SaskCentral QCM makes MarathonGuide.com's 2008 list of Best Boston-qualifying Races.
Of all the Boston-qualifying marathons across Canada and the USA, MarathonGuide.com rates the SaskCentral QCM as one of the best races to qualify for Boston, ahead of other marathons in Green Bay, Hartford, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Mississauga and Niagara Falls. 21.4% of SaskCentral QCM full marathon participants in 2008 achieved Boston-qualifying times.
Ironically, according to the MarathonGuide.com list, the best race to run to qualify for the Boston Marathon is...the Boston Marathon. Go figure.
A relatively flat, scenic and well-supported Boston-certified loop course, the SaskCentral QCM begins with a short 3km loop through Wascana Park, one of Canada’s largest, most picturesque urban parks. This opening 3km loop brings you through the starting area again (a great opportunity to wave to friends and family or hand-off your warm-up clothes to our volunteers) before you head out on the main part of the course, which takes advantage of Regina's extensive paved pedestrian pathway system.
(Photo courtesy Regina Leader-Post)
How long is a marathon? How long is a half marathon?
You know, we get this question more often than you might imagine. And, if you're new to the whole running/walking thing, it's a darn good question. Better to ask it now instead of halfway into the race, because you might not like the answer at that point. An official full marathon is 42.195 kilometers or, if you prefer to use miles, 26 miles and 385 yards. For simplicity's sake, most people just call a full marathon 42.2 km. A half marathon is, you guessed it, half the distance of the 42.2 km full marathon course - 21.1 kilometers, or a little over 13 miles.
The current marathon distance was set for the 1908 London Olympics so that the course could start at Windsor Castle and end in front of the Royal Box at the Olympic stadium. It wasn’t until 1921, however, that the International Association of Athletics Federations, otherwise known as the IAAF, adopted the distance as the “official” marathon distance. I guess between 1908 and 1921, you could just make up something that was “close enough” and call it a marathon.
The SaskCentral Queen City Marathon course has been officially measured and certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Road Races) and Athletics Canada to be the correct 42.2 km distance. This is commonly known as being "Boston certified" or being a "Boston qualifying race". This means that a runner who finishes the SaskCentral Queen City Marathon under a certain time for his/her age can qualify to run in the prestigious Boston Marathon, a very famous marathon race.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD COURSE MAPS AND NARRATIVES.
Note: We had planned to make an adjustment to our current course layout from about the 3k to 6k points, in order to eliminate any incidence of the fastest participants passing slower participants between the 3k and 4k mark on the opening loop. However, due to construction on the Albert Street Bridge scheduled for 2009, we plan to incorporate that course change for 2010.
What time does the Start/Finish area open? What time does the race actually start?
NOTE: All times are local Regina time. If arriving in Regina from another province, state or country, please remember to set your alarm to the local time so you don't miss the start of your race. There is a clock displaying the current local Regina time on our home page, if you're curious.
CLICK HERE for a schedule of events.
How long is the course officially open?
The Full Marathon course is officially open for 6 hours (8:00 AM - 2:00 PM) and the Half Marathon course is officially open for 4 hours (8:00 AM - NOON). Participants must be able to complete the Full Marathon or Half Marathon within those time parameters. For pace calculations, those 6-hour and 4-hour time limits translate into the following paces:
Aid stations and traffic control close once the last participant has passed, or at 2:00 PM (for the full marathon and relay events) or NOON (for the half marathon events), whichever comes first. After that point, participants still on the course become, essentially, "informed pedestrians" and must abide by regular pedestrian regulations (e.g. using sidewalks, crossing streets at controlled intersections, yielding to vehicle traffic, etc.).
The SaskCentral QCM assumes no responsibility (including traffic control, medical and aid station support) for registered participants still out on the course after these times. However, out of respect for the dedication and determination of our most tenacious participants, a skeleton finish line, timing and medical crew will typically remain in place until the final participant crosses the finish line in victory.
What is the course surface?
The running surface is primarily paved pathways, with some residential streets and small sections of crushed-stone pathway. There are some curbs present where pathways merge with streets and vice-versa. There are also some wooden, two-way-single-file pedestrian bridges.
