Murray Wood: 'Jurisdiction' a very important word to keep in mind during pipeline debate
Murray Wood says jurisdiction is an important consideration in debates around a proposed pipeline, but as much as oppone...
Regina runners didn’t let a bitter December morning slow them down as hundreds took to the trail for the annual Santa Shuffle on Saturday.
The event, held outside the Conexus Arts Centre, raised money for the Salvation Army’s Christmas programs and drew families, seasoned runners, and first-timers, all bundled in layers of holiday gear.
Read more:
- Regina girl donates to Santas Anonymous in memory of her brother
- 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous is set to give kids presents for its 56th year
Runners gather under the Running Room’s red start-finish arch as the Santa Shuffle gets underway in Regina, braving cold temperatures in festive costumes. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
“It’s my favourite run of the year,” said Jackie Myers, marking her 10th Santa Shuffle. “You get dressed up, see Santa, donate to a good cause and just get out in the winter.”
Myers said she prepared for the -20 C temperature, which felt closer to -23 C with the wind chill, by stacking fleece-lined leggings, multiple tops, and her golden rule: “There’s no such thing as too-cold weather, just not-warm-enough clothes.”
Longtime participant Jennifer Masur agreed, laughing as she listed the clothing she had piled on: Smartwool socks, fleece pants, base layers and Christmas accessories on top.
Masur has been running the shuffle for at least five years and said this might have been the coldest she had ever remembered.
“Last year my husband wore shorts,” she said. “This is definitely different.”
Despite the temperature, the mood stayed warm. Many participants dressed as elves, Santas and reindeer, and families walked the shorter one-kilometre Elf Walk together.
Masur said that kind of atmosphere is what keeps her coming back.
“It’s the camaraderie of running together and being part of the community,” she said.
Major Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army stands beside the Santa’s Mail donation box at the Conexus Arts Centre, marking his 21st year participating in the Santa Shuffle.(Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Major Al Hoeft of the Salvation Army said the shuffle has become a holiday tradition across Canada, now in its 35th year. He has participated in 21 of them.
“It’s not about how fast you go, it’s who you’re with and how much fun you’re having,” Hoeft said. “People come out because they want to make a difference in their community.”
Running Room event coordinator Michael Dahlman bundled up inside the Conexus Arts Centre before heading out to help manage the Santa Shuffle course on a frigid Saturday morning. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Michael Dahlman, event coordinator with the Running Room, said he was out early setting up the red arch and checking the route. He said the key to running safely in weather like this is simple: layer up. “You wear as much as you can possibly wear on a cold day like this,” he said. “You hope you overheat instead of freeze up.”
Dahlman said he sees many of the same runners each year, a sign of how much the event means to Regina’s running community.
More than 200 people registered this year, proving the cold couldn’t freeze out the holiday spirit or the support behind a good cause.
Read more:
