GMS Queen City Marathon moves to 3 days, adds event

The 2017 Queen City Marathon will see some changes coming its way.

GMS, a Regina-based health and travel insurance company, was announced as the new title sponsor for the marathon Thursday.

GMS CEO John Salmond said he believes the partnership will be beneficial to improving the race and helping race director Shawn Weimer.

“Signage is always an issue … the day event has to be managed a little be better,” Salmond said. “We’re going to work with him and figure out ways we can help him get the support he needs.”

Salmond said they recognize volunteers as another issue the event faces and said his 100 Regina-based employees are looking forward to helping the marathon grow.

Weimer echoed the fact it takes a lot of volunteers to make the race work. He noted 400 volunteers put in 1,000 hours for the event.

Also new this year, races will now take place over three days from Sept. 8 -10.

The first University of Regina Night Owl 5K will be held on the Friday. Runners will navigate the course at night using glowsticks and headlamps to light the way.

Since 2017 marks Canada’s 150th birthday, the marathon is offering the first 150 people a chance to sign up for a reduced price.

A special sign up code will be made available on the event’s social media accounts in the coming weeks.

“It’s a chance for people who are really gung-ho, and know right now they’re going to run one of the races on the weekend, to save themselves and to really get involved,” Weimer said.

Event registration opens on Feb. 1.