Please be aware of the potential for typical city street pavement variations – bumps, dips, uneven pavement, pebbles, etc. Meanwhile, we’ll keep trying to talk the City of Regina into laying down padded, rubberized track & field surfaces throughout 42.2 km of their city streets and pathways. Wish us luck with that.
What is the course elevation? Where can I get a course map? Can I take a copy of the map out on the course with me? Is that cheating?
According to the Internet, Regina's average elevation is 577 meters (1,893 feet) above mean sea level. We have no idea what it is above kind sea level. And that is the extent of our elevation humour. We know…you’re thinking we need a more positive altitude. Get it? Positive ALTITUDE...like, as in, elevation? Oh never mind.
The course starts at an elevation of 579 meters (1,900 feet). The lowest point is 545 meters (1,788 feet) near the 16km mark. The highest point is 617 meters (2,024 feet) near the 28km mark, at the crest of a little hill we call "Mount Milos", in honour of long-time participant/volunteer/multiple World IronMan Champion, Milos Kostic. That works out as an altitude difference of 72 meters (236 feet) over the entire 42.2 km full marathon course.
Regarding maps, yes, you can print off and take a copy of the map with you during your race. Looking at the map while you run or walk is not cheating. Looking at the map and figuring out shortcuts... that’s cheating.
CLICK HERE FOR COURSE MAP, NARRATIVE & ELEVATION CHART (PDF files).
Is the course officially measured and certified? Can I qualify for Boston on your course?
The SaskCentral QCM course is officially measured and certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Road Races) and is officially recognized by Athletics Canada. Participants who run the Full Marathon within a certain time for their age can qualify to run in the prestigious Boston Marathon.
Our course certification code is SK-2008-028-BDC. For more information about qualifying for the Boston Marathon, please log on to: www.bostonmarathon.org. And remember to wear your SaskCentral QCM shirt when you race in Bean Town!
I’m interested in qualifying for the Boston Marathon. What are the qualifying times?
To find out more about the Boston Marathon, please go to their very informative website: www.bostonmarathon.org.
However, since you asked, here are the qualifying times and age groups. Your SaskCentral QCM net/chip time is admissable for qualification.
For the separate qualifying times for wheelchair and differently-abled athletes, please go to the Boston Marathon website.
Please note that qualifying times are based upon your age on the date of the Boston Marathon in which you will be participating.
Why does my Garmin GPS unit sometimes indicate that I've run further than 42.2 km?
The full marathon course (this year and all years previous) has been and is officially measured and certified as a full 42.2 km marathon course, sanctioned by Athletics Canada. Over the past year, including preliminary and final measurements, we would estimate that the entire full course was measured no less that half a dozen times by qualified measurers trained and certified in marathon course measurement by Athletics Canada.
Each year, we field one or two inquiries from participants running with Garmin GPS units who wonder why their Garmin says they ran longer that 42.2km in the full marathon. The reasons behind that apparent distance discrepancy are:
It should be noted that only our full marathon course is officially certified. Our half marathon course is not officially certified. It is slightly longer than 21.1 km, strictly owing to the ergonomic necessities forced upon us by the paths and roadways in the final couple of kilometers of the half course. If we someday choose to have the half course certified, we will of course make the necessary adjustments and official measurements required for certification.
However, the most important course to have officially measured, certified and sanctioned is the full marathon course, which we have done and will continue so to do.
How is the course marked? How far ahead of race day do you mark the course?
The course is marked in both miles and kilometers, painted directly on the running surface and, wherever possible, also marked by signs at the side of the course. In accordance with City of Regina and Wascana Centre regulations, the course surface will not be marked with distances or directions until 7 to 5 days prior to race day. Some old course markings from the previous year may still be visible earlier than that, but the fresh, updated markings won’t be put down until 7 to 5 days before race day.
The SaskCentral QCM marks its course with a temporary, biodegradable, spray-on landscape chalk that is environmentally friendly and should disappear from the streets and pathways in a few months. Some guys on the committee tried to convince me it was also mint-flavoured, but I was not about to fall for that... again.
How many aid stations are there on the course? Where are they located? What kinds of drinks do they serve? Are gels available on the course? Can I wear my own "camelback water" container?
For the answers to these and other aid station-related questions, please CLICK HERE.
Are there toilet facilities at the Start/Finish area? How about toilets out on the course?
