Queen City Marathon Marks 25 Years with Record Participation

The GMS Queen City Marathon in Regina is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this weekend, featuring a variety of competitive and recreational races. The event, which spans a full 42.2-kilometre course, will start and finish at the Conexus Arts Centre and will lead participants through the scenic Wascana Park area. As a result, the marathon will prompt significant road closures and traffic restrictions across the city.

According to interim executive director Ashley King, this year’s marathon has achieved a record with 5,400 registered participants. “It’s a family reunion where sometimes people don’t see each other in the running community all the time,” King stated. “It’s one of the biggest marathons in Saskatchewan, bringing together not only locals but also runners from around the world.”

While online registration closed on October 5, those still wishing to join can register in person on October 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. or on October 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event has recruited over 400 volunteers but is still seeking an additional 200 to assist with various roles, including traffic direction.

Race Schedule and Activities

The marathon weekend will kick off on October 6 with the Night Owl 5K at 8 p.m. This non-competitive event features a five-kilometre loop around the northern part of Wascana Lake, encouraging participants and spectators to use glowsticks, flashlights, and headlamps for a festive atmosphere.

On October 7, the schedule begins with a mini-marathon for children aged two to 14, starting at 9:30 a.m. The races will occur in 30-minute intervals, with toddlers using a pathway near the Conexus Arts Centre and older categories running around Lakeshore Park. Following the mini-marathon, a family 5K will take place at 2 p.m., also along Wascana Lake’s north loop. Although timed, this event remains non-competitive, with no awards given.

Road closures will be in effect on Saturday, particularly on Lakeshore Drive in front of the Conexus Arts Centre and Broad Street to Avenue C, which will be closed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Competitive Races and Traffic Impact

The competitive races commence on October 8, with the 42.2K walk starting at 7 a.m. and the 42.2K wheelchair event following at 7:55 a.m. The main marathon and the team relay will begin at 8 a.m., providing an optional qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Runners will traverse a course that includes the perimeter of Wascana Lake and the Lakeview neighbourhood before finishing at the Conexus Arts Centre.

Simultaneously, half marathons—a 21.1K run and walk—will also start at 8 a.m., diverting into downtown Regina. The 10K race will begin at 8:30 a.m., following a similar route to the half marathons, but will turn at the Saskatchewan Science Centre to cross the Broad Street Bridge.

In preparation for Sunday’s events, traffic will be significantly reduced, with shared roadways for vehicles and runners starting at 7 a.m. Key closures and restricted access will apply to various streets, including:

– Albert Street from 22nd Avenue to Victoria Avenue (until 12 p.m.)
– Victoria Avenue from Albert Street to Rose Street (until 12 p.m.)
– Broad Street from College Avenue to Broadway Avenue (until 12 p.m.)
– Multiple roads within Wascana Centre park, closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants and spectators are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid disruptions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the marathon weekend.