male winner: Jim Jasieniuk; 2:30:17
female winner: Joi Belyk; 3:07:34

The name of this event reverted back to simply the Saskatchewan Marathon. Race director, Bob Carmichael was hoping to top 400 entries for the three events, but with just one day to go, only about 200 athletes had registered. Bob said in an interview with the Star Phoenix: "I felt we should have had more people, but we're competing with Saskatoon Day at the Roughrider game in Regina". The marathon was dealt another blow when defending champion Jorgen Lorensen was forced to withdraw, due to an injury. A strong field was in place however. It included the eventual champ, Jim Jasieniuk, at the time regarded as one of the top marathoners in the country. Lorensen's presence was still felt, as he assisted Carmichael in the organization of the event.
The course was the same as last year's, but Carmichael did say: "I'd really like to see a change. The latter part of the race is relatively boring for a runner because it's strictly two loops and you always know exactly where you are".

For the first year, substantial prizes were awarded to the male and female winners: an all-expenses paid trip to the May 10, 1987 London Marathon.

Ted Jaleta (1:14:37) and Irene Kokotallo (1:26:00) won the half-marathon while Reno Lewis (32:50) and Judy Warick (42:48) were the 10Km champs for this year.

Year 9 - September 13, 1987

sunny
9am wind: east 22Kmh, 7am: 7 °C, 11am: 18°C


male winner: Mike Byers; 2:32:36
female winner: Zdena Price; 3:12:58

This was the last year until 2001 in which the event started and ended on campus, at the field house. Seventy runners completed the marathon.

The Saskatchewan Marathon would welcome wheelchair athletes through the years. This year was the first for them to be included. Colette Bourgonje won the 10Km wheelchair event in 38:53.

Jim Jasieniuk (1:14:09) and Genny Taylor (1:31:09) were winners in the half-marathon. The 10Km event was won by Mark Cutts (31:48) and Cathleen Ladly (42:06).

Year 10 - September 11, 1988

partly cloudy
9am wind: north 17Kmh, 7am: 7 °C, 11am: 10 °C


male winner: George Parker; 2:38:14
female winner: Lorraine Lees-McGough; 3:15:52

The Saskatchewan Marathon has had a few names in its 30 year history. From 1988 to 1991, the event was known as the Canada Goose Marathon. The 1988 race director, Ray Risling, had a desire to promote the growth of the event and thought that enticing Americans to visit was one way to do it. As a "marketing tool", Ray suggested the name :"Saskatchewan Canada Goose Marathon", thinking that his American goose hunter friends might come for a visit and run too. Ray would tell his friends that on many of his training runs along the South Saskatchewan River, dozens of Canada Geese would keep him company and the air was thick with them, in the fall, at the time of the Marathon. The name stuck through 1991. The event became known as the Saskatchewan Star Phoenix Marathon in 1992 and kept that name until 1998, when the local daily paper was the title sponsor. After that year, it became known as the Saskatchewan International Marathon.

The "International" part of the name was dropped in 2005 and the event has been known as the "Saskatchewan Marathon" since.

The number of entrants was increasing as the years went by. This year, there were 94 participants registered for the marathon and a total of 304 for the three events (10Km, half-marathon and marathon) combined.  In this year, marathon runners started at 21st Street and 3rd Avenue in downtown Saskatoon. The half-marathon and 10Km events started at a slightly different location: 19th Street and 3rd Avenue. The marathon completed two out and back northbound/southbound loops along Spadina Crescent.

In the other events, the 10Km event was won by Nick Hanna in 32:44 and Geanne Parker in 39:13. The wheelchair half-marathon champs were Shawn Konowski (1:19:44) and Colette Bourgonje (1:20:24). Jim Jasieniuk (1:09:45) and Lee Ann Forsyth (1:29:47) won the half-marathon. In his first recorded appearance in the Saskatchewan Marathon, eventual three-time marathoner winner (1992, 2000 and 2007), Brian Michasiw finished the half-marathon in 1:16:55.

