Saskatoon’s mayor is in training for a special event that will take place on National Aboriginal Day.
The Inaugural Mayor’s Marathon Day aims to raise funds for an extension of the Meewasin trail from Whitecap Dakota First Nation to Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
The run will cover the 55-kilometre distance between the two points.
Mayor Don Atchison says one of the main reasons he wants to see this section of the Meewasin Trail extended is to connect the region’s Indigenous communities.
“It’s combinations of things,” he says. “First of all, we want to be able to connect the two Aboriginal parts of our community together. I think that’s exceedingly important.”
He also says the city wants local residents to have the opportunity to experience what this area has to offer.
“I think it’s the beauty of the valley itself, the river valley. Where people are able to walk along and see how majestic it is. It doesn’t matter if it’s the winter time or in the spring, fall or summer.”
Atchison says the city has been in consultation with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Saskatoon Tribal Council and Wanuskewin Heritage Park on both the run and the Meewasin trail extension.
Participants are urged to join the mayor by either running or walking two, five, 10 kilometres or a full marathon.
People have the option of donating to the Meewasin trail extension or their charity of choice.
National Aboriginal Day is on June 21.