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 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. Much 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. We guess between 1908 and 1921, you could just make up something that was “close enough” and call it a marathon.
The Credit Union 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 Credit Union 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.
Just where the heck IS Regina, Saskatchewan, anyway? Can I get there from here?
 |
 |
 |
Regina (which is also known as the Queen City and is pronounced...well, just the way you think it would be most embarrassing to pronounce) is the capital of the province of Saskatchewan, located in the western prairies of Canada, between the provinces of Alberta to the west and Manitoba to the east. If you’re looking at a map of Canada and the northern USA, we’re the province just above Montana and North Dakota that looks like a badly drawn rectangle. As we like to say: “Saskatchewan – easy to draw…hard to spell.” Regina is a city of 200,000 people…and just about as many Canadian Geese, depending on whom you ask.
Regina is the home of the CFL 2007 Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders (go green and white!). It is also the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (go...um...er...red serge?). Every RCMP member is trained right here in Regina, so for those tourists who think it would be be pretty cool to to meet a "mountie", Regina is the place to be. Unless of course, you are speeding on the highway. Then it's not so fun to meet a mountie. And it's rather expensive, too.
Regina is also home to one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in North America: Wascana Centre. This 930-hectare (2,000 acre) park in the heart of city is a magnet for outdoor activities of all kinds, in all seasons, and Wascana Centre also hosts the start and finish point for the Credit Union Queen City Marathon.
Regina is located on the TransCanada Highway (Highway #1) if you are travelling from the east or west, and Highway #6 if you are coming north from the United States border. Air Canada, AC Jazz, WestJet, and Northwest Airlines are some of the airlines flying into Regina International Airport.
To learn more about Regina and Saskatchewan, check out the TOURISM section of our site, which can be found under the GENERAL pull-down menu.
Who organizes the Credit Union Queen City Marathon?
Staffed by volunteers, Queen City Marathon Inc. is a registered Saskatchewan not-for-profit organization, registration #101030474. Our goals are to promote healthy, active living through participation in the Credit Union Queen City Marathon, to grow and thrive as a positive event for our community and to raise funds for local charity groups. If you are interested in getting involved with our event as a volunteer organizing committee member, please drop us a line at runqcm@hotmail.com.
Is the Credit Union QCM for charity?
Click HERE to find out about the local charity groups supported by the Credit Union QCM.
Does the Credit Union QCM have a pre-race Expo?
Yes, we do. The expo is held in conjunction with race package pickup (same hours, same location).
If you would like information about taking part in our race expo, please contact us at runqcm@hotmail.com.
What’s the weather usually like in Regina on race day?
Click HERE to learn more about the average race-day weather.
What do Credit Union QCM participants receive?
Click HERE to see what participants receive.
(Photo courtesy Credit Union QCM Volunteer Staff)
Do you allow participants to wear headphones (iPod's, MP3 players, Walkmans, CD players, etc.)?
As stated in our Course Rules, while the Credit Union QCM does not currently ban the use of portable headphone devices (iPods, MP3 players, Walkmans, CD players, etc.), the use of such items is discouraged - for your safety and the safety of others.
The wearing of headphones in our event has not become a problem - yet. And we don't want to be forced to be the bad guy and ban headphones outright, as many races are starting to do across North America. However, we must constantly consider the safety of all our participants, volunteers and spectators.
Only you can help us prevent an outright ban on headphones...by being aware of your surroundings at all times and - if you do choose to wear headphones - by wearing your headphones in a responsible, courteous and safety-conscious manner (eg. wearing just one earphone or having the volume really low).
If the wearing of headphones at our event becomes a problem, they will be banned. And we won't enjoy that any more than you will. So please: be responsible, be aware and be safe.
CLICK HERE to read the course rules. 
What is the overall elevation of the course?
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/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.
CLICK HERE FOR COURSE MAP, NARRATIVE & ELEVATION CHART (PDF files).
What kind of running surfaces are on the course?