Year 11 - September 10, 1989

cloudy, rain showers
9am wind: northwest 11Kmh, 7am: 1 °C, 11am: 4°C


male winner: George Parker; 2:39:21
female winner: Patricia Wilson; 3:21:19

Last year's race director, the "Marathon Man", Ray Risling, competed in his 53rd marathon in this year's Saskatchewan Canada Goose Marathon and finished in a time of 3:31:52. In doing so, Risling set a provincial record for most marathons completed by an individual.

In this year's event, no results were published for the other events: wheelchair, half-marathon and 10Km distances.

Year 12 - September 9, 1990

mostly sunny
9am wind: northwest 9Kmh, 7am: 4 °C, 11am: 14 °C


male winner: Richard Grabowski; 2:44:56
female winner: Donna Grisak; 2:59:36

In this year, there was no local newspaper coverage and while a record of the event certainly exists, the editor couldn't find it (and would be very happy to hear from the race director or anyone else involved in this, the third Saskatchewan Canada Goose Marathon). The Saskatoon Star Phoenix did publish a report that the Toronto Marathon, held on the same day, was won by former Saskatonian Carey Nelson in 2:15:27. Nelson won $14,000 as first prize.

Year 13 - September 6, 1991

cloudy
9am wind: northwest 17Kmh, 7am: 16°C, 11am: 17°C


male winner: Richard Webb; 2:31:33
female winner: Heather Stilborn; 3:28:55

Marathon winner, Rick Webb said: "This was a pretty good time for me... The difference between a comfortable marathon and a painful marathon is about two or three minutes... The difference between blowing up and doing terrible and doing well is five seconds per kilometre. Knowing that line is the challenge". Female winner Heather Stilborn said: "It was a case of trying to finish it. When I got to 25K, I decided to keep going five kilometres at a time and when I got past 35, I just thought I might as well finish". Stilborn would go on to win the next two years' events.

This was the first year relay teams could enter the marathon. "Jock's Flyer's" finished in 2:32:04, in the male division. The top female team was "Cheers for Quantum" (3:07:11) and the top mixed team was "Team Maid" in 2:51:23.

Year 14 - September 6, 1992

mostly cloudy
9am wind: west 11Kmh, 7am: 3 °C, 11am: 5 °C


male winner: Brian Michasiw; 2:43:13
female winner: Heather Stilborn; 3:28:55

From this year through 1995, the event was known as the Star Phoenix Saskatchewan Marathon, as a new major sponsor came on board. This was the second year that a relay event was offered, but the 10Km distance was eliminated. Race director, Greg Fenty, kept the same course, with a start at the west end of the Victoria/19th Street (now Traffic) bridge and a finish in the cul-de-sac south of 20th Street on Spadina Crescent.

In his first attempt at the marathon distance, 22 year old Brian Michasiw won in 2:42:13, the fastest time he would post in his three wins at the Saskatchewan Marathon.

There were approximately 100 marathoners, with a total of nearly 400 entered overall. In the half-marathon, the winners were Darren Yakimishyn (1:13:18) and Susan Leier (1:34:42). In the relay, Team Hedstrom won the men's event in 2:49:57. The women's division was won by Lyn Baillie's team in 3:07:42. The mixed team competition was won by Balezantis & Co. in 2:44:06.

Year 15 - September 12, 1993

cloudy, some snow
9am wind: north 26Kmh, 7am: 0 °C, 11am: 1 °C


male winner: Dane Samuel; 2:42:22
female winner: Heather Stilborn; 3:25:38

This second Star Phoenix Saskatchewan Marathon featured some of the most uncomfortable weather conditions of any in the 30 year history. The temperature didn't change by more than one degree Celsius and there was intermittent drizzle and even snow. As well, the wind gusted from 25 to 44 Kmh. Despite these conditions, there were over 300 participants.

