These shoes will go to the kids Tarrant and his team work with through the Child of the Cross Running Clinics; and are sure to bring a smile and many, many miles into the lives of these children.
To learn more about this initiative, and about Child of the Cross Running Clinics, we're speaking with Tarrant in this week's Q&A.
Before we get to our conversation if you're interested in learning more about Tarrant's inspiring story of how running has helped him through his recovery from alcohol and gambling addiction, be sure to pick up the latest edition of Canadian Running Magazine, available at Brainsport.
Now, let's get to our Q&A!
Q&A with Tarrant Cross Child
Tara: Before we get into the details of the New Balance's initiative with Child of the Cross Running Clinics, lets get everyone up to speed on the clinics. This has become your life's passion. Tell us more about what you’re doing with the clinics.
Tarrant: We go into communities and build relationships with teachers, principals, and other community leaders. We want to team up with these leaders to promote running as a lifelong healthy and enjoyable activity. I also share a message of hope and restoration, and how running has helped me. Running is a sport that most kids can do and we try to help remove barriers that restrict kids from being active.
Tara: You've already reached thousands of children with your clinics, and put a lot of shoes on a lot of feet thanks to the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program. What will it mean for the participants of the program to receive new shoes donated by New Balance?
Tarrant: Most of us can probably remember the first time we put on a pair of good quality running shoes and the difference it makes when you run. A lot of these kids haven't had a chance to run in good shoes, or even be fitted for shoes. We bring shoes up to the communities and do our best to ensure each participant gets fitted and walks. or better yet, runs out with a good pair of shoes that fit. Having new shoes to fit them with is even better!
Tarrant with some of the kids during at a Child of the Cross Running Clinic held near Big River, Sask. Photo supplied
Tara: Watching a child receive a pair of new running shoes, who otherwise would go without, must be a touching experience. Tell us more about the transformation you've seen in children who receive a pair of running shoes from your clinic.
Tarrant: In one community I visited a young boy who was fitted with a "new" (gently-used Brainsport Shoe Donation Program shoes) pair of trail runners. He was so excited. He asked to have his picture taken in his new shoes. In another community, we visited we saw two kids out for a run in their "new" shoes the day after receiving them. They were smiling and obviously enjoying their run.
Tara: New Balance has been supportive from the get-go of your clinics. What more can you tell us about how your relationship with the company has helped make your clinics successful?
Tarrant: New Balance has made it clear to me that they may not be the biggest shoe company but they strive to be the best. Their mission is to demonstrate responsible leadership. I am proud to wear New Balance and appreciate their support. They have supported me with prizes to take up to the kids. It helps us bring the big-race experience with us, and the communities feel proud to host us. The participants are so excited to receive their race package with the New Balance swag!
Buy a pair of New Balance shoes at Brainsport and New Balance Canada will donate a pair to Child of the Cross Running Clinics.
Tara: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Tarrant: I would like to thank all who purchase a pair of New Balance shoes. Without the customers buying this wouldn't be possible. Thank you Brainsport and New Balance for this initiative. Every shoe that gets to a kid in need will get many miles and be the beginning of a great story. Thank you for helping these young athletes!
Upcoming Events
2017 Gingerbread Run
Registration for this year's Gingerbread Run opens on September 29! This always-popular event is sure to sell out quickly so be sure to visit http://www.brainsport.ca/ to register - and get ready to chase down Gingy on November 19!
Choose from 5k and 10k distances, with both routes tracing along the South Saskatchewan River. Registration includes a Gingerbread Run bunnyhug, along with some sweet gingerbread treats, and warm beverages post-run. All race profits will go to support the Saskatchewan Abilities Council/Easter Seals Saskatchewan programming including Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services.
The Operun
Sign up and run, or walk in support of the restoration of the historic Battleford Opera House on October 1. There's a distance for everyone at this event! Choose from the 5k, 10k, half-marathon, 21k-relay with a team of four, and the Young at Heart 2k. For more information click here.
SRRA Turkey Trot
On Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 9) come join in this fun 5k run! There's no entry fee and its open to everyone. There's only one catch, no watches or GPS devices allowed. Simply guess how long it will take you to run the 5k, and whoever is closest to their projected time, wins! The prize is a free turkey with all the fixings.
Registration is at 6 p.m. and the run starts at 6:30 p.m at River Landing. For more information click here.
Brainsport Running Academy
There's still a chance to get registered for the Brainsport Running Academy Learn to Run Course! Coach, Kim Galus will be leading this eight-week course beginning on September 27.
For more information and to register go to http://www.brainsport.ca/, or drop by the store to register.
Fall Cross Training, Family Fitness, and Triathlon Training
Registration is now open for Transition Sport and Fitness fall programs including family-friendly fall fitness, cross-training for runners and triathletes, virtual Pilates, swim skills sessions, and the fall triathlon training programs. Visit http://www.transitionsportandfitness.ca for more info or contact
Yoga For Runners
Come experience the benefits of yoga for runners, with the Breath Move Be instructors at Namaskar Yoga Studio - 615 2nd Avenue North. $125 pre-registered and $17 for drop in (if available space). Classes being offered from September 5 to November 7. Register by contacting http:
Product of the Week
New Balance 860v7
Tarrant's pick for this week's feature product is the New Balance 860v7. This shoe is will take you through countless long runs in comfort. The 860 is a supportive shoe for those who may overpronate, or simply just like a little extra support through the arch of the foot.
"I've been training in 860's and love them for my long runs. I'll be running New York in a month!" - Tarrant Cross Child
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara