Mark your calendars – registration for Saskatchewan’s largest running/walking event and mental-health fundraiser will open at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 9th at this website.
The seventh annual Step Up for Mental Health run/walk – presented by Cameco – is scheduled for the weekend of September 19-21 in downtown Saskatoon.
Nearly 1,000 people entered on opening day last year – and this year, there will be capacity limits in certain registration categories.
Here is an overview of the event & weekend festivities:
Incredible, positive vibe: Step Up for Mental Health has become known for the uplifting atmosphere at the start/finish line village and several music locations throughout the course. That will continue in 2025!
Exciting new half-marathon in 2025: We will offer a half-marathon on Saturday morning (September 20), with the start/finish line in downtown Saskatoon and the course following the river.
5KM/10KM remain in traditional time slot: The popular 5KM and 10KM distances will continue to be on Sunday morning, September 21.
Exciting “Challenge” events available: New for this year, participants will be given a chance to enter the “Saskatchewan Challenge” or “Saskatoon Challenge”.
The Saskatchewan Challenge is completing the half-marathon on Saturday and the 10KM on Sunday. If you enter and complete the challenge, you will earn a special second medal with a Saskatchewan theme.
The Saskatoon Challenge is completing the half-marathon on Saturday and the 5KM on Sunday. Those who complete that challenge will receive a second medal with a Saskatoon theme. There will be limited spots available for both Challenge events, with both expected to sell-out because of the unique opportunity to complete two races in two days.
Event hub in downtown Saskatoon: All the weekend run/walking events will start and finish in downtown Saskatoon, with the expo/package pick-up also happening within steps of the finish line on Spadina Crescent. The historic Delta Bessborough Hotel will be home to the expo and package pick-up, which will open on Friday afternoon and close Saturday late afternoon.
A new host hotel: The Delta Bessborough is also a new host hotel for Step Up this year. The landmark hotel is the ideal location for the weekend, as it is just steps to the start and finish lines – and home to the expo.
The Bess is offering a special room rate for event weekend IF you use this link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1738168636922&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink
You can book starting today. You can book one night or two nights by adjusting the dates within the booking link.
Special pricing starting May 9: Early-bird pricing will start on May 9th and will remain available for one month before prices will increase across the board. Step Up is expected to sell-out again this year, so we encourage everyone to enter as soon as possible. Live registration will start at this website at 8 a.m. on May 9.
Enter as a team: Nearly 300 teams entered Step Up last year, with many being team-building events for workplaces/offices across Saskatchewan. If you want to enter a new team this year, you can learn more by sending an email to info@321gorunning.ca.
Mental-health fundraiser: At its core, Step Up is the largest single-day mental health fundraiser in Saskatchewan. All net proceeds from the event are donated to mental health support programs across the province. In 2024, 17 mental health charities received funding from Step Up. When you register, you will have the opportunity to donate additional money to the Step Up for Mental Health Fund and receive a charitable tax receipt.
Each year, we have to decline dozens of mental health charities and not-for-profits, as the demand for services is larger than the available funds!
All inclusive event: Step Up will always be an inclusive event, which means you can run or walk. You can bring a stroller or a wagon. Wheelchairs are welcome. It will always be a celebration of the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle with no judgement.
Sponsors: We are always looking for sponsors – of any size – to help grow the event and increase the Step Up for Mental Health Fund. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact us at info@321gorunning.ca