Brian Michasiw was back to defend his win. However, the men's division was won by Dane Samuel of Brandon (but originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines). A tie was declared for second place in the marathon, with Simon Toon and Gerry Pocha finishing together in 2:46:39. Race organizers had arranged for a first prize of a trip to the Bangkok Marathon in Thailand. There was controversy, though, as it had been decided that the prize could only be awarded to a Canadian citizen and Samuel didn't qualify. In a generous offer, Toon and Pocha insisted the prize go to Samuel. Toon said, "He's a Canadian as far as I'm concerned and he won the race, so he should go". Samuel gladly accepted: "It was very nice of the other athletes to give it back to me", he said.

Heather Stilborn won her third marathon in a row.

The half-marathon became an important event at this year's event, especially because it was the last event in the eleven race Timex Saskatchewan Road Race Series. Going into the final event of the season, points leader John Hergott was going to face a strong challenge from Ted Jaleta and Darren Burrows. Donna Balezantis, Joan Cochrane and Denise Mitchell would be competing for the year-end championship on the women's side. In the end, the half-marathon was won by Darren Burrows (1:12:45) and Tanya Jones (1:23:00).

Wheelchair athlete Colette Bourgonje posted a time of 1:17:06 in the half-marathon.

Year 16 - September 11, 1994

partly cloudy,
9am winds: west 5Kmh, 7am: 3°C, 11am: 13°C

male winner: Bruce Raymer; 2:25:03 (current saskatchewan Marathon record)
female winner: Sharyn Hewitt; 3:08:22

Marathon winner Bruce Raymer finished eight minutes ahead of the second place finisher, Darren Yakimishyn and set a record for the Saskatchewan Marathon. Raymer was formerly a middle distance runner, specializing in the 3000 and 10000 metre events. He proved on the Sunday that he is a solid marathoner, setting a record which still stands. Ted Jaleta paced Raymer for the first ten kilometres as Jaleta pursued victory in the half-marathon event in 1:11:12.

Raymer said, "The first 20 miles are 100 percent physical and the last six miles are 100 percent mental. About the 30K mark, I really started to labour and wondered if I had enough of a lead to hold on... thinking about a free trip anywhere Air Canada flies... that's incentive".

Women's winner Sharyn Hewitt had previously run only one marathon - the Vancouver marathon in May. She said she now wants to break three hours; "...it's like you catch a bug".

Besides Jaleta's half-marathon win, Donna Balezantis was the women's half-marathon champion in 1:23:51.

Year 17 - September 10, 1995

sunny
9am winds: southwest 11Kmh, 7am: 8°C, 11am: 21°C


male winner: Dane Samuel; 2:37:23
female winner: Sharyn Hewitt; 3:14:26

Sharyn Hewitt won her second of what would be three straight marathon victories (1994-1996). Dane Samuel won the marathon on his second entry in the Saskatchewan Marathon. Samuel was nowhere near his target Atlanta Olympics qualifying time of 2:25:00, but wasn't unhappy with his result and said he was likely to try for a qualifying time again soon.

Year 18 - September 8, 1996

mostly cloudy
9am winds: south 7Km, 7am: 5°C, 11am: 17°C

male winner: Ron Balezantis; 2:48:51
female winner: Sharyn Hewitt; 3:09:55

Using the same course as in the previous four years, there were about 200 competitors in this year's event.

Sharyn Hewitt won the women's marathon for the third straight year. Although injuries slowed down her training in the previous year, Hewitt was pleased with her result, coming in five seconds under her goal time of 3:10:00.

Kathy Griffiths was the winner of the women's half-marathon, in a time of 1:22:56. The men's half-marathon featured one of the closest finishes ever, with Gerald Romme (1:12:27) barely pulling away from Erik Thauberger (1:12:43).

The Child Hunger and Education Program (CHEP) was a big winner in this year's Star Phoenix Saskatchewan Marathon as the official charity. As well, NDP MLA Bob Pringle received permission to run his first marathon (5:09:20) in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association. He raised nearly $5000.

