On the Run In… Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina is a prairie town – and a prairie oasis for runners.
Feel the freedom of the flatlands at the edges of the city, then take a run around Wascana Lake, the perfect place to run at any time of the year. See the fountains and gardens come alive in the summer, or meet with other diehards on the plowed paths in winter months. Trails throughout the city can take you from one end to the other in less than marathon distance – so use them to explore Regina. When you’re done your run, continue the adventure on golf courses, at a restaurant patio or nightclubs in the warehouse district. Drive less than an hour from each side of the city, and you’ll find Regina Beach or the Qu’Appelle Valley, for cottaging and water sports.
Short – 5K
Go Easy in the East
Regina’s east end has many new running paths you can mix together to create a perfect easy lope. Run through tree-lined neighbourhoods, and for a bit extra, tack on a couple of kilometres to get to the University of Regina.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2694241
Medium – 10K
Sightsee the City
See the best Regina has to offer with a 10K loop across pavement and gravel. Think Regina’s flat? Start off your 10K with a run up Boot Hill. Once that’s over with, enjoy the best sights of the city around Wascana Lake and Wascana Centre. Run past the Science Centre, Legislative Buildings, the Saskatchewan Centre and the University of Regina for a complete sightseeing tour.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2693988
Long 18K
Navigate North
Begin your run with a breath of fresh air, literally, as you take a quick run through the Legislative gardens and around part of Wascana Lake. Your route will then take you past some of Regina’s oldest and most beautiful homes and a couple of the city’s top golf courses.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2704606
On the Town
Races and Clubs
Regina’s most popular and well-known race is the Queen City Marathon on the September long weekend. Almost every runner and walker in Regina comes out for the half or full marathon distances. www.runqcm.com
The racing calendar begins in April with the Regina Police Service Half-Marathon and concludes in October with the Flatlander’s Half-Marathon, held by the Regina Road Runners Club. http://marathon.reginapolice.ca/; www.reginaroadrunners.ca
Running Stores
The Running Room, centrally located in Regina, can fit you for the perfect pair of shoes before you join their running club for a workout. www.runningroom.com – 1870 Albert Street
Track & Trail, in the south end of the city, can outfit you for running style, comfort and performance. Track & Trail – 4403 Albert Street
To Stay
At the heart of downtown Regina is the historic Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan, the perfect place to relax in luxury, overlooking Victoria Park, and within a 15-minute drive to almost every area of the city. www.hotelsask.com – 2125 Victoria Avenue
The Travelodge on south Albert Street is also a short distance away from many running trails in the city, including the start/finish area of the Queen City Marathon and Wascana Lake. www.travelodgeregina.com – 4177 Albert Street
To Eat and Drink
For a quick coffee or to relax on a Sunday morning, coffee shops such as Stone’s Throw and Atlantis Coffee are close to many running routes and have a great atmosphere. Stone’s Throw – 1101 Kramer Blvd; www.atlantiscoffee.com – 1992 Hamilton Street
To carbo-load the night before a race or long run, check out Pasta Prima on South Albert, or the Cathedral Village Freehouse if you want a cultural feel in the heart of Regina. www.pastaprima.ca – 4440 Albert Street; www.thefreehouse.com – 2062 Albert Street
For a drink to celebrate, check out Bushwakker Brewpub in the downtown warehouse district, or The Roof Top Bar & Grill on Victoria Avenue, which serves food for every appetite and taste – try a real fruit blended drink while relaxing on the rooftop patio. www.bushwakker.com – 2206 Dewdney Avenue; www.therooftop.ca – 1845 Victoria Avenue.
More information on Regina:
www.regina.ca
Julie Folk ran her first half-marathon last year and plans to make it an annual tradition while also training for triathlons.
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