Step Up 2023

The 2023 run/walk was bigger and better than ever. This year’s edition offered three distances – 5K, 10K and, new this year, 21.1K (half marathon). For the first time, Cameco Step Up for Mental Health was a sanctioned road race with Saskatchewan Athletics and served as the Saskatchewan Championships for these three distances.  

New routes for each distance took participants through the heart of Saskatoon, starting at Prairieland Park and finishing downtown along the riverbank. Cameco provided free shuttle buses for all participants and spectators between the start line and finish line. Click on thumbnails below to view course maps.

The 10K and 21.1K participants started at 8:30 a.m. in Diefenbaker Park, followed by the 5K participants at 9:30 a.m.

All registered participants received an email with a full event guide with detailed information. The email included a personal check-in code for package pickup on Sept. 22-23 at Prairieland Park (Hall B). If you were participating virtually, instructions for submitting results were sent in an email. (Check spam folder if you don’t see the message.)

Newly designed swag was included with each race registration and will surely be a popular item long after the race is done. For this year’s event, each adult registration came with three items – the signature Step Up bunnyhug, a technical t-shirt and a drawstring bag. All items feature the 2023 Step Up design.

Student registrations included the bunnyhug. All registrations will include the Step Up medal.

The fresh new look for this year's Step Up medal includes a colour choice connected to positive mental health.

"The main colour of this year's medal is turquoise," said Brainsport owner and Step Up committee member Brian Micashiw.

"We chose this colour because it represents calmness and clarity."

Manufactured by DML Creation and sourced by Brainsport, the medals are part of this year's outstanding swag package for runners and walkers.

Runners and walkers had plenty of music to move to as they participated in this year’s Cameco Step Up for Mental Health.

On the morning of September 24, Armed with Harmony had seven DJs located at various points along the racecourse to inspire participants.

C95’s Tim Stone was at the finish line as the MC, helping runners and walkers finish strong.

DJ Mikey Dubz was stationed at the Traffic Bridge. Having performed on tours with the likes of Post Malone, DJ Mikey Dubz was sure to keep everyone's feet moving and spirits high.

This year’s Cameco Step Up for Mental Health also brought the celebration of community to the racecourse.

New this year was the Avenue of Nations, a three-block stretch on 4th Avenue in the heart of downtown Saskatoon. This area featured performances by local cultural groups to inspire participants during their run or walk.

Several local groups performed including Japanese drum group Living Sky Taiko, Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club, hoop dancer Lawrence Roy, and Bridge City Bhangra.

The fun didn't end once participants crossed the finish line. Immediately after receiving their finish line medal, participants were able to visit the refreshment tent to refuel. Volunteers were on hand providing water, chocolate milk, coffee, apples, and granola bars.

From there, participants could meet up with family and loved ones at the Family Meeting Zone, located by the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink pavilion. DJ Anchor was there spinning tunes to keep spirits high. Porta potties and first aid was also available, if needed.

For participants who used the dry bag service, they were able to pick up their belongings beside the meeting zone.

Before participants arrived at the start line for Sunday's memorable Step Up for Mental Health run/walk, it was recommended they plan their transportation to the start line at Prairieland Park. There were several options including a bus shuttle and bike valet.

Now that you've had a chance to relax, share your photos on social media using #stepupsk. Post-race results are available on the bottom of this page.

The 2023 edition of Step Up also featureed major new partnerships. Cameco is pleased to partner with Prairie Run Crew – a majority Indigenous-owned running outreach program led by mental health role model Tarrant Cross Child – to help provide course marshals and timing. Cameco also welcomes three new presenting sponsors: New Balance, WBM and FFUN Group. Event partners include Brainsport, Pattison Outdoor, Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel, Rawlco and the Saskatoon Community Foundation. 

Regular updates will be posted on our website and on Cameco’s social media accounts:

- Cameco Connects on Facebook

- @camecocommunity on Instagram

- @camecocommunity on X (formerly Twitter)

If there ever an important notice or disruption on race day, information will be provided on Cameco's social media accounts. In the unlikely chance that the event is cancelled, race participants would be notified by email, as well as information being shared on social media.

Step Up for Mental Health was created to support the mental and physical health of all community members. As such, the organizing committee prioritizes the health and safety of all individuals participating and supporting the event. Our committee has worked with emergency response and municipal partners to create detailed safety and communication plans. We are committed to ensuring the safety of all participants, spectators, volunteers, and partners. Our goal is for Step Up for Mental Health to be a safe and inspiring community event for all.

As always, 100% of registration fees – plus a matching amount from Cameco – supports the Cameco Fund for Mental Health, administered by the Saskatoon Community Foundation. Since 2019, you’ve helped raise more than $1.7 million to assist mental health projects and programs in dozens of Saskatchewan communities.

Step Up is powered by:
	Presenting Sponsors
	Partners