Year 19 - September 7, 1997

sunny
9am winds: west 9Kmh, 7am: 7°C, 11am: 20°C

male winner: Dirk Handke; 2:51:52
female winner: Kathy Griffiths; 3:05:36

Competitors in this Star Phoenix Saskatchewan Marathon had to deal with strong winds (at times gusting to 60 Kmh).

Second place finisher, Mike Losie (2:56:24) said he tried to catch eventual winner Dirk Handke after the final turnaround point at the north end of the course, but "...couldn't push hard coming back because the wind was just so hard".

Kathy Griffiths won in only her second ever marathon, ahead of Sandy Iuliano (3:11:08) and Joan Cochrane (3:14:34), for second and third, respectively.

The women's half-marathon was won by Betty Boechler in 1:30:26; the men's champ was Gerald Romme (1:15:15).

Colette Bourgonje - the double bronze medalist at the 1996 Paralympics - met the standard of Sports Canada to get her "A" card, completing the half-marathon distance in 2:07:00.

Year 20 - September 13, 1998

cloudy
9am wind: south 26Kmh, 7am: 15°C, 11am: 25°C

male winner: Tarrant Crosschild; 2:45:00
female winner: Celene Sidloski; 3:20:07

"If you see me at the start, I`m going to be at the finish line". So said the "Marathon Man", Ray Risling, as he prepared to run his 100th marathon, this year's Star Phoenix Saskatchewan Marathon. Mayor Henry Dayday even declared Sunday to be "Ray Risling Day". Risling finished on the windy day in a time of 5:02:46.

This year`s marathon was unique as well, in that both the men`s and women`s winners were first time marathoners. Tarrant Crosschild usually runs the 10Km event. Celene Sidloski had only formally entered two measured distances: a half marathon in 1997 and the SRRA`s 20Km River Run in 1998.

The half-marathon winners were Joan Cochrane (1:27:00) and Ray Workman in 1:15:22.

Colette Bourgonje once again wheeled through the half-marathon in 2:09:49.

Year 21 - September 12, 1999

sunny
9am wind: northwest 20Kmh, 7am: 3°C, 11am: 11°C


male winner: Kevin DeForge; 2:39:10
female winner: Joan Cochrane; 3:16:00

"I've finally won!", said first-time marathon winner, Joan Cochrane. "This is the fifth time I've run this race. I`ve finished second and third every other time", Cochrane said after finishing in 3:16:00. "I'm so happy to win this marathon. I know these people so well and they're so supportive", said Cochrane.

There were a reported 600 athletes in the day's events, helped by a reported 125 volunteers. The events also included a new event: the Saskatchewan 10Km Brainsport Challenge, won by Samuel Langat (33:35) and Brenda Reid (39:58).

Year 22 - September 4, 2000

cloudy & some drizzle
9am wind: North 3Kmh, 7am: 12°C, 11am: 16°C

male winner: Brian Michasiw; 2:47:52
female winner: Karen Zunti; 3:05:28 (this is the current Saskatchewan Marathon record for women)

Brian Michasiw won his second marathon, in less than ideal weather. In recent years, Michasiw had been very active in helping organize the event, but this year said, "...one of the reasons I ran it this year was so I wouldn't have to volunteer". Conditions were tough. Michasiw said "...the first half was fine. The second half, around the 30K mark, it started to drizzle and I felt my legs starting to cramp up a bit".

Karen Zunti returned home to Saskatchewan from her current home in Cape Cod, Rhode Island, to finish in a time that was a personal best and is still the Saskatchewan Marathon record. She said: "The Boston Marathon is my favourite one... now, I have a good qualifying time. My previous best was 3:14:00".

The half-marathon was won by local runner Ron Balezantis (1:19:23) and Angela Plamondon, of Ottawa, in (1:28:12).

In the 10Km, first place went to Cory Forrest (33:31) and Olivia Yule (34:37).

