A look in from the 2022 Fin Island Trail Run. (Submitted photo/Jes Kohut)

By Martin Martinson

Happening this weekend

Fin Island Trail Run hits capacity for 15th annual event

Aug 23, 2023 | 6:49 PM

There’s nothing but clear skies with a high of 26 degrees on the forecast Saturday (Aug. 26), for the 15^th Annual Fin Island Trail Run.

Roughly 250 people are expected to take part in this year’s event, happening on Finlayson Island located just across the bridge from Battleford. It’s a number Jes Kohut with the organizing committee said is great to see, as participation continues to ramp up and return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Our numbers had been low since COVID and now it’s starting to spike again and it’s really good to see for our committee and the commitment and work we put in,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of participation before COVID like this, so this is just amazing that we can get so many community members and those from outside [the Battlefords] coming in and experiencing the trail run as well.”

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From larger centres like Saskatoon, to surrounding communities such as Unity, Wilkie, and Meota, the annual trail run is an event that draws from around the Battlefords area, leading to a full attendance for participation in this year’s event.

However, Kohut said for those with their heart still set on participating, one of the things that sets this event apart is their waiting list option.

“The unique thing about our race is, we do put people on a waiting list if there is a last-minute change of heart, or sometimes we have people drop out, so we’re pretty flexible that way up until our race package pickup,” she said. “So we do encourage anyone who’s still interested, they can still email us and we’ll get them on a waiting list as their chances are good they could still get in.”

The Kid’s Run will open Saturday at 8 a.m., with all other events, including the 5K, 10K, and Long Course (approx. 18K) to follow at 8:30 a.m.

Race package pick-up day will be on Aug. 25 in the Island parking lot, adjacent to the nearby field area where participants will gather upon arrival the next day..

“We’re down at the Island, so when people cross the bridge on the Battleford side, there will be parking attendants to help them figure out parking and then you can’t really miss it,” Kohut said of race day.

“There’s a huge arch, we’ll have music going, and then we’ll organize everybody to get to the start and get them on their way. It’s a good atmosphere, it’s fun and exciting and we have lots of participants that come out almost every year.”

While the race itself is free, this year’s event is raising money for the Battlefords and area Sexual Assault Centre, encouraging those who attend to donate to support the local non-profit organization.

To register for the waiting list in the event of an opening prior to the weekend, contact thefinteam@gmail.com.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1