SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) cancelled its annual half marathon on Sunday because of heavy snow. The Saskatoon Police Run is a charitable event created to support and showcase the members of the City of Saskatoon and the police service, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Over the past five years, marathons have raised over $30,000 for local charities including The Saskatoon Children’s Hospital Foundation.
In a release sent out just before 7 a.m. Sunday, SPS said “it is the hardest decision we have had to make but simply put the weather and race conditions are such that it is hazardous for runners and volunteers of all race distances to move forward.”
The City of Saskatoon was also concerned with snow clearing equipment in operation Sunday. The city says Saskatoon received 30 to 40 centimetres of wet snow causing widespread power outages.
READ MORE: Major west side power outage in Saskatoon
“The Saskatoon Police Run organizers reserve the right to briefly postpone or cancel the event outright,” according to the release.
SPS say the decision of the race director is final and there will be no refunds or deferrals in case of weather cancellation. Funds not required to cover race expenses will be donated to designated charities.
The SPS was also scheduled to launch the “Stryker K-9 Care Fund” on Sunday afternoon following the half marathon.
This event has also been cancelled due to weather.
The program will provide assistance to owners of retired police dogs for the costs of routine and emergency veterinary care. A new date for the launch is forthcoming.
Police are asking motorists to use caution and allow extra time to reach destinations safely.
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