Year 23 - September 3, 2001

partly cloudy
9am wind: southeast 22Kmh, 7am: 8°C, 11am: 24°C

male winner: Vince Cole; 2:44:10
female winner: Celene Sidloski; 3:18:54

"It'll be a hot tub and a cold beer tonight, I can tell you". Those were the words uttered by Saskatchewan Marathon winner, 47 year old Vince Cole. He would go on to win the male division four times in five years (2001 - 2005). Celine Sidloski of Saskatoon won her second women's marathon, adding to her 1998 win.

This year's event had the largest number of participants to date with 220 marathoners and a total of 700, including the 10Km and half-marathon athletes.

The half-marathon event was won by Saskatoon's Jason Warick in 1:15:29 and Lumsden's Marion Craig in 1:27:02. Colette Bourgonje improved her time from previous years, in winning the wheelchair half-marathon in 1:08:45.

Results for the 10Km event weren't published.

Year 24 - September 2, 2002

sunny
9am wind: northwest 33Kmh, 7am: 10°C, 11am: 16°C

male winner: Vince Cole; 2:47:12
female winner: Celene Sidloski; 3:23:10
wheelchair: Colette Bourgonje; 2:17:50

For the first year, Colette Bourgonje tackled the marathon distance in the wheelchair and came in first overall.

Vince Cole returned to win his second consecutive marathon. Celene Sidloski won her second consecutive event as well and her third Saskatchewan Marathon overall. Saskatoon's Ron Balezantis (finishing in second place - 2:50:22) said "It's very inspiring... I didn't overlook him because I knew he won last year and had a really good time. You can't tell by the way a person looks or their age; there's a lot of surprises out there". Balezantis won the marathon in 1996 and placed fourth in the July Calgary Stampede marathon.Jason Warick repeated as the half-marathon winner (1:17:40) on the men's side. For the women, it was Angela Plamondon in 1:28:12.

The 10Km event winners were Marion Craig (38:32) and Sean Siever (36:49).

Year 25 - August 31, 2003

sunny
9am wind: south 15Kmh, 7am: 8°C, 11am: 22°C

male winner: Kevin Morgans; 2:42:40
female winner: Brandi Pozniak; 3:24:17

Spokane's Kevin Morgans won his first-ever marathon, beating previous champion, Brian Michasiw (2:44:23) by 1 minute 43 seconds. Two-time champ, Vince Cole, still recovering from a foot injury, finished third, eleven minutes back.

Brandi Pozniak dramatically improved her marathon time of two years ago (4:22:46), in winning the womens division this year. "I'd run 2:46 in Red Deer (in July) and I wanted to do it faster", she said.

Colette Bourgonje was first across the finish line in her wheelchair, in 2:04:45.

Winners in the half-marathon and 10Km events, respectively, were Dave Hardy (1:16:00), Andria Dyck (1:25:55), Jason Warick (32:43) and Wendy Chrusch (42:14).

A record 947 athletes took part in one of the three events, which again ended at Griffith's Stadium, after a nearby start. With about two kilometres to go, runners were forced to run up the University Bridge, eastward.

Year 26 - May 30, 2004

cloudy
9am wind: southeast 17Kmh, 7am: 11°C, 11am: 14°C

male winner: Vince Cole; 2:46:21
female winner: Jody Urbanoski; 3:16:33

Turner Valley, Alberta resident, Vince Cole won his third Adidas Saskatchewan Marathon in four years, at age 50. Cole was running alongside defending champion Kevin Morgans and 1986 winner, Jim Jasieniuk, until he took charge at the half-way mark. Morgans finished second in 2:52:03 and Jasieniuk third in 2:56:56.

Jody Urbanoski led the women's pack the whole distance and finished in tenth position overall in 3:16:33

Two-time marathon champion, Brian Michasiw, won the men's half-marathon in 1:20:17. The women's event was won by 2003 marathon champ, Brandi Pozniak in 1:27:35.

In the 10Km event, winners were David Sorenson (36:08) and Marion Craig (39:18).

Race Director Scott St. Pierre was extremely pleased to see the number of entrants break the millenium mark, with a record total of 1008. This was the year that the SRRA executive decided to avoid competition with the Regina Marathon, by moving it to a late spring date. It was a very successful move.