Please CLICK HERE for information regarding toilet facilities at the Start/Finish area and on the course.
Are post-race shower facilities available at the Finish area?
There are no shower facilities at the SaskCentral QCM Start/Finish area.
However, after the race, the downtown location of the Regina YMCA has generously agreed to waive their usual day-pass fee, allowing any SaskCentral QCM participants to use their shower facilities at no charge.
All you have to do after the race is present your race number at the front desk of the downtown location of the Regina YMCA.
The downtown Regina YMCA is located at 2400 13th Avenue – on the corner of 13th Avenue and Smith Street. In fact, the YMCA is situated just two blocks east of the Regina Running Room store (which is on the corner of 13th Avenue and Albert Street).
Because Albert Street near the Start/Finish area is closed during the race, the quickest way to get to the downtown Regina YMCA from the finish line area is:
This offer only applies on race day. Please show your SaskCentral QCM race number at the YMCA front desk and you can use the showers there at no charge, compliments of the fine folks at the downtown Regina YMCA.
I believe that you need to bring your own towel.
We thank the management and staff of the Regina YMCA for allowing you to get as clean and shiny as your finisher medal!
Where’s the best place to park?
CLICK HERE FOR NEW PARKING INFORMATION.
(Photo courtesy SaskCentral QCM Volunteer Staff)
Are there clocks out on the course?
There are timing clocks located at the one-mile mark and the 21.1 km mark of the full marathon course. Oh and we have one at the finish line, too. That one’s pretty important.
All course clocks are running on Gun Time. For more information about the definition of Gun Time and any other timing information, please see the TIMING FAQ section.
Can I wear my iPod or Walkman during the race? I wear it all the time when I am training.
Please CLICK HERE for the course rules, which includes our policy towards iPods and other portable headphone devices.
My son wants to rollerblade beside me during the race and I have a running-style baby stroller and I want to take my child on the course with me during my race. Can I do that?
The answer is "No" to both questions, I'm afraid. Please CLICK HERE for the course rules.
Can I take my dog out for a run with me?
Sure, no problem. Just don’t do it on race day at the SaskCentral Queen City Marathon. But the day before the race or the day after, knock yourself out. Please CLICK HERE for the course rules.
The only dogs the SaskCentral QCM allows on the course are registered guide dogs who are assisting visually impaired participants. If you are a visually impaired participant who wishes to take your guide dog with you during the event, please contact us ASAP in advance at runqcm@hotmail.com so we can make the proper arrangements.
Okay then, can I take my CAT out for a run with me?
Ma’am, I’ve owned cats all my life, and if you can show me a cat that will go for a run with you, I’ll pay you 5 bucks (Canadian). However, we still won’t let you take your cat for a run on race day. For reasons of safety, no pets or animals (other than registered guide dogs assisting visually impaired participants) are allowed on the course. Please CLICK HERE for the course rules.
I want to have a friend join me to run the last few kilometers of the marathon for moral support. What are the rules about this?
In general terms, the answer is no. Only registered participants wearing official race numbers are allowed on the race course. If you have a buddy who finished his/her race earlier and has already had their timing chip removed, they may wish to go back out onto the course, find you and "run you in" close to the finish line. For safety and liability reasons, friends and family who are NOT officially-registered participants are not allowed on the course.
Please CLICK HERE for the course rules.
Please CLICK HERE for tips on where spectators can (and cannot) watch you race.
Where is the starting line? Where is the finish line? How far is it from the start line to the finish line?
The T.C. Douglas Building is a big white building at 3475 Albert Street (on the corner of Albert Street and 23rd Avenue in Regina). It is also home of the very impressive MacKenzie Art Gallery.
The SaskCentral QCM Start line is located immediately to the south of the T.C. Douglas Building. The SaskCentral QCM Finish line is ALSO located immediately south of the T.C. Douglas Building. How lucky is that?
As for how far is it from the start line to the finish line, that depends on what event you are doing. It’s about 3 km for the mini marathon participants, 21.1 km for the half marathoners and 42.2 km for the full marathoners and relay teams.
Is there a bag drop off at the Start/Finish area?