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 and field surfaces throughout 42.2 km of their city streets and pathways. Wish us luck with that.
Is the Credit Union QCM course officially measured and certified? Can I qualify for the Boston Marathon on your course?
The Credit Union 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 Credit Union QCM shirt when you race in Bean Town!
Can you introduce me to a Mountie? I hear you have a lot of them in Regina.
Okaaaaaaay…that’s certainly not a “frequently” asked question, but we’ll do our best to answer it, anyway. The answer is yes and no. Yes, we have lots of Mounties in Regina – after all, this is where they are all trained. But no, we probably can’t introduce you to one. Unless you commit a crime, in which case, they'll find you.
Does the Credit Union QCM have a host hotel?
Click HERE to learn about our event's host hotel.
Are post-race shower facilities available at the finish area?
There are no shower facilities at the Credit Union 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 Credit Union 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 Credit Union 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!
Yes, there sure is! Be at the Running Room – 2118 Albert Street (corner of Albert Street and 13th Avenue) at 9 a.m. on the Saturday before the race.
You can meet your Pace Rabbit, meet your race director, get some excellent deals on gear (maybe get some warmer clothing if the weather is cool), and introduce yourself to John Stanton, the President, CEO, Founder and all-around great guy of the Running Room.
The friendship run is an easy jog or walk into Wascana Park, then back to the Running Room store. The total distance is about 2.5 km.
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 Credit Union 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.
Who receives medals? How do the Bellamy Kia Relay Teams get their medals?
Click HERE to learn more about medals.
Do you offer prize money? Are there any awards given out? Who gets them?
Click HERE to learn more about awards.
Do you give out official finisher certificates? How do I get mine?
Click HERE to learn more about getting your official finisher certificate.
Where and when can I see my race results? How can I search results from previous Credit Union QCM races?
Click HERE to learn more about viewing results. Click HERE to see past results.
I’m not a fast, elite runner, although I am working on it. I’m just an average person who is training hard to achieve a physical and mental goal and celebrate my own moment of well-earned personal glory. Do I get some love, too?
You bet! The Credit Union QCM is your race and your chance to shine. Everyone who comes to the starting line at the Credit Union QCM is already a champion. Think of how far you have come to get to this point and then enjoy every moment of your experience. As long as you cross the finish line upright and smiling, nothing else matters. Heck, just making it to the STARTING line is a great achievement! We’re so proud of you! Come here and give us a hug! Ewww...you're all sweaty! Maybe go take a shower first and then come back and give us a hug.
This is my first race and I’m so excited I went and bought brand new shoes to run in. That’s okay, isn’t it?
Please do NOT wear new shoes on race day. Wear shoes that you have been training in for at least a few weeks. If you wear brand-spanking new shoes on race day you are just asking for a front-row seat to the Blister Festival.
Will baby-sitting facilities be available while I run my race?
We regret that we cannot provide child-care and/or baby-sitting services.
How do I become a sponsor? How can my company become part of this great community event?
Well, just roll that big wheelbarrow full of money over here and let’s chat! Seriously, we are always looking for sponsorship and support at all levels to help us make this event better and better every year. If you think your company and the Credit Union QCM might make a good team, please get in touch with us at runqcm@hotmail.com and we would be more than happy to discuss how we can work together for our mutual benefit.
You guys suck. I can do a way better job of organizing the race than you guys do. What are you going to do about it?
We are going to say: "Welcome to the volunteer organizing committee!"
We sure appreciate your willingness to donate hundreds and hundreds of hours of your time over the next 12 months to help plan a wonderful event next year for all these amazing runners and walkers from across Canada and the USA. The work is challenging and the pay is…well, there IS no pay...but the committee members are great and we’re glad you decided to put your running shoe where your mouth is and give your support to Saskatchewan’s premier running and walking event!
Please get in touch with us at runqcm@hotmail.com so we can get you on the team and you can put your passion and enthusiasm to work.
Hosted and Constructed by
Solvera Solutions 