The demographics were definitely changing, too. Of the 1008 entrants, almost two-thirds, (650) were women.

Year 27 - May 29, 2005

cloudy
9am wind: northeast 4Kmh, 7am: 7°C, 11am: 12°C

male winner: Vince Cole; 2:52:53
female winner: Tobi Rempel; 3:18:50

Tobi Rempel set a PB in winning the women's division of the what was now known as (just for a couple of years) the Saskatchewan International Marathon. Many friends and family applauded Rempel as she finished. One of the supporters was her eleven year old son, Zak, who had completed the 10Km event earlier, in 1:01:47.

The course was a unique one this year, as it utilized a four kilometre loop clockwise through the University of Saskatchewan campus. As well, runners ran up and then back down, the University Bridge, on either side of the campus loop.

Vince Cole won his fourth Saskatchewan Marathon in five years. His winning time was a few minutes slower than the previous year, but he was to say that the course was definitely tougher.

In the half-marathon, the women's winner was Renee Schnell in 1:28:08. The men's winner was Jason Warick, with a time of 1:24:06.

Jason Tomaz (37:39) and Chantel Gislason (41:15) were winners in the 10Km distance.

Year 28 - May 28, 2006

rain
9am wind: northeast 20Kmh, 7am: 8°C, 11am: 8°C

male winner: Brendan Lunty; 2:46:58
female winner: Tobi Rempel; 3:18:33

This year's event will be remembered as having perhaps the worst weather (at least in recent memory). A constant fairly cool temperature was accompanied by a moderate wind and cloud, drizzle and even rain.

The course had a unique start and finish in the University of Saskatchewan's historic "bowl", near the College Building. That was quite popular, but the windy, hilly last two kilometres wasn't! A return to at least running part of the marathon through campus is always on the drawing board of the course designers.

The marathon had a very special visitor: Martin Keino, son of renowned Olympic gold medalist, Kip Keino. Martin himself is an accomplished distance runner. A special bond developed between half-marathon winner, Jason Warick (1:15:19) and Martin Keino (1:15:42), after they met when Warick visited Eldoret, Kenya in 2004. Warick lived and trained with Kip Keino during his stay in Kenya. Warick helped raise nearly $40,000 to help Keino build a high school in Eldoret, after he returned to Canada. "The final amount's not in yet, but we are well on our way to building Kip Keino High School in Eldoret", said Warick. Martin Keino went home with happy memories: "I'll go home with great memories of your wonderful city", he told the crowd gathered at the finish.

Wendy Benson was the winner in the women's half marathon, with a time of 1:33:43.

For the first time in its history, the Saskatoon Road Runners Association determined that the event was becoming too big to be organized by strictly volunteers. For the 2006 event, the SRRA hired Shawna Jardine as the race director and she did an excellent job. Jardine subsequently went on to be race director for the Saskatoon Star Phoenix's annual "Bridge City Boogie".

For 2007 and 2008 and likely beyond, the race direction has been handled by On Purpose Leadership, Inc., with Kim and Shad Ali at the helm.

Year 29 - May 27, 2007

cloudy
9am wind: south 22Kmh, 7am: 11°C, 11am: 19°C

male winner: Brian Michasiw; 2:45:27
female winner: Andrea Moore; 3:17:04

Marathon winner, Brain Michasiw (taking his third Saskatchewan Marathon), spent one week in February having "...the best running week of my entire life". During a visit to Kenya, Michasiw and Jason Warick trained together, putting on incredible mileage. Warick reported that "...the second week we were there, he put in 120 miles)". Training as hard as he did paid off: Michasiw finished nine minutes ahead of second place Alan Marleau (2:54:42).

The women's marathon champ was Andrea Moore, running four minutes faster than she did when she was runner-up to Tobi Rempel in 2006. Calgary's Celine Tallian (3:24:30) was second, followed by Rempel (3:31:35).

The men's half-marathon winner was Jody Draude in 1:17:45.

