A record 4,043 runners crossed the finish line in Diefenbaker Park on Sunday for the 38th Saskatchewan Marathon. But it was Ukrainian Sergii Vashurin who crossed first with a time of 2:31:35.
Using a translator Vashurin said he enjoyed the warm weather and cheering crowds, but not the tricky turns in the middle of the race.
This is Vashurin’s second Saskatchewan Marathon win. He said he loves to compete in Saskatoon because of the city’s special connection to his hometown.
“He’s from a city in Ukraine called Chernivtsi and Saskatoon and Chernivtsi are twin cities,” said Vashurin’s coach.
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Saskatoon native Brian Michasiw had an amazing finish. He battled for third place and contributes his strong finish to a last minute boost of determination from his son who was riding on a bicycle beside him.
“I’ve got to say that was the hardest finish I’ve ever had,” said Michasiw “I wanted to give up but I didn’t think that would be a good example so I just kept on pushing.”
Hometown runners continued to impress the crowds. Former Saskatchewan Huskie Erin Gardiner was the first woman to cross the finish line, beating the next closest by twenty minutes.
“It makes me really thankful that I’ve been able to train well enough and stayed injury free to do it four years in a row and I’ve been lucky that there’s no one else faster than me,” said Gardiner.
For many of the runners the day is a celebration of athleticism and a chance to challenge themselves. This is especially true for participant Shazia Hidayat, who is Pakistan’s first female Olympian. She competed in the 1,500 meter run at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
“In Pakistan they don’t allow women to run outside. All of the time I run inside. Mostly when I started sports my family encouraged me, but I run only mornings at 3 a.m.,” said Hidayat.
Growing up Shazia said she faced persecution as she broke traditional stereotypes, but now she runs freely in Saskatoon and loves taking part in the annual five and ten kilometer races.
“Now I’m a Canadian citizen, I love Canada, I love the people, and I love Saskatoon. Saskatoon is my city,” said Hidayat.
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