Yes, there is. The pre-race Bag Drop Off & Storage tent is open race day starting at 6:30 AM. Please allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to check in your gear. For your own sense of relaxed, pre-race, Zen-like calm, please do not leave this to the last minute. You want to give yourself time to check your gear, have a stretch, and visit the portable toilets before things get to close to "go" time.
Where do I pick up my clothing and bag after the race?
The same place you dropped it off: at the Bag Drop-Off & Storage tent.
What do I do with extra clothing before and during the race? If I toss my lucky running shirt on the ground, will I get it back?
The SaskCentral QCM opens with a 3 km loop, bringing you back through the Start/Finish area very early in the race. A lot of participants find that this is an ideal time to shed excess warm-up clothing, since you can just toss it to friends, family or event volunteers who are cheering you on as you go through the Start/Finish area once again.
Excess clothing can also be dropped off at any aid station location on the course.
All clothing collected on the course will be returned to the Information Tent after the course closes at 2:00 PM. Lost, unidentified and unclaimed clothing or personal effects are not the responsibility of the SaskCentral Queen City Marathon organizers or volunteers.
Several days following the race, unclaimed items will be taken to the Regina Running Room store, where they can be claimed. Clothing that is still unclaimed after a couple of weeks will be donated to a local charity thrift shop.
PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON YOUR CLOTHING OR ITEM IF YOU WANT A BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING IT BACK.
Will runners line-up at the Start according to their expected finishing times?
About 10 minutes before the race begins, our race announcer will call the following categories of participants to the starting line:
If you do NOT fall into one of these categories (and we trust you to know if you do or don't), please do NOT crowd up to the front of the starting line. It's only courteous to allow those who could actually win the race the opportunity to have a clean start.
Running Room Pace Rabbits will be lined up behind this first group of participants, with each Pace Rabbit holding a sign indicating their finishing time. Participants are asked to assemble near the sign that is closest to their projected finish time.
I’m in the Sask Egg Producers Half Marathon Walk event. Where do I line up at the starting line?
We ask that all Sask Egg Producers Half Marathon Walk participants to please assemble at the rear of the starting pack, to avoid any runner/walker collisions at the start. Please CLICK HERE for Sask Egg Producers Half Marathon Walk information.
Where do the Mini Marathon participants line up at the starting line?
Participants in the Mini Marathon event DO NOT line up at the starting line with the main pack. The Mini Marathon participants will be called to the starting line shortly before their race begins at 8:45 AM. For more information about the Mini Marathon, please CLICK HERE.
Is there a pre-race breakfast at the Start/Finish area?
No. The SaskCentral QCM does not currently provide any pre-race food for participants and/or friends and family. Pre-race food is a very individual (and sometimes very superstitious) choice amongst race participants. We leave that area of pre-race preparation up to each individual participant.
Will post-race food be provided?
THE TEAR-OFF TAG AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR RACE NUMBER IS YOUR “TICKET” TO GET INTO THE POST-RACE FOOD TENT.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan is your host in the Post-Race Food Tent, serving a variety of light snacks and beverages. There will be a separate section of the Post-Race Food Tent specifically reserved for Full Marathon participants.
In order to make sure that all participants have access to snacks and beverages after completing their race, family, friends and supporters are NOT allowed access to the Post-Race Food Tent. The post-race food and beverages are only available to registered participants.
(Photo courtesy SaskCentral QCM Volunteer Staff)
Is medical support provided on the course and at the Start/Finish area? If I (sprain my ankle/have a leg cramp/get an injury/have had enough fun and want to stop early) out on the course, what should I do?
EMS and St. John Ambulance personnel will be out roaming the course, as well as located at the medical tent next to the finish line. If you suffer an injury out on the course, if possible, stop for assistance at one of the aid stations. ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) volunteers will be located at each aid station and other significant points along the course and they can radio for assistance.
EMS, St. John Ambulance and ARES personnel are in direct radio contact with local ambulance and emergency room services. In addition, SaskCentral QCM support cyclists equipped with radios will be constantly patrolling the course, looking out for any runners or walkers in distress. Please note that, at their discretion, the medical personnel on duty have the right and the responsibility to remove from the race any participants with signs of injury or excessive strain. The SaskCentral QCM will still be here next year. We want you healthy enough to come back for it.
PLEASE PRINT ALL IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION ON THE BACK OF YOUR RACE NUMBER.