The 10Km winners were Matt Mazurik in 35:29 and Nicole Marleau in 44:22.

Year 30 - May 25, 2008

cloudy
9am wind: NE 33Kmh, 7am: 10°C, 11am: 9°C

male winner: Brian Michasiw; 2:45:24
female winner: Nancy Chong; 3:18:32

The 30th Saskatchewan Marathon had the largest number of entries ever (about 2200 in the three events), reflecting the ever-increasing interest and participation in fitness activities and organized running and walking events.

The events started and ended at Diefenbaker Park again, but there were a couple of popular changes to the route. For the first time, participants crossed the new pedestrian bridge at Circle Drive and proceeded to the east side of the Meewasin Trail, running high up on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River. Construction at Royal University Hospital required that runners go through part of the RUH parkade - likely a first in any sanctioned event in Canada (maybe even in the world).

Brian Michasiw won an unprecedented fourth Marathon, succesfully defending his title, in a time of 2:45:24. Michasiw ran side-by-side with eventual second-place finisher, Kevin Morgans (2:46:10) for 35 Km. At that point, Morgans said: "Go get 'em, Brian" - and he never saw him again.

The women's Marathon champion was Nancy Chong, of Midland, Ontario, in a time of 3:18:32. Chong is trying to do a marathon in each province and a friend suggested that she do the event in Saskatoon. Chong said after: `The course is beautiful ... and the volunteers are fantastic`.

The half-marathon winners were Jody Draude (1:18:34) and Wendy Lepage (1:35:10). In the 10Km event, Jamie Epp won the men's division in 32:24 and it was former marathon champion Brandi Pozniak (2003) winning the women's division in 37:50.

The weekend's activities also included a fun run on Saturday, in support of the proposed Children's and Maternal Hospital. It is hoped that that event will continue to be offered in the future. The guest speaker at the pasta dinner on Saturday night was John "The Penguin" Bingham, whose humourous talk was appreciated by all in attendance. Organizers were pleased to have the winner of the first Saskatchewan Marathon in 1979, Ted Hawes as the honourary starter.

Runner photos courtesy The StarPhoenix.

Year 31 - May 24, 2009

cloudy
9am wind: SE 15 Kmh, 7am: 13C, 11Am: 18C

male winner: Brian Michasiw; 2:42:30
female winner: Lindsay Byers; 3:21:18

Another record was set for entries this year - approximately 2300 people registered for one of the three events: 10 Km, half-marathon or marathon. Even with an increasing number of events to choose from on the local scene, the Saskatchewan Marathon continues to be amoung the most popular.

Tradition has it that the pasta dinner speaker presents a motivational and even inspirational talk; this year's speaker didn't disappoint. Rosey Edeh, correspondent for ET Canada, talked about her 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympic 400 metre hurdling experiences. Her talk left the audience charged and ready to go in the morning.

Brian Michasiw won an unprecedented fifth Saskatchewan Marathon, in his best local time of 2:42:30. Michasiw ran side by side with 2006 winner, Brendan Lunty, for 15 Km. Lunty finished second, 19 seconds behind Brian. Lunty said: "Losing to him... there's nothing to be ashamed of there". Chris Schwarz was third in 2:52:06. In an interesting sidebar, Lunty made the Saskatchewan Marathon the second leg of a quest to run three marathons in three consecutive weekends - Red Deer, Saskatoon and Calgary.

In women's results, in her seventh try at the marathon distance, Lindsay Byers finally won one, in 3:21:08. Byers had finished second in Saskatoon in 2008. Lori Soderberg was second in a time of 3:24:41. Jamie Myers (3:28:23) was third.

In the half-marathon, Brandi Pozniak repeated as the women's winner (1:23:59) over Kelly Davey (1:32:00). The men's half-marathon winner was Jody Draube (1:16:32) with James Funk second in 1:17:53.

The 10Km champions were Julian Deciutiis in the men's division in 39:01. The women's winner was Celine Sidloski in 43:36 (Sidloski was the 1998, 2001 and 2002 Marathon champ).