Step Up 2023

Over 6,700 people participated either in person, or virtually, in this year's Cameco Step Up for Mental Health Run/Walk, raising more than $700,000 for mental health support in Saskatchewan.

Watch video recap here.

The 2023 run/walk was bigger and better than ever in 2023. 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

For more information, visit the FAQ section.

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