(Allergies, pre-existing conditions, important meds, etc)
THE #1 MOST IMPORTANT THING TO WRITE ON THE BACK OF YOUR RACE NUMBER
IS AN EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER (including Area Code)
What do I do if I cannot complete the race?
If you cannot complete the race, stop for assistance at one of the aid stations, if possible. ARES radio personnel can then call for a vehicle to pick you up and take you back to the finish area. When you get there, please follow the instructions of the medical team.
DO NOT CROSS THE FINISH LINE. However inadvertently you might do it, that constitutes cheating, and I know you don’t want to do that. Please remove your timing chip and hand it to a volunteer, who will return it to the timing personnel for you. Then make sure you get checked over by our medical team. Please ask for assistance if you require it.
Once you have been given the A-OK from the medical team, head for the post-race food tent and get yourself some refreshment. You’ve worked darn hard and you should hold your head up high. You’re not defeated. You just had a rough day today, that’s all. You’ll kick this course in the butt next year, for sure!
Do you take finish line photos? How do I get mine? Can I pre-order my photos?
Marathon-Photos.com is the official photographer of the SaskCentral Queen City Marathon, and they will be at the finish line to capture that magical moment when you raise your hands in victory and shout: “Hallelujah, I can stop now!”
Photographers will also be located at several points along the course to snap photos of you in all your athletic, kick-butt glory, so remember to smile and try not to look quite so sweaty.
For all questions regarding photos, please check out their Frequently Asked Questions section by clicking HERE.
Photo hint: Make sure your race bib is clearly visible on the front of your shirt, since photos are identified by race numbers and, if the camera can’t see your number, it’ll be hard to find your photos when you go to order them.
Will there be someone taking pictures of me when I am out on the course?
Yes, so remember to dress up a bit, stand up straight, and comb your hair…well at least try to look like you are having fun, okay? Professional photographers will be located at several points along the course to snap photos of you in all your athletic, kick-butt glory.
Can a runner or walker participate without wearing a shirt?
As long as a participant has their race number pinned to the front of their apparel where it can be clearly seen by course officials at all times, you can wear whatever running or walking clothing you wish. However, three important things to keep in mind:
Can I run or walk the race barefoot?
Sure, if that is how you’ve always done it. However, we don’t recommend you waking up on race day and deciding to run 42.2 km barefoot just to see if you like it. Remember, you are running and walking on multi-use pathways and city streets – surfaces over which we have very little influence. Pebbles, uneven pavement and other surprises may be under your feet. You’re probably better off lacing up the running shoes.
Will baby-sitting facilities be available while I run my race?
We regret that we cannot provide child-care and/or baby-sitting services.
Can I carry my baby in a backpack while I run?
No. Carrying a child in a baby backpack while running for any distance is extremely dangerous. You’re not equipped with shock absorbers, and 42.2 km’s worth of bouncing is the same to your child as vigorously shaking him or her for the same amount of time. Plus, the additional weight can compromise your balance, making it likely that you and your baby will take a tumble on the pavement. Please leave your baby with family and friends at the start line.
(Photos courtesy SaskCentral QCM Volunteer Staff)
Can I get a massage after the race?
Yes, you can. Post-race massages are on a first-come, first-rubbed basis at the Massage tent at the Start/Finish area. It’s a "put-your-name-down-and-wait-your-turn" kind of system and we ask that you please be patient with our massage technicians, who are donating their time and talented fingers to rub you the right way to ease your aches and pains. Massages are $10.00 cash (exact change is appreciated), paid right at the Massage Tent, with all proceeds going to our designated charity.
Is it possible to drive the course? Is there an official course tour?
There is no official course tour offered prior to the race. As to whether it is possible to drive the course, the answer is both yes and no. The SaskCentral QCM runs primarily on pedestrian pathways throughout Regina, and therefore only a small percentage of the course can be toured by car.
On the first half of the course, you can drive:
On the second half of the course, you can drive:
FOR DOWNLOADABLE COURSE MAPS AND COURSE NARRATIVES, CLICK HERE.
For our out-of-town guests, City of Regina Maps can be viewed at the City of Regina website: www.regina.ca or you can purchase a map of Regina at any local gas station.
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