Was your New Year's resolution to be more active? Then take note: Registration for the GMS Queen City Marathon opened on February 1, 2018. The marathon takes place Sept. 7-9 in Regina and is a great opportunity to get moving while sharing in an inspiring community event.
We know that running a marathon can be a little intimidating for first-timers. If you need some more convincing, check out these reasons why you should run a marathon:
You push yourself to the next level
Running a marathon can help you banish that negative self-talk that so often holds us back from happiness. When you run a marathon, you are celebrating the amazing things the human body and spirit are capable of achieving.
"People often ask me why anyone would want to run a marathon," said Shawn Weimer, GMS Queen City Marathon Race Director and five-time marathon finisher. "The answer is simple — because you can!"
"Running a marathon is an incredibly rewarding experience," Weimer continues. "You get to challenge yourself both physically and mentally, as well as join a unique fraternity of people who pushed their limits and succeeded in doing something that less than 0.5 per cent of the population has done. I encourage everyone to try this distance at least once in their life."
GMS President and CEO John Salmond with a GMS staff runner who ran their first-ever 10km race distance.
You prove to yourself you can follow through with your goals
So often we make promises to ourselves that we never see through. When you make it across the finish line however, you prove to yourself you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.
"5 KM, 10 KM, half or full — everyone who runs any distance or trains at any level, gets immense satisfaction from starting and finishing something," said John Salmond, GMS President and CEO and 2017 5km finisher.
"When you run a marathon, your only real competitor is yourself," Salmond says. "You don't have to compare yourself to anyone else, and at the end of the day, ranking is not what's important. Everyone comes out a winner."
You hone your physical and mental strength
Training for and running in a marathon strengthens your muscles and builds your endurance, improving your physical health. But running a marathon isn't all physical - much of it is mental. You need to be able to psyche yourself up, to focus your thoughts and keep moving forward even when you feel like the finish line is too far away. These are all mental abilities that will serve you well not only during marathons, but in life.
Join the GMS Queen City Marathon.
You become part of a positive community
While running or walking alone is great exercise, it's often more encouraging to work out with others. Running a marathon means you become part of an uplifting and supportive community. You share your marathon experiences with hundreds of people, who are all on their own journeys but who come together for a single cause and cheer each other on. And whether you're an advanced runner or prefer to walk or volunteer, marathons are open to everyone.
"The GMS Queen City Marathon encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active and it showcases our beautiful city of Regina," said Salmond. "It's a perfect fit with GMS' commitment to helping people live well."
Joining in the fun
If you want to take steps to improve your health and well-being in 2018, sign up for the GMS Queen City Marathon in Regina, Saskatchewan. You can run, walk or volunteer on race day — take part at whatever ability level suits you. People travel from all over Canada and the U.S. to participate in the event, so come join a positive community dedicated to healthy, active living. Make 2018 your year to join us!